Finance Manager

What will you be doing

Financial Accounting & Control

• Ensure best practice financial accounting processes in a robust control environment.
• Oversee the management of accounting records and financial reports for the hotel, ensuring compliance with company, statutory, and fiscal requirements.
• Maintain a regular review and reconciliation process for the balance sheet accounts.
• Ensure compliance with Hilton's management agreement, Owner/Lease agreements, and local statutory requirements.
• Maintain a strong internal control system to ensure the effective management of assets, liabilities, revenue, and costs.
• Ensure the hotel maintains legal and tax compliance, including obtaining adequate insurance coverage.
• Manage the pension scheme, ensuring accounting and legal controls are maintained.
• Safeguard and update all leases and contracts affecting the financial status of the hotel.
• Liaise with Internal and External Audit teams to ensure effective auditing processes and that corrective actions are implemented.
• Focus on ensuring all revenue is captured, conducting monthly control checks and self-audits as necessary.
• Continuously review and develop financial reporting and control procedures to maximize efficiency.

Management Reporting

• Develop high-quality management information that is timely, accurate, and promotes management action.
• Ensure reports such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements are timely and accurate.
• Implement reporting systems that include key performance indicators (KPIs) and benchmarking to stimulate decision-making.
• Ensure corporate reports reconcile with the trial balance and maintain proof of reconciliations.

Business Support

• Provide financial and commercial support to the General Manager and hotel team.
• Review management information and propose value-added initiatives.
• Provide financial insight for business development, pricing decisions, and commercial decision-making.

Information Technology & Systems

• Optimize the use of IT within the finance department to improve efficiency and financial reporting.
• Work with Project Managers and the ISM to implement financial systems and ensure their proper use, security, and backup procedures.
• Act as the guardian of data integrity, ensuring that control processes are sound and errors are corrected at source.

Investment Management

• Utilize project evaluation techniques to direct investments that optimize returns for the hotel.
• Prepare the annual capital plan and ensure proper funding and approvals are in place.
• Conduct post-investment audits to evaluate capital investments and ensure learnings are applied to future projects.

Strategic Planning and Budgeting

• Support the General Manager in strategic planning, focusing on identifying value opportunities.
• Manage the hotel's budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring accuracy and alignment with operational needs.
• Alert Senior Management about any positive or negative trends in the business.

Investment in People

• Recruit and retain top talent within the Finance Department, ensuring a focus on succession planning and development.
• Lead and motivate the team to achieve high performance.
• Develop training programs to enhance financial skills across the Management Team.

Cash & Working Capital Management

• Minimize working capital, focusing on the management of debtors, stocks, and receivables.
• Maintain accurate cash flow forecasts and ensure sufficient notice is given for future cash requirements.
• Ensure full weekly reconciliation of all bank accounts.

Cost Management

• Optimize cost efficiency across the hotel, utilizing analysis to stimulate management action.
• Ensure adequate purchasing procedures are in place to ensure cost-effective purchasing of goods and services.
• Benchmark costs against competitors and identify opportunities for cost reduction.

Additional Notes

• The Finance Manager has dual responsibility to both the General Manager and Regional Finance Director. In case of any conflict, consult with senior leadership for guidance.
• No changes to the Finance Manager's remuneration package can occur without written approval from the Regional Finance Director/Area VP Finance.
• The Finance Manager has unlimited access to all financial figures and has the right to visit any department for studies related to their duties.

What are we looking for

• Education

  : University degree, preferably in Commerce, Accounting, or Management. A certification like ACCA or CPA is preferred.

• Experience

  : At least 5 years of relevant experience, with previous experience in a managerial operational accounting role.

• System Skills

  : Proficiency in OnQ, Check SCM, SUN, OPERA, MICROS, HRLINK.

• Communication

  : Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.

• Analytical Skills

  : Strong analytical capabilities to manage financial data and make strategic decisions.

• Flexibility

  : Ability to work flexible hours, especially during month-end and year-end periods.

This role demands a highly organized, strategic thinker with strong leadership skills and the ability to drive financial performance and operational efficiency across the hotel.