Regional Director of Finance

Job Description

The Regional Director of Finance & Business Support (RDOF) provides strategic leadership, functional guidance and valuable insights to Operations Leaders, Partners, Executive Committees and Department Heads for optimal business decisions for hotels within the region; Interacts with ownership group, asset managers, hotel legal counsel, insurance companies, tax consultants, auditors, commercial and government banks to effectively control the assets of the business. The role is an interdependent part of the core regional team. The Regional Director of Finance & Business Support will be a highly motivated team player with strong accounting, communication, business presentation and analytical skills as well as a strong multi-unit business and finance leader.

Areas of responsibility will include and are not limited to the following:

Business Partnering and Performance Management

• Creating and embracing the culture of business partnering by working with the RVP, the Hotel Directors of Finance & Business Support in the region, the Hotel General Managers in the region, and the VP of Finance & Business Support; jointly responsible for achieving optimal operating performance and returns for Accor and our owners without losing sight of all measured KPI’s.
• Develop and manage key relationships with respective Hotel Directors of Finance & Business Support, Hotel General Managers and their senior managers to provide financial support and understanding of short and long-term financial plans.
• Review financial performance of hotel department/area, analysis of variances, forecasts and budgets of home hotel and hotels in the region. Challenge existing strategies and/or recommend alternate strategies to continually improve effectiveness of the business or financial management.
• Contribute to business decisions of the home hotel and hotels in the region; ensure the full conversion of revenue generation opportunities and the capturing of all revenues (i.e. RevPRO engagement)
• Oversight in the Hotel Directors of Finance and Business Support in the region with the development and implementation of “corrective action plans” on internal and or external audit and operational reports.
• Oversight in the development of the business acumen of all levels of the Hotel Leadership teams to ensure they understand the impact of every component on the business as a whole and embrace the fiscal reporting processes and other information available in order to drive the performance of their areas of responsibility.
• Promote, drive and maximize the GOP Theoretical Flow Through concept across hotels in the region.
• Support the RVP and the Hotel General Managers in the region in developing a strong business relationship with the hotel ownership groups by participating and contributing in meetings and discussions and responding proactively to owner requests and initiatives within the boundaries of the HMA, P&P’s, ownership structure and bank documents.
• Provide leadership in rolling out company initiatives and projects as required.

Financial Planning, Reporting and Analysis

• Analyze and interpret financial data within the region and communicating this in a comprehensible form of meaningful variations in the operations. The analysis of the balance sheet accounts, on a selected basis and the review and analysis of the monthly internal benchmarking and operational performance analysis reports.
• Lead the development and implementation of benchmarking techniques that will enable the Hotels in the region to enhance revenues while improving productivity and cost efficiencies. Seek, identify and implement throughout the Hotels in the Region, best practices that will serve to enhance revenues, guest service and improve cost and productivity efficiencies.
• Oversee and lead in preparing, in conjunction with the RVP, the Hotel DOF and the Hotel General Managers, the annual budget, capital budgets and the rolling forecasts. The RDOF will establish the annual budget preparation timelines, procedures and guidelines for hotels with-in his / her region and will assist the RVP in presenting annual budgets to the Corporate team and ownerships.
• Recommend and engage with Operations in the design, implementation, and use of methods and procedures that improve the accuracy of working schedules in the region, labor standards, forecasts, plans to assist operational staff in the Hotels. Monitor on an ongoing basis the accuracy and recommend correct measurements as necessary.
• Regularly review and analyze reports from buying programs for hotels with-in the region and improve costs by driving buying compliance and delivery efficiencies.
• Review and analyze monthly the forecast accuracy report for hotels with-in the region and drive accuracy in forecasting.
• Provide accurate and complete financial and management reports on a timely basis to Regional management with-in the region and the corporate office, in accordance with the company and ownership reporting requirements and policy. In addition, the Regional Director of Finance & Business Support is responsible for reporting accurately and timely, the actual results as compared to budget/forecast results in his / her Hotels. He/she is to maintain adequate records to reflect the comparison of the actual expenditures for furniture, equipment and operating equipment to the budgeted amounts.
• Oversee all facets of the Hotel property capital process. Ensure all Hotels in the region establish and maintain the tracking of fixed assets sub-ledgers and depreciation.
• Participate in the development, maintenance and adherence to a single chart of accounts, payroll and expense dictionary, and the function of accounts in order that the property financial and statistical data is accurately and consistently recorded and reported.
• In addition to overseeing the preparation of all financial statements, accounting and statistical reports, and any other special reports that may be required by corporate office or the RVP, the Regional
• Director of Finance & Business Support is responsible for interpreting said reports and then communicating the results of the region with the RVP Hotel Operations.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure the properties within the Region are reporting in compliance with the Uniform Chart of Accounts, Accor Policies & Procedures, ownership and bank documents and hotel management or other contractual agreements with respect to accounting matters.
• Ensure compliance of all laws and fiscal regulations of the hotel area locations. This includes seeing that proper permits and licenses are obtained for such things as liquor licenses, sellers permit, business licenses, etc.
• Protect the owners and the management company’s interest in the hotel assets and operations.
• Regional Director of Finance & Business Support should be the guardian of the Property Management Agreements. Management Agreement terms, priorities, performance tests and fees, and distribution requirements are completely understood and managed for all hotels in the region.
• Monitor and manage the safekeeping of all hotel leases and contracts and any other legal records and documents, which may affect the financial status of the hotel. Such documents are to be listed and keep current on the Critical Date List by each individual hotel.
• Working with the RVP and the ED Finance & Business Support, the Regional Director of Finance & Business Support shall conduct regular operations risk assessments, establish a risk register for the hotels and assist with preparing an action plan addressing the mitigation of identified risks, subject to regular reporting and follow up on the execution of the risk action plan. They shall ensure the timing and accurate reporting of all incidents in accordance with Company protocol.

