Controller - Ithaka Hospitality Partners - Montgomery

SUMMARY: The Controller is responsible for the leadership and management functions of the Accounting/Finance department. The key focus of this position includes direct responsibility for the timely and accurate reporting to the General Manager, the Managing Partner, Finance and the balance of the Corporate Headquarters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Insure maintenance of accounting standards in accordance with the established policies and procedures (see IHP's Finance Division SOPs) and USALI (Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry)
• Assist in implementing and maintaining and following appropriate financial controls to maximize profits or minimize losses by retaining revenues, reducing expenses, and safeguarding the owner's assets
• Ensure that the fiscal impact of all business decisions is properly addressed by participating in pricing strategy meetings, capital expenditure planning and any procedural meetings affecting revenues or expenses
• Directing and coordinating the activities of all assigned personnel and departmental responsibilities, including:
o Payroll
o Accounts Receivable
o Accounts Payable
o Month End Closing
o Income Audit
o Inventories
o Monthly Sales Tax Payments
• Perform special projects as requested by the Managing Partner, Finance and General Manager
• Coordinate internal training and development programs which foster promotion within the company and assume the role of teacher when appropriate, such as at staff meetings
• Assist in preparing the Annual Operating Budget and Monthly Forecasts
• Prepare or have prepared monthly asset and liability reconciliations
• Ensure that the hotel is in compliance with all local, state and federal regulations
• Insure the property submits all sales taxes in a timely and accurate manner
• Maintain all contracts, leases, and other legal and financial records
• Maintain a high level of professionalism in appearance, demeanor, ethics and image of self and staff member
• Ensure good safety practices of employees and assist in the maintenance of proper emergency, safety, and security procedures
• Maintain excellent business relationships with fellow managers
• Join industry associations as requested, such as HFTP
• Maintain complete knowledge of and comply with all departmental policies/services procedures/standards
• Maintain complete knowledge of correct maintenance and use of equipment. Use equipment only as intended
• Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of assigned work areas
• Check office storage areas for proper supplies. Instruct designated personnel to rectify any deficiencies
• Establish par levels for supplies and equipment and complete requisition to replenish shortages or expedite these situations
• Prepare weekly work schedule in accordance with staffing guidelines and departmental budget and adjust schedules throughout the week to meet business demands
• Ensure that staff report to work as scheduled
• Constantly monitor staff performance in all phases of service and job functions, rectify and deficiencies with respective personnel and conduct annual performance reviews
• Assist departmental staff with their job functions to ensure optimum service to managers/employees and guests
• Maintain confidentiality of hotel records
• Attend designated meetings
• Foster and promote a cooperative working climate, maximizing productivity and employee morale

Other Requirements:
• Consistently up to date on local and federal regulations regarding accounting and non-profit compliance
• Strong organization skills and continuous ability to train and utilize staff
• Exhibit clean and professional appearance and follows dress code standards
• Continually seeking better ways for communicating with members and staff
• Demonstrate respect for and promote dignity, self-determination, and confidentiality in the treatment of staff
• Must possess an uncompromising level of ethics and integrity
• Understand the importance of community involvement, and participate as appropriate, in activities representing the hotel and/or management company
• Comply with all safety policies and procedures, identifying and immediately reporting any potential or actual unsafe acts or conditions to the General Manager or Security staff, follow all safety precautions, including the use of necessary devices or equipment, to ensure a safe work environment
• Understand and comply with all company policies and procedures and endeavor to assist with SOPs for the Accounting /Finance and Human Resources departments
• Strong computer skills, Aptech products preferred, proficient in Microsoft Office

Education & Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, Hotel Administration, Business Administration, Accounting or a related field is preferred
• A minimum of five years of experience in the hospitality field is preferred

Qualification Requirements:

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. All employees must pass background checks.

LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Ability to read and write English, analyze, and interpret documents. Ability to write, with proper grammar, business correspondence and reports. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, customers, hotel staff, the corporate office, and the public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Excellent mathematical skills. Ability to complete and analyze financial and accounting documents in a timely manner.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to apply common sense and understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to constructively deal with problem solving. Proven history of using good judgment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands here are representative of those met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or hold objects, use a writing instrument and telephone; and speak and listen by telephone and in person. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to walk on a regular basis. The employee is occasionally required to sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and smell if conditions are unsanitary.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environmental characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to change activity frequently and cope with interruptions
Ability to accept full responsibility for managing an activity
The noise level in the work environment is typically low
This position is required to work in the office of the hotel

An Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.