Task Force Director of Finance

Highgate is a premier real estate investment and hospitality management company widely recognized as an innovator in the industry. Highgate is the dominant player in U.S. gateway markets including New York, Boston, Miami, San Francisco and Honolulu, with a rapidly expanding presence in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Highgate’s portfolio of global properties represents an aggregate asset value exceeding $20B and generates over $5B in cumulative revenues.

The Director of Finance – Task Force is responsible for providing consistent leadership in the financial area of the hotel by supplying the accounting staff with guidance, leadership and training until a permanent Director of Finance is hired and trained. This position is remote and requires significant travel across Highgate’s footprint. The Director of Finance - Task Force acts as a Hotel’s Director of Finance and is the senior Accounting/Finance person for hotels which are experiencing a vacancy in the Director of Finance’s position. The position is responsible for all aspects of fiscal management, financial controls, accounting, and financial reporting for the assigned property. The position is also responsible for training the new Directors of Finance.

Responsibilities

• Approach all encounters with guest and teammates in an attentive, friendly, courteous, and service-oriented manner.
• Always comply with Highgate Hotels’ standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
• Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in finding and implementing their solutions.
• Direct or prepare all financial reports in accordance with Highgate Hotels’ requirements, meeting various due dates and deadlines.
• Effectively manage and communicate cash flow related issues, including the accurate and timely preparation of monthly financial statements for the property.
• Monitor hotel revenues and expenses and ensure the accurate recording in accordance with Highgate Hotels established guidelines.
• Prepare and present Proration Schedules during a hotel transition (if required).
• Communicate with owners, asset managers, lenders, investors, and other stakeholders regarding financial performance of their assets.
• Ensure hotels’ compliance on all regulatory licenses and permits, leases, contracts, legal agreements, and operational taxes.
• Assist management in enforcing compliance on all these items.
• Understand and maintain all capital expenses at the assigned hotel.
• Analyse financial data and operations to assist and advise management in maintaining the hotels’ financial objectives.
• Prepare financial analysis as requested.
• Comply with Standard Accounting policies and procedures and internal controls for finance and accounting operations.
• Timely review and approval of all balance sheet accounts, including monthly bank reconciliation and general ledger account reconciliations.
• Continually audit all internal financial controls.
• Successful completion of all internal and external financial audits.
• Manage staff including hiring and supervision as well as focus on training and development programs for accounting associates.
• Maintain compliance with Highgate Hotels’ standards and regulations.
• Timely interact with Executive Committee members to assure that property operations are always on track.
• Monitor hotels’ compliance in meeting required report deadlines and due dates.
• Conduct and/or attend periodic meetings to maintain favorable working relationships among team members.
• Monitor the accurate production of the hotel daily operating report.
• Execute other special projects and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• A 4-year college degree with an Accounting/Finance concentration and a minimum of 4 years of related progressive experience; or a 2-year college degree and a minimum of 8 years of related progressive experience.
• Experience as Director of Finance at a larger hotel with a decentralized accounting structure is required.
• This position is remote and requires up to 90% travel.
• Experience in supervising three or more employees required.
• Must be able to convey information and ideas clearly.
• Must have experience in Oracle and IBM TM1 software.
• Must be effective in handling problems in the workplace.
• Must have the ability to assimilate complex information from disparate sources.
• Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by teammates and guests.
• Must be able to work with and understand financial information and data.