Financial Controller

Job Description

The Financial Controller is responsible for overseeing all financial operations of the ultra-luxury hotel, ensuring compliance, profitability, and financial integrity. Acting as a strategic business partner to the General Manager and Executive Committee, the role provides financial leadership, safeguards the hotel’s assets, and drives performance through insightful analysis and robust controls. This position combines strategic foresight, operational excellence, and a deep understanding of the luxury hospitality environment. 

Key responsibilities : 

Strategic Financial Management  

• Lead the development of annual budgets, forecasts, and long-term financial planning. 
• Analyze financial performance and provide actionable recommendations to improve profitability. 
• Evaluate and monitor capital investments (CAPEX) and ensure expected ROI is achieved. 
• Collaborate with the Revenue Management and Sales teams to optimize pricing strategies. 
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiency improvements across departments. 

Accounting & Internal Controls 

• Oversee all accounting functions including AP, AR, GL, credit, audit, and reporting. 
• Ensure compliance with company policies, internal controls, local regulations, and international accounting standards. 
• Develop and implement robust financial control systems and procedures. 
• Coordinate internal and external audits and ensure timely resolution of findings. 
• Maintain proper documentation for all financial records, contracts, and legal documents. 

Stakeholder & External Relations 

• Act as the primary liaison with hotel ownership, auditors, banks, legal advisors, and tax authorities. 
• Manage vendor contracts, lease agreements, and service-level agreements. 
• Ensure all statutory licenses, permits, and legal obligations are up to date and compliant. 
• Prepare and present financial reports to corporate, ownership, and regional finance teams. 

Team Leadership & Development  

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Finance & Accounting team; establish performance goals and provide regular feedback. 
• Foster a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement. 
• Educate operational leaders on financial principles and the impact of their decisions. 
• Collaborate with all departments to support budgeting, forecasting, and business analysis. 

Cash Flow, Reporting & Compliance 

• Monitor and manage hotel cash flow to ensure liquidity and financial stability. 
• Approve disbursements, rebates, adjustments, and ensure proper documentation. 
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of financial statements, forecasts, and budget comparisons. 
• Enforce credit and collection policies in line with corporate standards. 
• Safeguard hotel assets and maintain the integrity of financial systems and records. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree / higher education qualification / equivalent in Accounting, Finance 
• 5-10 years in hotel accounting or audit with at least two years in a Financial Controller or similar supervisory role, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience. 
• Knowledge of accounting management duties such as negotiating hotel space and tenant leases; performing asset management duties; providing business projections, displacement analysis, preparing government reports, filing tax returns, etc. as needed or requested. 
• Professional accounting or finance designation or certification preferred. 
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure. 
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Strong analytical and numerical skills including a good understanding of financial valuation methodology. 
• Advanced ability to use Microsoft applications i.e., Excel and PowerPoint. 
• Fluent in Italian and English. 
• Good interpersonal skills and influencing skills. 
• Strong problem-solving orientation.