Director of Finance - Full Service Hotel

$99,698 - $149,548/Yr

Unclassified - San Rafael, CA

Full-time - Senior

San Rafael, CA

101-250 employees

About the position

The Director of Finance at AC Hotel San Rafael is a pivotal role responsible for overseeing all financial activities related to budgeting, forecasting, profit and loss reporting, and account reconciliation for the hotel. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of financial management within the hospitality industry, ensuring that all financial controls are in place and that accurate reporting is maintained. The Director will directly manage all accounting functions, including income auditing, cashiering, accounts payable, accounts receivable, tax compliance, payroll, and month-end processing. This high-profile position is part of the Executive Committee, which means the Director will play a crucial role in strategic decision-making and financial leadership within the hotel. In this role, the Director of Finance will be expected to work closely with the General Manager and other department heads to develop and achieve financial goals that align with the hotel's strategic direction. This includes creating the annual operating plan, providing analytical support during budget preparation, and leading the sales and operations team in creating accurate monthly forecasts. The Director will also be responsible for analyzing variances between actual and budgeted performance, advising the executive team on financial and operational issues, and ensuring that the hotel maintains a strong labor culture that maximizes productivity and performance. The Director will also oversee the internal and city audit processes, manage capital expense budgets, and ensure compliance with tax reporting requirements. This role requires a leader who can foster strong professional relationships with the management team, provide ongoing coaching, and hold the finance team accountable for high performance. The Director of Finance will be instrumental in driving the hotel's financial success and ensuring that it operates within its financial means while maximizing profitability.

Responsibilities

• Verifies the accuracy and timeliness of all finance functions: daily and month end reporting, payroll processing, income audit, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash and credit card management.
• Completes comprehensive month end close to include preparing journal entries and accruals, completing cost of sales entries, reconciling balance sheet accounts, ensuring proper tax reporting, and analyzing profit performance.
• Creates the annual operating plan that is aligned with the company's strategic direction.
• Provides analytical tools and support to department heads during budget preparation.
• Leads the sales and operations team in creating accurate monthly forecasts that allow the team to react to changes in business levels.
• Implements and upholds business practices that positively support a sales-driven culture.
• Ensures monthly P&Ls reflect accurate revenues, expenses, and cost of sales calculations.
• Analyzes daily and monthly variances between actual, forecasted, and budgeted performance.
• Advises GM and executive team on existing and upcoming financial and operational issues.
• Analyzes financial data and operational and market trends to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Leads the property in developing and maintaining a strong labor culture that maximizes productivity performance.
• Facilitates monthly P&L reviews to uncover challenges, opportunities, and trends.
• Manages capital expense budget and reconciles expenditures monthly.
• Ensures strong accounting and operational controls to safeguard assets and maximize profits.
• Oversees internal and city audit processes.
• Manages the accurate collection, posting, and reconciliation of occupancy taxes, sales taxes, and transient marketing district (TMD) fees.
• Reconciles balance sheet accounts monthly and ensures totals are supported by appropriate documentation.
• Provides continuous direction to and education of the operational team in all areas related to finance, financial reports, internal controls, labor management, payroll, month end reconciliation, and P&L performance.
• Fosters strong professional relationships with the entire management group by providing direct counsel and feedback that positively impacts the performance of the business and sharpens the financial acumen of the team.
• Conducts ongoing coaching and annual reviews to influence positive team development.
• Cross trains team members to support successful department operations.
• Sets high standards for performance and holds the team accountable for results.

Requirements

• Possess a 4-year Bachelor Degree in Finance/Accounting and a minimum of 5 years of experience in a finance leadership position or a 5+ year history of progressive career growth in hotel finance (or in 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 for unique or unfamiliar situations.
• Proven leadership and coaching skills with a track record of developing a highly motivated and cross-trained group of progressive accounting professionals.
• Ability to clearly and concisely present technical subjects.
• Must possess strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to conduct effective group meetings and presentations.
• Ability to comprehend and use technical or professional language either written or spoken to communicate complex ideas.
• Superior Computer skills: Microsoft Office, POS/PMS systems, and the ability to create, maintain, and analyze data in Excel spreadsheets.
• Ability to work a varied schedule including days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on business needs.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a full-service hotel environment.
• Familiarity with hospitality financial management software.
• Knowledge of local tax regulations and compliance requirements.

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
• Daily Pay option available after initial waiting period.