Cluster Financial Controller – Hotels

(Accra, Ghana)

DWR has been retained to find a highly qualified Cluster Financial Controller with specific and extensive experience in the 4 and 5-star hotel sector. This position is for expatriate applicants only. It is based in Accra, Ghana.

OVERVIEW:

With a solid history and prestigious reputation, my client is an established and leading indigenous infrastructural development organisation in West Africa. Comprising 5 subsidiaries, their luxury hotels are a major part of their business, internationally recognised and of a supreme standard. From the outstanding services they provide to the highest levels of comfort, their meticulous attention to detail and their record of excellent customer satisfaction, my client stands out as a premier provider in Ghana’s first-class accommodation and hospitality sector.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

The successful applicant will occupy a vital role in managing and developing the day-to-day operations of a busy accounts department: Preparation and management of three high-end luxury hotels’ financial budgets; Implementation and overseeing all aspects and activities relating to compliance and local tax laws; Responsible for financial analysis, reporting, budgeting and forecasting, audit and control, asset and liability reconciliation, working capital, and cash control.

YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR:

  • The three properties’ overall accounting and financial management.
  • Representing the finance department at the daily HOD meetings.
  • Monitoring and managing all applicable local tax authority compliance requirements, ensuring taxes are calculated and charged correctly and on time, and filed on a monthly/regular basis.
  • Supporting and liaising with the GM on strategic goals and initiatives.
  • Preparing and reviewing annual budgets, monthly forecasts and operating results, verifying all financial reports across the hotel’s business, and ensuring all transactions are accurate and comply with local government regulation.
  • Liaising with and reporting to the hotel’s owner and the Group MD.
  • Preparing and submitting management reports in a timely manner and within deadlines.
  • Implementing accounting policies and procedures, assisting with cost control requirements, revenue enhancement possibilities and profit improvement opportunities.
  • Helping to ensure a strong accounting and operational control environment to safeguard the hotel assets and to further build an efficient and professional team within the Finance and Accounting Department.
  • Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise and accomplish the work of the department.
  • Monitoring and improving the hotel’s operational costs, profitability and accounting policies & procedures whilst maintaining fair and consistent administration throughout.
  • Ensuring accurate profit and loss is documented, and overseeing internal, external and regulatory audit processes.
  • Achieving and exceeding performance, budgetary and team targets.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) or 4-year bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting.
  • A minimum of 8 years’ experience in a similar position at a four or five-star hotel.
  • Knowledge of hotel software and property management systems (like Opera) and full competency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc), and Chrome.
  • Highly developed skills in leadership and management, decision making, cost efficiency, and communication at all levels.
  • Very organised, with strong admin and analytical skills, natural attention to detail and keen problem-solving ability.
  • Able to work under pressure and prioritise tasks.
  • Flexible to working hours including weekends, evenings and holidays, and be an influential team player.

This role, for which single status is preferred (as opposed to a family posting), will suit a mature, conscientious, naturally courteous and pleasant individual who values teamwork, is committed to their career, is enthusiastic about their work and who possesses an in-built understanding of “human relations”. The start date is immediate to ASAP subject to notice periods as/if applicable.

CONDITIONS:

This is an expatriate position, and the employment package will reflect the successful applicant’s experience accordingly. Details will be discussed at the client interview stage, but you can assume the salary to be competitive, attractive and commensurate with this kind of role (including accommodation, health insurance and other benefits). As a senior and important position that carries a high degree of responsibility, it is a prerequisite that applicants possess the required skills and experience to be considered. PLEASE therefore do not apply unless you have the competencies specified and have a verifiable and solid background in the 4 and 5-star hotel sector.

Applications for this role will close by 30th December 2023. Although every effort is made to respond to all applicants, due to the volume of replies it is not always possible to do so. If you don’t receive a reply by the 15th January 2024, then regrettably your application has not been successful on this occasion.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

If you meet the criteria for this position and wish to submit an application, in the first instance please send your CV (in Word or PDF) to [email protected] quoting the role you are applying for in the subject box. You are welcome to include a Covering Letter in support of your application. Selected candidates will be contacted by email and sent a Candidate Questionnaire, which must be completed in full to be progressed to the next stage of shortlisting. If chosen, you will be invited to an initial interview with DWR (probably via Zoom, Teams or WhatsApp video link). If shortlisted, the next stage will be an interview with the client.

For updates and other job posts, you are encouraged to Follow DWR on LinkedIn and connect with DWR on both Facebook and Twitter by searching for DWR Executive Search.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES:

DWR does not discriminate in the acceptance or referral of candidates on the basis of race, colour, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, disability, or any other protected characteristic. By applying for this position, candidates agree to respect these standards and be observant of the internationally accepted guidelines governing equality and inclusiveness in the workplace aimed at eliminating racism, discrimination and hate speech throughout every level of society.

DWR Executive Search is appointed by the employing company as their Recruitment Service Provider for this position. The client’s name will remain confidential until applicants have been shortlisted to the client interview stage.