Director of Finance

Overview

Job Description - Director of Finance (HOT0BSVP)

Director of Finance is an integral part of the hotel leadership, providing support and technical expertise to other members of the team. This role is responsible for all accounting and financial requirements for the hotel in an environment of tight control. The Director of Finance will provide financial support, advice and expertise to the General Manager and hotel team, with the aim of maximizing value and developing the quality of the Finance function within the hotel.

Responsibilities

• Financial Accounting & Control : Best practice financial accounting processes in a robust control environment. Overall management of the accounting records and financial reports of the hotel ensuring compliance with company, owner, statutory and fiscal requirements and timetables. Include accounts for Hilton International’s branch or subsidiary where applicable. Ensure the balance sheet fairly reflects assets and liabilities; perform regular reviews and reconciliations. Ensure compliance with the Management agreement with Hilton International, and any Owner / Lease agreement. Maintain an internal control system to provide effective control over hotel assets, liabilities, revenue and costs in line with company policy. Manage assets, liabilities, income and expenditure on behalf of Operator and Owner; provide leadership for financial performance. Ensure legal and tax compliance and adequate insurance cover; manage pension where applicable; ensure accounting, actuarial and legal controls are in place. Obtain valid permits and licenses for matters such as importation, currency transfers and hotel operations. Take responsibility for safekeeping and updating of leases and contracts affecting financial status. Liaise with Internal and External Audit and ensure an effective in-hotel audit is in place with corrective actions as required. Emphasize revenue capture using monthly control checklists and interim self-audits as required. Develop best practice financial accounting and control procedures with ongoing review to maximize impact and efficiency.
• Management Reporting : Develop high quality management information and performance measurement that is timely, accurate, thought-provoking and action-oriented. Implement reporting with benchmarking, KPI identification and use of a balanced scorecard. Ensure corporate reporting is timely and accurate; reconcile management reports, trends, cash flow reports, balance sheets and other reports to the trial balance with monthly reconciliations.
• Business Support : Provide financial and commercial support to the General Manager and hotel team, including interpretation of financial data. Review management information and propose value-added initiatives; challenge practices and proposals when appropriate. Support business development initiatives, major pricing decisions and other commercial decisions.
• Information Technology & Systems : Optimize IT use in the finance department to improve efficiency. Support implementation of financial systems; ensure proper system security and backups. Act as guardian of data integrity in accounting systems; ensure interface controls are sound. Work with colleagues to correct errors at source and continually develop system usage for better reporting and efficiency.
• Investment – Optimizing returns on capital investment : Use project evaluation techniques to direct investment to projects that maximize returns. Prepare annual capital plan and direct implementation, ensuring funding and approvals. Prepare and review Authorization for Expenditure (AFE) with sound judgment and obtain authorization prior to expenditure. Perform post-investment audits and communicate results to the Management team; ensure actions are taken to maximize returns. Ensure compliance with Hilton capital policy and control of project spends. Involved in financials for new developments and acquisitions where applicable.
• Looking Ahead – Operating against strategic plans and budgets with accurate forecasting : Support General Manager in strategic planning (Master-Planning and value opportunities). Manage budgeting processes; ensure regular forecasting cycles with appropriate detail. Provide alerts to Senior Management and Area Office via forecasts and reports on trends; work to ensure consistency and avoid surprises.
• Investment in People – Ensuring the best person in each job and continuous development : Recruit and retain talent, esp. at Assistant Controller level; establish good employee relations within Finance; maximize department efficiency and staffing levels. Develop and lead a high-performing team with regular feedback and appraisals; ensure personal development plans for Director of Finance and Assistant Financial Controller; provide training to enhance financial skills of the Management Team using Hilton resources.
• Cash & Working Capital : Optimize cash position with tight controls. Minimize working capital, manage debtors, stock and sundry receivables; maximize interest earnings and minimize interest expense. Maintain accurate cash flow forecasts for at least one year ahead and provide advance notice to Hilton and Owners for future cash needs. Ensure weekly reconciliation of all bank accounts and maintain high standards of cash control. Establish robust credit control policies in alignment with Group Policy; ensure receivables controls are applied and issues are addressed promptly. Review receivables with Commercial Director monthly and maintain appropriate bad debt reserves.
• Cost Management : Understand and measure cost drivers; ensure purchasing procedures are cost-effective. Benchmark costs with other hotels and identify cost reduction opportunities; model financial risks. Lead a cost-conscious Finance department and set an example for the hotel.

What are we looking for?

To successfully fill this role, you should maintain the attitude, behaviours, skills, and values that follow :

What will it be like to work for Hilton?

Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For nearly a century, Hilton has offered business and leisure travellers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Our vision is to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, uniting us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day. Our Team Members are at the heart of it all.

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