Assistant Manager, Accounting - Financial Contract Compliance

Marriott International - Bethesda, MD

Full-time - Mid Level

Bethesda, MD

Accommodation

About the position

The Financial Contract Compliance (FCC) department at Marriott International plays a crucial role in ensuring that financial contractual responsibilities are executed and that financial results are recorded in compliance with US GAAP. This department collaborates with various stakeholders, including corporate departments, continent leadership, regional teams, and legal, to support corporate processes in partnership with continent organizations worldwide across all brands. As a member of the FCC team, the Assistant Manager will be integral in the accurate and timely accounting, forecasting, and analysis of Marriott's global revenues, which stem from management and franchise fees, as well as programs and services. In this role, the Assistant Manager will assist with all aspects of revenue recognition and validation in accordance with contractual agreements, US GAAP, and MI accounting policies. The position requires collaboration with Continent Finance, Regional Offices, Financial Reporting & Analysis, Accounting Policy, and Accenture Hospitality Services (AHS) to ensure proper recognition and projection of MI revenues. The Assistant Manager will also work closely with other Global Finance Centers of Expertise and Finance Business Partners to achieve business objectives. The expected contributions of the Assistant Manager include executing MI's monthly close process to ensure accurate revenue calculations, performing month close processes, and executing all monthly and annual revenue planning activities. The role involves analyzing revenue results, researching variances, and supporting the preparation of revenue scenario analyses for long-range plans, business plans, budgets, and monthly forecasts. The Assistant Manager will also implement and maintain standard processes for accurate revenue recognition in a dynamic multi-currency, multi-entity environment, and coordinate balance sheet account reconciliations to ensure accuracy. Additionally, the Assistant Manager will review contractual agreements to understand revenue recognition requirements, develop expertise in revenue reporting for properties within the MI portfolio, and ensure compliance with executed agreements. The role requires establishing strong working relationships with various corporate disciplines and regional offices, focusing on providing excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders. The Assistant Manager will also participate in Global Finance initiatives, support system enhancements, and perform additional responsibilities as required to meet business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Execute MI's monthly close process to ensure results are calculated and reflected accurately for MI's revenues in accordance with contracts and US GAAP.
• Perform month close processes, such as analyzing revenue results and researching variances to understand underlying business drivers.
• Execute all monthly and annual revenue planning activities to ensure revenue projections accurately reflect MI's forecasted revenue.
• Support the preparation of revenue scenario analyses for the long-range plan, business plan, budget, and monthly forecast cycles.
• Analyze and report on significant revenue fluctuations during close and forecast cycles.
• Implement and maintain standard processes to ensure accurate and timely recognition and projection of MI's revenues in a dynamic multi-currency, multi-entity environment.
• Research and document unique accounting treatment, coordinating with Global Finance Centers of Expertise, Finance Business Partners and regional points of contact.
• Coordinate tracking and reconciliation of identified provisions to sustain compliance with contracts and accounting policies.
• Coordinate balance sheet account reconciliations and ensure balances are accurate and reconciliations contain proper support.
• Partner with AHS and leadership to ensure completeness and accuracy of account reconciliations.
• Support audit related requests and questions.
• Review contractual agreements to understand revenue recognition requirements, including standard and complex deal arrangements.
• Develop knowledge and expertise in revenue reporting requirements for properties within the growing MI portfolio.
• Ensure compliance with executed agreements on an individual property and/or pooled basis.
• Partner with Continent Finance, Legal, and Owner Relations teams on specific aspects of property-level agreements, including contract interpretation, unique provisions, cash waterfalls, revenue recognition, and deferrals.
• Establish strong working relationships with the various corporate disciplines and regional offices.
• Ensure calculations in financial applications are in accordance with key contractual provisions to facilitate accurate revenue recognition and analysis, focusing on enhanced reporting and process improvement.
• Participate in and support Global Finance initiatives, including the implementation of an automated contract engine.
• Assist in identifying system enhancements to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of close and forecast cycles.
• Prioritize issue resolution and focus on innovation and continuous process improvement.

Requirements

• 4+ years of relevant finance/accounting experience or 3 years of relevant experience plus a M.S. Degree in Finance/Accounting or related.
• Strong understanding of accounting processes and systems.
• Experience in lodging/hospitality industry and contracts/legal agreements strongly preferred.
• B.S. Degree in Accounting, Finance or related discipline required.
• CPA or advanced degree preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Strong financial acumen with proven analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong technical accounting skills; understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and related controls.
• Ability to translate complex contract provisions into Excel and system-based formulas.
• Broad understanding of accounting and the correlation of operating Financial Statements.
• Strong organizational skills and effectiveness in prioritizing and managing multiple priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy while maintaining the 'big' picture at the same time.
• Ability to influence others and function effectively in a collaborative work environment.
• Able to work independently, but effectively work in a team environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a 'win-win' negotiating style.
• Ability to embrace continuous process improvement and adjust to transformative process and system changes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Motivated team player.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; advanced Excel skills a strong plus.
• Previous PeopleSoft and/or SmartView experience preferred.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Dental insurance coverage
• 401k benefit for retirement savings plan
• 401(k) matching benefit
• Paid holidays
• Flexible scheduling
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee discount programs
• Life insurance coverage
• Mental health days
• Paid volunteer time