Controller - Complex

Hilton - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Senior

Chicago, IL

1,001-5,000 employees

Accommodation

About the position

The Controller - Complex will oversee the financial operations for The LaSalle Chicago, the Canopy & Hilton Garden Inn hotels, located in downtown Chicago. This high-profile Executive Committee position is responsible for budgeting, forecasting, profit and loss reporting, and account reconciliation for operating and balance sheet accounts. The role includes overseeing all accounting activities related to income auditing, cashiering, accounts payable, accounts receivable collection, tax compliance, payroll, and month-end processing.

Responsibilities

• Verify the accuracy and timeliness of all finance functions including daily and month-end reporting, payroll processing, income audit, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash and credit card management.
• Complete comprehensive month-end close including preparing journal entries and accruals, completing cost of sales entries, reconciling balance sheet accounts, ensuring proper tax reporting, and analyzing profit performance.
• Create the annual operating plan aligned with the company's strategic direction.
• Provide analytical tools and support to department heads during budget preparation.
• Lead the sales and operations team in creating accurate monthly forecasts.
• Ensure monthly P&Ls reflect accurate revenues, expenses, and cost of sales calculations.
• Analyze daily and monthly variances between actual, forecasted, and budgeted performance.
• Advise GM and executive team on existing and upcoming financial and operational issues.
• Analyze financial data and operational and market trends to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Facilitate monthly P&L reviews to uncover challenges, opportunities, and trends.
• Manage capital expense budget and reconcile expenditures monthly.
• Ensure strong accounting and operational controls to safeguard assets and maximize profits.
• Oversee internal and city audit processes.
• Manage the accurate collection, posting, and reconciliation of occupancy taxes, sales taxes, and transient marketing district fees.
• Reconcile balance sheet accounts monthly and ensure totals are supported by appropriate documentation.
• Provide continuous direction and education to the operational team in all areas related to finance, financial reports, internal controls, labor management, payroll, and P&L performance.
• Foster strong professional relationships with the management group by providing direct counsel and feedback.
• Conduct ongoing coaching and annual reviews to influence positive team development.
• Cross-train team members to support successful department operations.

Requirements

• Possess a 4-year Bachelor Degree in Finance/Accounting.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a finance leadership position or a 5+ year history of progressive career growth in hotel finance or a similar industry.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, profit and loss reporting, and balancing ledgers for operating and balance sheet accounts.
• Aptitude for performing numerical analysis of data and formulating conclusions and/or solutions.
• Ability to use logic to define a problem, collect information, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, interpret information, and deal with abstract variables.
• Proven leadership and coaching skills with a track record of developing a highly motivated and cross-trained group of accounting professionals.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to conduct effective group meetings and presentations.
• Superior computer skills: Microsoft Office, POS/PMS systems, and the ability to create, maintain, and analyze data in Excel spreadsheets.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the hospitality industry.
• Familiarity with financial software and systems.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Income
• Term Life and AD&D Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401k Retirement Plan