Control and Policies & Procedures

• A thorough knowledge of policies and procedures required. A thorough knowledge of understanding and proper application of policies and procedures. Be the champion in the region to drive best practice and support hotels to achieve required policies and procedures.
• Control systems are monitored and audited on a regular basis, as documented by Audit Services, to measure compliance with internal controls. Segregation of duties for non-compatible functions is enforced. Controls are explained and understood by all employees, as part of their job description that the employee has acknowledged.
• Accountable for the development, documentation, and maintenance of control systems, within the Hotels, to ensure compliance. Review and approval for MIP and SIP payment for hotels within the region.
• Ensure cash flow is at or above minimum required as per HMA or is adequate to meet the needs of the hotel operations with-in the region.
• Issues surrounding Accounting, Policy or Controls are reviewed with ED of Finance & Business Support and /or RVP.
• Effective balance sheet review at the hotels as well as regional review at the hotels as per defined schedule provided by corporate. Be responsible for any remediation action plans across the hotels as a result of these reviews as well as any on site audit completed by Internal Audit Services.
• Developing, implementing and monitoring credit and collection procedures and guidelines pursuant to “adopted” corporate credit policies.

People and Talent Management

Work within the Talent Management System to ensure the departmental performance of hotel staff in the Region is productive. Duties include:

• Operate efficiently and optimize staffing levels
• Plan for future staffing needs (Succession Planning). Focus on succession planning of DOFs and Assistant DOFs across the hotels
• Plan and coordinate coverage for property vacancies. As needed, filling in vacant DOF position until replacement is found
• Recruit in line with company guidelines
• Prepare detailed orientation programs for new DOFs
• Maintain a comprehensive, current and guest focused set of departmental standards and procedures and oversee their implementation
• Ensure training needs analysis of your departmental staff is carried out and training programs are designed and implemented to meet needs
• Deliver training
• Actively work at developing your direct reports and identify high potentials
• Cross train and task force to develop talent
• Conduct probation and formal performance appraisal in line with company guidelines
• Coach, counsel and discipline staff, providing constructive feedback to enhance performance
• Approve leave requests after considering peaks and troughs in the business
• Regularly communicate with staff in both base and regional hotels to maintain positive relationships
• Performs other similar or related duties as necessary.

Decision making responsibilities (Key Decision Rights):

• Significant impact on the financial planning cost management, budgeting and operations of assigned units. Decisions made and analytical data gathered directly influences business operating decisions made by senior management.
• Significant impact on the tracking and maintenance of budget and financial performance data for assigned division, on capital spend, and on the accurate and timely reporting of current financial and budget status to senior management.
• Maintain atmosphere of aloha spirit by providing engaging, personalized, timely, and efficient service to our discerning guests – internal or external.
• Focus attention on guest needs, remaining calm and courteous at all times.
• Promote and enforce health and safety awareness as well as to have a complete understanding of the emergency procedures.
• Follow hotel and departmental policies, procedures and service standards.
• Contribute to the improvement of the operation by contributing ideas, making suggestions and actively participate in departmental communication meetings.
• Actively participate and promote the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui’s environmental program and department specific initiatives in working towards sustainable operations.
• Check with manager before leaving shift.  Bring any concerns to the attention of the Manager On Duty.

