The Area Chief Accountant is responsible for overseeing the accounting functions across multiple hospitality locations, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting while adhering to regulatory requirements. This role involves managing the accounting teams at each site, implementing effective financial controls, and providing strategic financial insights to support organizational goals. The Area Chief Accountant will work closely with the Director of Finance to enhance financial performance and operational efficiency within the hospitality sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Accounting Oversight: Manage the overall accounting operations at various hospitality locations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare and present accurate financial statements, reports, and analyses, including monthly and annual financial results, to the Director of Finance.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards (GAAP/IFRS), tax regulations, and internal policies, supporting audits as necessary.
• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor the accounting teams at each location, providing guidance and support in all accounting functions while fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Budget Management: Assist in the preparation and monitoring of budgets for each location, providing variance analyses and recommendations for cost control.
• Cash Flow Management: Monitor cash flow and working capital across locations, providing insights to optimize liquidity and financial stability.
• Internal Controls: Develop and implement robust internal controls and accounting policies to safeguard company assets and ensure the accuracy of financial reporting.
• Process Improvement: Identify and recommend improvements to accounting processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within the accounting function across locations.
• Financial Analysis: Conduct financial analyses to support decision-making, including profitability analyses, cost-benefit analyses, and financial forecasting.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay updated on industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in accounting, applying new knowledge to improve processes and outcomes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CPA, CMA) are highly desirable.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in accounting or finance, with a focus on managerial roles, preferably within the hospitality sector.
• Proficiency in accounting software and financial management systems.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills or Powe Bi for financial analysis and reporting.

Core Skills:

• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership skills to guide and develop the accounting teams effectively.
• Analytical Skills: Excellent analytical skills to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail in financial reporting and accounting practices.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of presenting financial information clearly to various stakeholders.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Problem-Solving: Proven ability to identify accounting issues and develop effective solutions.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to enhance financial operations.

Key Result Areas (KRAs):

• Financial Accuracy: Ensure high accuracy in financial reporting and compliance with accounting standards.
• Timely Reporting: Provide timely and accurate financial reports to the Director of Finance.
• Team Development: Foster a high-performing accounting team through effective leadership and mentoring.
• Operational Insights: Deliver actionable insights that support effective financial decision-making and organizational performance.
• Process Improvement: Identify and implement improvements to accounting processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.