Area Director of Finance

Lodging Dynamics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Lodging Dynamics seeks an Area Director of Finance to act as the strategic financial leader for two San Diego properties and oversee operations for related properties. This role delivers timely financial reporting, maintains internal controls, and guides management decisions to optimize profitability.

The position requires extensive experience in hotel finance, strong leadership, and expertise with GAAP, forecasting, and financial analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience as Director of Finance/Controller in the hotel industry.
• Experience with M3 accounting software and ProfitSword.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting department and ensure efficient financial operations.
• Prepare financial reports, ledgers, and forecasts for management budgeting.
• Establish and monitor internal controls for purchasing, payroll, and asset management.
• Develop and monitor budgets, forecasts, and strategies to drive profitability.
• Support audit processes and ensure GAAP compliance.

Skills

Accounting software

Financial forecasting

Financial analysis

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Time management

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting

Tools

M3 accounting software

ProfitSword

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Area Director of Finance functions as both property's strategic financial business leader. This position provides continuous leadership and guidance in all matters relating to the financial operation of the Hotel/Resort by providing accurate and timely financial reports to assist management in the decision- making process, maintaining acceptable internal control procedures designed to safeguard owners/investors assets, and ensures compliance with all Federal, State and Local regulations. The Area Director of Finance will be based at our two San Diego properties, the Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites San Diego Downtown, and will provide direct financial oversight of both hotels as well as Hotel Thaynes in Park City, Utah

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Manages the accounting department to ensure optimal efficiency of financial operations and adherence to Lodging Dynamics commitment to the management contract.
• Directs and prepares all financial reports, ledger reviews, and forecasts according to the established schedule, for distribution of operational information necessary to assist management in decision-making and budget preparation processes for both hotels.
• Establishes and oversees all internal financial controls including purchasing, cash handling, receipts, disbursements, expendable/fixed asset inventories, payroll, and employee records to ensure policies are enforced according to Lodging Dynamics standards for both hotels.
• Develops, implements, and monitors financial strategies, budgets, and forecasts to drive profitability and achieve financial goals for both hotels.
• Analyzes differences between actual budget wages and forecasted wages for more efficient budget planning for both hotels.
• Thinks creatively and practically to develop, execute, and implement new business plans.
• Participate in the creation of the annual operating budget for the property for both hotels.
• Participate in the bi-monthly forecast process for both hotels.
• Provides analytical support during budget reviews to identify cost saving and productivity opportunities for property managers for both hotels.
• 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 for both hotels.
• Establishes and maintains robust internal control procedures to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with financial regulations and standards.
• 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's and Lodging Dynamics priorities in a clear and precise manner.
• Leverages strong functional leadership and communication skills to influence the executive team and property managers.
• Oversees internal, external, and regulatory audit processes.
• Facilitates critique meetings with department heads to review information with the management team.
• Attends meetings and communicates with the Management Team, Corporate Office and Owners, understanding the priorities and strategic focus.
• Advises the GM and Executive Committee and VP of Finance on existing and evolving operating/financial issues.
• Prepares monthly cash flow forecast, balance sheet reconciliations and bank reconciliations.
• Negotiate and monitor contracts with hotel vendors.
• Monitors and approves all sales, purchases, salaries, and expenses of the hotel.
• Ensures Profits and Losses are documented accurately.
• Ensures compliance with all Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Monitors all taxes that apply, ensuring that all taxes are current, collected and/or accrued (e.g., local/state/federal).
• Reconciles balance sheets monthly 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).
• Serves as a member of the Hotel Executive Committee.
• 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 including preparing journal entries and accruals, completing cost of sales entries, reconciling balance sheet accounts, ensuring proper tax reporting, and analyzing profit performance.
• Adheres to Company standards and maintains compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Finance, Accounting, or related field.

EXPERIENCE

• A minimum seven (7) years of experience as Director of Finance and/or Controller in the Hotel Industry.
• Experience with M3 accounting software and ProfitSword.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position spends the majority of the time (50% or more) achieving organization objectives, often through coordinating the achievements of other staff. A portion of the time may be spent performing individual tasks related to those performed by direct reports, but primary duties are supervisory or organizational-goal related. Analyzes and resolves problems, determines work techniques, monitors for regulatory compliance, maintains production, interprets and creates policies, and demonstrates solid subject matter knowledge.

Establishes departmental goals and objectives, functions with independence, and makes decisions on matters of significant importance. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and policies to determine appropriate action.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

• N/A

SKILLS & ABILITIES

This position requires the capability to understand and follow both oral and written directions, as well as knowledge and usage of correct business English and office practices. Must be able to communicate effectively with others, analyze and resolve problems, maintain effective working relationships, and interact successfully with internal and external customers.

• In-depth knowledge of accounting software, financial forecasting and diagnosis, corporate principals, and financial analysis.
• Must possess attention to detail, confidentiality, integrity, and the ability to maintain a high level of professionalism in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
• Proficient in M3 and ProfitSword.
• Computer proficiency in Google Workspace.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to interpret and create policies, procedures, and manuals.
• Proficient in time management; the ability to organize and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to take initiative and effectively adapt to changes.
• Able to establish and maintain a cooperative working relation.
• Able to use sound judgment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Performs well with frequent interruptions and/or distractions.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• 10% travel required.