Complex Director of Finance

The Gwen - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Chicago, IL

About the position

The Gwen Hotel, a historic establishment in downtown Chicago, is seeking a dedicated and experienced financial leader to oversee its financial operations. This role will also encompass responsibilities for The Courtyard by Marriott Manhattan Midtown East in New York, NY. The successful candidate will supervise and direct the financial activities of both hotels, ensuring that all financial reports are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and HEI Hotels and Resorts standards. This position is pivotal in safeguarding the assets of the hotels and requires a proactive approach to financial management and reporting. In this role, you will be expected to perform special financial analyses as needed, providing practical solutions from a cost versus benefits viewpoint. You will actively participate in Executive Committee and staff meetings, assisting other managers in analyzing financial statements and data. Your expertise will be crucial in maintaining effective cash control systems, reviewing security over assets, and understanding all pertinent leases, contracts, and agreements. You will also be responsible for the preparation and presentation of the annual operating budget, coordinating all aspects of capital expenditures, and controlling the Capital Expenditure program. As a financial leader, you will complete entries required for the preparation of financial statements, review these statements for accuracy, and keep management informed of sales and profit attainment throughout the period. You will manage accounts receivable, ensuring compliance with local credit policies and maximizing receivable realizations. Additionally, you will reconcile account balances, establish balances in accruals, and work with department managers to control inventory balances according to established standards. This role requires a strong analytical approach, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial activities of The Gwen Hotel and The Courtyard by Marriott Manhattan Midtown East.
• Prepare all financial reports in accordance with accounting principles and HEI standards.
• Perform special financial analysis as needed by General Manager and Corporate Office.
• Participate in Executive Committee and staff meetings.
• Assist managers in analyzing financial statements and data.
• Maintain effective cash control systems with audits and reports.
• Review security over assets and auditing inventories.
• Coordinate the preparation and presentation of the annual operating budget.
• Control the Capital Expenditure program and complete ROI Analysis.
• Complete entries required for preparation of financial statements.
• Review statements for inaccuracies and make necessary corrections.
• Inform management of current and potential financial problems.
• Manage accounts receivable and ensure compliance with local credit policies.
• Reconcile account balances on a current basis and establish balances in accruals.
• Maintain and update job descriptions and standards for the department.

Requirements

• B.S. in Accounting or Hotel Management
• 3+ years experience in Hotel or Hospitality related Finance and Accounting
• Analytical approach to problems with attention to detail and accuracy
• Assertive personality with a professional demeanor
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a managerial role within the hospitality industry
• Familiarity with city, county, and state sales tax laws
• Knowledge of financial software and accounting systems.

Benefits

• Competitive Medical and Dental programs through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Vision insurance programs through EyeMed
• Vacation, Sick and Holiday programs
• Pet insurance through the ASPCA
• Supplemental, Spousal and Child Life insurance
• Short and Long-Term Disability plans
• 401(k) Savings Plan with matching funds
• Discounts through 'YouDecide' and Hotel Room Discount programs
• Access to earnings through DailyPay.