Controller

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Controller to serve as the senior financial leader for a luxury lodging property. This individual will oversee all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash flow management, compliance, internal controls, and finance team leadership.

This is a highly operational, hands-on role responsible for the day-to-day financial performance of the property while partnering with ownership and external financial advisors to support strategic decision-making and long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Strategy

• Lead annual budgeting and ongoing forecasting processes.
• Partner with ownership and operational leadership to support financial planning and business decisions.
• Monitor financial performance and provide recommendations to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with organizational goals.

Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Oversee all accounting functions, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, General Ledger, and Income Audit.
• Manage month-end and year-end close processes to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Prepare and review financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Maintain accurate balance sheet reconciliations and supporting schedules.
• Coordinate annual audits and act as the primary point of contact for external auditors.
• Ensure the integrity of financial records and reporting processes.

Cash Flow & Risk Management

• Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and working capital requirements.
• Support operational and capital project funding needs.
• Identify financial risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Safeguard company assets through strong financial oversight and controls.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Establish and maintain effective internal controls and accounting procedures.
• Ensure compliance with applicable tax regulations, audit requirements, and industry standards.
• Support tax reporting, documentation requests, and financial compliance initiatives.
• Continuously evaluate and improve financial processes and controls.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance and accounting team.
• Oversee AP, AR, Payroll, and Income Audit functions.
• Drive employee performance, accountability, and professional development.
• Participate in hiring, training, coaching, and succession planning efforts.
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented, and high-performing team culture.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Minimum 3 years of direct hotel accounting or hotel finance experience.
• Strong knowledge of hotel financial systems and reporting.
• Thorough understanding of USALI (Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry) .
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and property-level financial management.
• Proven ability to manage month-end close and financial reporting processes.
• Strong leadership, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

• CPA designation.
• Experience in luxury hotels, resorts, boutique hotels, or upscale lodging properties.
• Previous experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or Director of Finance.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will come directly from a hotel, resort, or luxury lodging environment and possess:

• Property-level accounting leadership experience.
• Strong USALI expertise.
• Experience with hotel accounting and financial management systems.
• Ownership of budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Expertise in financial reporting, audits, and month-end close.
• Experience managing cash flow, internal controls, and compliance requirements.
• A proven track record of developing and leading accounting teams.

Important Requirement

Direct hotel accounting/finance experience is required. Candidates must have recent, hands-on experience in hotel finance leadership. General hospitality or broader real estate experience without direct hotel accounting responsibility will not be considered.