Assistant Controller

CFS; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

CFS in San Antonio, TX seeks an experienced Assistant Controller to serve as senior financial leader for a luxury lodging property. Oversee all financial operations including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash flow, and internal controls.

This hands-on role partners with ownership and external advisors to support strategic decision-making, drive profitability, and ensure GAAP-compliant reporting across the property.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Minimum 3 years of direct hotel accounting or hotel finance experience.
• Strong knowledge of hotel financial systems and reporting.
• Thorough understanding of USALI (Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry).
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and property-level financial management.
• Proven ability to manage month-end close and financial reporting processes.
• Strong leadership, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting for the hotel property.
• Oversee accounting functions: AP, AR, payroll, GL, and income audit.
• Manage month-end and year-end close with timely GAAP reporting.
• Coordinate annual audits and liaise with external auditors.
• Monitor cash flow and working capital; mitigate financial risk.
• Develop and maintain internal controls and accounting procedures.
• Lead and develop the finance team, including hiring and coaching.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA designation

Tools

Hotel financial systems

USALI knowledge

Job description

Controller

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Controller to serve as the senior financial leader for a luxury lodging property. This individual will oversee all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash flow management, compliance, internal controls, and finance team leadership.

This is a highly operational, hands-on role responsible for the day-to-day financial performance of the property while partnering with ownership and external financial advisors to support strategic decision-making and long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Strategy

• Lead annual budgeting and ongoing forecasting processes.
• Partner with ownership and operational leadership to support financial planning and business decisions.
• Monitor financial performance and provide recommendations to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with organizational goals.

Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Oversee all accounting functions, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, General Ledger, and Income Audit.
• Manage month-end and year-end close processes to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Prepare and review financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Maintain accurate balance sheet reconciliations and supporting schedules.
• Coordinate annual audits and act as the primary point of contact for external auditors.
• Ensure the integrity of financial records and reporting processes.

Cash Flow & Risk Management

• Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and working capital requirements.
• Support operational and capital project funding needs.
• Identify financial risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Safeguard company assets through strong financial oversight and controls.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Establish and maintain effective internal controls and accounting procedures.
• Ensure compliance with applicable tax regulations, audit requirements, and industry standards.
• Support tax reporting, documentation requests, and financial compliance initiatives.
• Continuously evaluate and improve financial processes and controls.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance and accounting team.
• Oversee AP, AR, Payroll, and Income Audit functions.
• Drive employee performance, accountability, and professional development.
• Participate in hiring, training, coaching, and succession planning efforts.
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented, and high-performing team culture.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Minimum 3 years of direct hotel accounting or hotel finance experience.
• Strong knowledge of hotel financial systems and reporting.
• Thorough understanding of USALI (Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry).
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and property-level financial management.
• Proven ability to manage month-end close and financial reporting processes.
• Strong leadership, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

• CPA designation.
• Experience in luxury hotels, resorts, boutique hotels, or upscale lodging properties.
• Previous experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or Director of Finance.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will come directly from a hotel, resort, or luxury lodging environment and possess:

• Property-level accounting leadership experience.
• Strong USALI expertise.
• Experience with hotel accounting and financial management systems.
• Ownership of budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Expertise in financial reporting, audits, and month-end close.
• Experience managing cash flow, internal controls, and compliance requirements.
• A proven track record of developing and leading accounting teams.

Important Requirement

Direct hotel accounting/finance experience is required. Candidates must have recent, hands-on experience in hotel finance leadership. General hospitality or broader real estate experience without direct hotel accounting responsibility will not be considered.