Group Financial Controller (Hospitality Sector)

Overview

Our client is one of the longest established Hotel operators in Barbados with multiple locations along the South Coast. Due to expansion, they are seeking to add a professional to the management team. Duties & Responsibilities: Financial Accounting & Reporting Manage the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department.

Prepare and review monthly financial statements, management accounts, and reports. Ensure financial information is accurate, complete, and submitted on time. Analyze financial results, variances, and overall hotel performance. Maintain accurate accounting records and ensure balance sheet reconciliations are completed.

Budgeting & Forecasting Lead the annual budgeting process. Prepare monthly and annual forecasts with the General Manager and department heads. Monitor performance against budgets and forecasts. Investigate variances and recommend corrective action. Provide financial guidance to management to support profitability and cost control.

Hotel Operations & Revenue Control Oversee financial controls for rooms, food and beverages, events, and other revenue. Review daily revenue reports and ensure revenues are accurately recorded and reconciled. Monitor key hotel performance indicators such as occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR. Ensure proper controls over cash, credit cards, refunds, discounts, and other transactions.

Monitor food and beverage costs, inventory, wastage, and margins. Review purchasing, receiving, and supplier procedures. Accounts Receivable & Payable Oversee accounts receivable and payable activities. Monitor outstanding balances, credit accounts, and overdue payments. Ensure invoices are properly approved, recorded, and paid on time.

Maintain accurate supplier and creditor reconciliations. Ensure proper controls over purchasing and payment processes. Cash & Banking Oversee cash handling, banking, and daily deposits. Review bank reconciliations and resolve discrepancies. Monitor cash flow and working capital. Maintain controls over petty cash and operational cash.

Internal Controls & Risk Management Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls. Safeguard the hotel's financial and physical assets. Identify financial risks and control weaknesses and recommend improvements. Investigate discrepancies and irregularities. Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable Barbados legislation.

Payroll Support Oversee payroll accounting and ensure payroll information is accurate and authorized. Review payroll reports and statutory deductions. Ensure payroll-related obligations are paid and reported on time. Tax, Audit & Compliance Coordinate external audits and provide required information and documentation.

Ensure timely preparation of tax and statutory returns. Maintain records for tax and regulatory compliance. Liaise with auditors, tax advisors, financial institutions, and regulatory agencies. Stay updated on relevant accounting, tax, and regulatory requirements. Team Management Ensure appropriate staffing, workflow, and productivity within the Finance Department.

Provide guidance and support to Finance team members.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline. Professional accounting qualifications such as ACCA, CPA, CIMA, or equivalent is strongly preferred. Minimum of 5 years' progressive accounting/finance experience, with significant experience in the hotel or hospitality industry.

Previous experience as a Financial Controller, Assistant Financial Controller, Finance Manager, or equivalent senior finance position. Strong knowledge of hotel accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls. Experience managing and developing a finance team. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and accounting/ERP systems.

Experience with hotel property management and point-of-sale systems is an advantage. Knowledge of Barbados tax, statutory, and regulatory requirements would be an asset.