Other:

Regular attendance in conformance with the standards, which may be established from time to time, is essential to the successful performance of this position.  Colleagues with irregular attendance will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Due to the cyclical nature of the hospitality industry, colleagues may be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs of the hotel.  In addition, attendance at all scheduled training sessions and meetings is required.

Upon employment, all colleagues are required to fully comply with Fairmont rules and regulations for the safe and effective operation of the hotel’s facilities.  Colleagues who violate hotel rules and regulations will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

SUPPORTIVE FUNCTIONS

In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the manager based upon the particular requirements of the hotel:

• Additional duties as necessary and assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Direct:              VP Finance & Business Support

Indirect:            Regional Vice President

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Direct:              Directors of Finance, Assistant Director of Finance     

Indirect:            N/A

Qualifications

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the English language.
• Requires strong communication skills, both verbal and written to address all levels within the organization and ability to gain consensus and influence others.
• Must be able to read and write to facilitate the communication process.
• Must be service oriented and capable of communicating effectively with persons involved in all levels of authority, both internally and externally.
• Must possess computer skills, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel, and e-mail functions.
• Experience with accounting system or similar financial software for the purpose of financial reporting, analysis and presentation.
• Ability to assess and understand a variety of internal and external economic and financial issues which impact the business, to analyze data and forecast future business trends, and to develop effective financial plans based on businesses assessments in multiple locations.
• Knowledge of finance, budgeting and accounting processes and regulations with demonstrated knowledge of capital project management, standards and techniques, and GAAP regulations and procedures.
• Must be able to multi-task and be detail-oriented in a fast paced, high-volume environment.
• Maintain a professional working environment and attitude.
• Must maintain sanitation procedures as directed.
• Must be available to travel

Physical Demands

Frequency Key:  Rare: up to 1 hour, Occasional: 1-3 hours, Frequent: 3-6 hours, Constant: 6-8 hours.

Physical Activity                                    Frequency

Sitting                                                   Constant

Standing                                               Occasional

Walking                                                Occasional

Climbing stairs/ladders/ramps                Occasional

Crouching/Bending/Stooping/Kneeling   Occasional

Reaching                                              Occasional

Lifting/Carrying (up to 25 lbs.)                Rare

Pushing/Pulling (up to 25 lbs)                 Rare

Near Vision                                           Constant

Far Vision                                             Constant

Hearing                                                 Constant

Talking                                                  Constant

Must have manual dexterity to be able to operate office equipment such as computers, printers, photocopiers, FAX machines, multi-line touch tone phone, and other office equipment as needed. 

Most work tasks are performed indoors.  Temperature is moderate and controlled by hotel environmental systems.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

Education

• Accounting Designation, Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Business, Finance, or a relevant field of work, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience. CPA or MBA preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of work experience as a Director of Finance, ideally in multiple progressive, in size and complexity, hotels. Experienced in all areas of finance and accounting; capital project management, financial reporting and analysis, merger and acquisition analysis, and / or related areas. The ideal candidate has previous experience managing multiple hotels or business units.
• Experience in leading & developing people and multiple teams.

Licenses or Certificates          

• CPA Preferred

Grooming

All associates must maintain a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance per Fairmont standards.

Additional Information

All Candidates must be in possession of identification proving authorization to work in the United States as defined in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA). This Position does not offer sponsorship of Work Visas. Resumes submitted that cannot fulfill these requirements will not be considered.

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.

Join our ‘ohana today:  Visit our website to learn more about living and working for Fairmont Hawai’i.  www.fairmonthawaiijobs.com

Why work for Accor?  You can discover a world where life pulses with passion!​

Join the Accor Group, an ecosystem of over 45 brands, 5,600 hotels, 10,000 restaurants and lifestyle places, that welcome you.  With us, your personality is valued, your opportunities for growth know no boundaries.  Every action you take has a positive and memorable impact on the experience of our customers, your colleagues, and also, on the planet, contributing to pioneering the art of responsible hospitality.

Hospitality is a work of heart! #fairmontcareers #alwayskealani