Director of Finance

THE OPPORTUNITY:

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

REPORTS TO GENERAL MANAGER

THE COMPANY:

Passion Drives Performance. InnVest succeeds because our people love what they do. Our entire team shares a deep-rooted passion for the world of hospitality & travel that extends far beyond the walls of our offices and hotels.

Our company culture is built on collaboration. A nimble team where everyone has a voice and an opportunity to pursue their passions. Our skill sets are as diverse as our portfolio, but we all have a singular focus: a belief that partnerships deliver the best results. We embrace an entrepreneurial approach to decision making, respect for others, a strong sense of integrity and the curiosity and courage to challenge the status quo.

With over 100 hotels in our portfolio, representing 18 internationally recognized hotel brands, InnVest is the largest independent owner of hotels in Canada. In addition, our management team oversees the day-to-day activities of almost 90 hotels also making InnVest the largest independent operator of hotels in Canada. InnVest’s portfolio is geographically diverse with hotels from Vancouver, BC to Corner Brook, NF. From roadside inns to luxury urban properties, we are also experientially diverse.

At InnVest, our mission is simple – to deliver outstanding guest experiences and superior returns on quality hospitality investment. A career at InnVest will provide you with unrivalled opportunities and invaluable exposure to Canada’s largest independently owned and operated hotel portfolio.

THE HOTEL:

The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews by-the-Sea, Autograph Collection

Exactly Like Nothing Else

For over a century, The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews by-the-Sea, Autograph Collection has welcomed travelers to an exquisite stay in New Brunswick. Located in historic St. Andrews, voted as Canada's top destination by USA Today, the resort is unique in its offerings: an idyllic seaside town with locally authentic dining & shops, the region's warmest swimming at Katy's Cove beach and award-winning whale watching, all at our doorstep. Featuring 233 luxury Guestrooms, five dining outlets, an award-winning 18-hole golf course, full conference center and spa, The Algonquin is the center piece of Maritime hospitality.

Under the stewardship of InnVest, Canada's largest owner & operator of hotels, significant investments are currently underway including a thoughtful reimagining of all Guestrooms, restaurants & public spaces as well as the construction of a new Nordic Spa, supporting our year-round offerings. Since 1889, The Algonquin has led the way for Canadian resort innovation - join us as we embark on our second century of authentic Maritimes hospitality.

THE ROLE:

The Director of Finance is a key leadership role and a member of the Executive Committee. The candidate will play an integral part in the success of the hotel, focusing on continuing to develop business acumen within the Leadership group and ensuring world-class financial stewardship of the asset and operation. A passion for the development of talent, unwavering integrity, and the ability to balance the needs of multiple stakeholders will be drivers of success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Engaging in Strategic Planning and Decision Making

• Develop means to improve profit, including estimating cost and benefit, exploring new business opportunities, etc.
• Analyze information, forecast sales against expenses, and create annual budget plans.
• Compiles information, analyzes, and monitors actual sales against projected sales.
• Analyzes differences between actual budget wages and forecasted wages for more efficient budget planning.
• Identifies the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Thinks creatively and practically to develop, execute, and implement new business plans.
• Creates the annual operating budget for the property.
• Provides analytical support during budget reviews to identify cost-saving and productivity opportunities for property managers.
• Implements a system of appropriate controls to manage business risks.
• Ensures a strong accounting and operational control environment to safeguard assets, and improve operations and profitability.
• Analyzes financial data and market trends.
• Leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive annual business plan that is aligned with the company’s and brand’s strategic direction.
• Provide ongoing analytical support by monitoring the operating department’s actual and projected sales.
• Key member of the Leadership and Crisis Management teams.
• Produces accurate forecasts that enable operations to react to changes in the business.

Leading Finance Teams

• Utilizes interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence, and encourage others; advocates sound financial/business decision-making; demonstrates honesty/integrity; leads by example.
• Communicates the strategic goals, the focus, and the owner priorities to subordinates in a clear and precise manner.
• Leverages strong functional leadership and communication skills to influence the executive team, and the property's strategies and to lead own team.
• Oversees internal, external, and regulatory audit processes.
• Provides excellent leadership by assigning team members and other department managers clear accountability backed by appropriate authority.
• Conducts annual performance appraisals with direct reports according to standard operating procedures.

Anticipating and Delivering on the Needs of Key Stakeholders

• Attends meetings and communicating with the owners, understanding the priorities and strategic focus.
• Understands and meets the needs of key stakeholders (owners, corporate, guests, etc.).
• Advises the GM and executive committee on existing and evolving operating/financial issues.
• Communicates financial concepts in a clear and persuasive manner that is easy to understand and drives desired behaviours.
• Demonstrates an understanding of cash flow and owner priorities.
• Manages communication with owners in an effective manner.
• Manages property working capital and cash flow in accordance with brand standard operating procedures and owner requirements.
• Facilitates critique meetings to review information with management team.

Developing and Maintaining Finance Goals

• Ensures Profits and Losses are documented accurately.
• Monitors all taxes that apply, ensuring that taxes are current, collected and/or accrued.
• Submits reports in a timely manner, ensuring delivery deadlines.
• Develops and supports achievement of performance goals, budget goals, team goals, etc.
• Improves profit growth in operating departments.
• Reviews audit issues to ensure accuracy.
• Monitor the purchasing process as applicable.

Managing Projects and Policies

• Generates and provides accurate and timely results in the form of reports, presentations, etc.
• Reconciles balance sheet to ensure account balances are supported by appropriate documentation in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Ensures that the P&L is accurate (e.g., costs are properly matched to revenue, costs are recorded in the proper accounts).
• Ensures compliance with management contract and reporting requirements.
• Ensures compliance with standard and local operating procedures.

Managing and Conducting Human Resource Activities

• Ensures team members are cross trained to support successful daily operations.
• Ensures property policies are administered fairly and consistently.
• Facilitates and ensures new hires participate in the department’s orientation program.
• Ensures new hires receive the appropriate new hire training to successfully perform their job.
• Creates appropriate development plans which develop team members based on their individual strengths, development needs, career aspirations and abilities.
• Conduct performance review process for employees.
• Participates in hiring activities as appropriate.

SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE WE'RE SEEKING:

• Degree and/or CPA is a plus.
• 2 to 3 years of Director level experience in Hospitality finance is preferred.
• Well organized, detail oriented with excellent follow-up.
• Deep knowledge of USALI accounting principles.
• Ability to work under pressure and extensive hours.
• Must possess excellent communication skills both internally and externally.
• Experience with PeopleSoft or similar accounting package is preferred.
• Prior experience with Outlook soft/BPC preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, current on technology expertise.
• Excellent financial modeling, project management and strategic thinking skills with a strong work ethic.

InnVest Hotels is an inclusive employer. As such, we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. We appreciate all applications, however only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.