The Financial Controller is responsible for overseeing the hotel's financial operations, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, effective internal controls, sound financial management and compliance with company policies and applicable statutory requirements.
The role supports the hotel's financial performance through effective budgeting, forecasting, cost control, cash flow management and financial analysis, while working closely with the General Manager, senior management and operational departments to achieve the hotel's business and profitability objectives.
The Financial Controller ensures that all financial activities and reporting are maintained in accordance with USALI (Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry), GHM standards and established hotel policies and procedures.
Knowledge and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or a related field.
- Professional qualification such as ACCA, CPA, CMA or equivalent is highly preferred.
- Minimum 10 years of overall experience in Finance & Accounting.
- Minimum 5 years of professional experience in Qatar.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a 5-star luxury hotel environment.
- Strong and proven experience in hotel finance and hospitality operations.
- Strong knowledge and practical experience in USALI.
- Extensive experience in hotel financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and financial analysis.
- Strong experience in P&L management, departmental profitability, cost control, revenue analysis, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, payroll, treasury and month-end closing.
- Proven experience dealing with external auditors, banks, senior management and relevant stakeholders.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and hotel financial systems.
- Fluent in Arabic and English, both written and spoken.
Competencies
- Strong leadership and team-management skills.
- Excellent analytical and financial management capabilities.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong commercial and business awareness.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to lead and develop a multicultural Finance team.
- Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
- High level of integrity, confidentiality and professional judgment.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
- Key Areas of Responsibility
- Financial Management & Operations
- Lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of the hotel's Finance & Accounting Department.
- Ensure all financial transactions are accurately recorded, reviewed and maintained in accordance with established accounting standards and hotel policies.
- Oversee Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, General Ledger, Payroll, Treasury and Cost Control functions.
- Ensure accurate and timely month-end and year-end closing.
- Monitor the hotel's overall financial position and ensure effective management of financial resources.
- Maintain effective financial procedures and controls across all Finance functions.
- Ensure proper reconciliation of accounts and timely resolution of financial discrepancies.
- Work closely with operational departments to ensure financial controls and procedures are consistently followed.
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Coordinate the preparation of the hotel's annual budget, forecasts and financial business plans in accordance with USALI and company requirements.
- Monitor actual financial performance against budget and forecast.
- Analyze significant variances and provide clear explanations and recommendations to management.
- Support Department Heads in preparing and monitoring departmental budgets.
- Review revenue and expenditure trends and identify potential financial risks and opportunities.
- Support management with financial information required for business planning.
- Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly and annual financial statements and management reports.
- Ensure accurate classification and reporting of hotel revenues, departmental expenses and operating costs in accordance with USALI standards.
- Analyze hotel financial performance, including revenue, expenses, profitability and departmental results.
- Prepare financial analysis and recommendations to support management decision-making.
- Monitor key financial indicators and highlight areas requiring management attention.
- Cash Flow & Treasury
- Monitor and manage the hotel's cash flow and working capital requirements.
- Ensure appropriate controls over cash, banking and treasury activities.
- Monitor cash positions and prepare cash flow forecasts as required.
- Maintain professional relationships with banks and relevant financial institutions.
- Ensure bank reconciliations and treasury-related activities are completed accurately and on time.
- Cost Control & Profitability
- Monitor departmental profitability and operating costs across the hotel.
- Identify opportunities for cost optimization and improved profitability without compromising operational or service standards.
- Analyze F&B and other operational costs and work closely with Department Heads on areas requiring improvement.
- Review revenue and cost trends and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
- Support departments in understanding their financial performance and achieving budgeted objectives.
- Internal Controls & Compliance
- Maintain strong internal financial controls across the hotel.
- Ensure compliance with company financial policies, procedures and approval processes.
- Ensure financial practices comply with applicable statutory requirements and accounting standards.
- Identify financial risks and recommend appropriate preventive and corrective measures.
- Regularly review financial processes and controls to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Safeguard hotel assets through appropriate financial controls and monitoring.
- Audit
- Coordinate and support the hotel's internal and external audit processes.
- Ensure all required financial records and supporting documents are properly maintained.
- Liaise professionally with external auditors and respond to audit requirements in a timely manner.
- Follow up on audit findings and ensure agreed corrective actions are implemented.
- Management Support
- Provide accurate financial information, analysis and recommendations to the General Manager and senior management.
- Participate in management meetings and provide financial input when required.
- Work closely with Department Heads to strengthen financial awareness and accountability.
- Support management in evaluating business initiatives, operational opportunities and their financial implications.
- People Management
- Lead, guide and support the Finance team in carrying out their responsibilities effectively.
- Establish clear responsibilities and performance expectations within the department.
- Coach and develop team members to strengthen their professional and technical capabilities.
- Promote effective communication, teamwork and collaboration within Finance and across the hotel.
- Ensure the team maintains high standards of professionalism, accuracy and confidentiality.
- Other Duties
- Maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding hotel, financial, guest and employee information.
- Maintain professional relationships with auditors, banks, business partners and relevant stakeholders.
- Ensure high standards of personal presentation and professional conduct.
- Attend and contribute to meetings, training sessions and hotel activities as required.
- Respond effectively to changes in the Finance function as dictated by the industry, company and hotel.
- Adhere to the Employee Handbook and all hotel policies and procedures, particularly those relating to financial controls, confidentiality, fire, hygiene, health and safety.
- Carry out any other reasonable duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.
The above areas of responsibility and activities reflect the principal functions of the position and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the role.
