DWR Executive Search has been retained to find a highly qualified and very experienced Financial Controller with a specific and extensive background in the international 4 and 5-star luxury and business class, boutique hotel sector. Whilst being based at the company’s head office, the successful applicant will effectively prepare and manage the three properties’ financial budgets, implement and oversee activities relating to their financial activities in compliance with local tax laws, and manage the properties’ standard operating procedures.

OVERVIEW:
With a solid history and prestigious reputation, my client is an established and leading independent hospitality provider in West Africa. Their three luxury hotels are a major part of their business operation in Ghana, 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, hotel, fine dining and luxury hospitality sector.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:
Budgeting and forecasting in compliance with accounting legislation and generally accepted accounting practice: –
• Develop the means to improve profit, including estimating cost and benefit, exploring new business opportunities, etc.
• Analyse information, forecast sales against expenses.
• Compile information, analyse and monitor actual sales against projected sales.
• Analyse differences between actual budget wages and forecasted wages for more efficient budget planning.
• Identify the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Think creatively and practically to develop, execute and implement new business plans.
• Provide analytical support during budget reviews to identify cost saving and productivity opportunities for property managers.
• Implement a system of appropriate controls to manage business risks.
• Ensure a strong accounting and operational control environment to safeguard assets, improve operations and profitability.
• Analyse financial data and market trends.
• Provide analytical support by monitoring the operating department’s actual and projected sales.
• Produce accurate forecasts that enable operations to react to changes in the business.
• Oversee internal, external and regulatory audit processes.
• Prepare timely submission of budget.
• Maintain expenditure within approved levels.
• Prepare and submit accurate forecasts of monthly results facilitating implementation of proactive measures to prevent unacceptable outcomes

Effective Management of Finance Team: –
• Utilize interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence and encourage others; advocate sound financial/business decision making; demonstrate honesty/integrity; lead by example.
• Ensure team members are cross trained to support successful daily operations.
• Ensure property policies are administered fairly and consistently.
• Participate in hiring activities as appropriate and ensure new hires participate in the department’s orientation program.
• Ensure new hires receive the appropriate training to successfully perform their job.
• Create appropriate development plans which develop team members based on their individual strengths, development needs, career aspirations and abilities.
• Conduct performance review process for employees.
• Provide excellent leadership by assigning team members and other department managers’ clear accountability, backed by appropriate authority.
• Conduct annual performance appraisals with direct reports according to Standard Operating Procedures.

Delivering on Key Stakeholder Strategies: –
• Attend meetings and communicate with the Stakeholders, understanding the priorities and strategic focus.
• Understand and meet the needs of key stakeholders (Shareholders, GM etc.)
• Advises the GMs and executive committee on existing and evolving operating/financial issues.
• Communicate financial concepts in a clear and persuasive manner that is easy to understand and drives desired behaviours.
• Ensure effective management of property working capital and cash flow in accordance with brand SOPs and stakeholder requirements.
• Facilitate critique meetings to review information with management team

Developing and Maintaining Finance and Accounting Goals: –
• Ensure Profits and Losses are documented accurately. Monitor all taxes that apply, and ensure that taxes are current, collected and/or accrued.
• Develop and support achievement of performance goals, budget goals, team goals, etc.
• Improve profit growth in operating departments and review audit issues to ensure accuracy.
• Prepare and submit monthly Profit and Loss Reports.

Financial Policies and Procedures: –
• Review and update existing financial policies in line with SOPs.
• Reconcile balance sheet to ensure account balances are supported by appropriate documentation in accordance with SOPs.
• Ensure that the P&L is accurate (e.g., costs are properly matched to revenue, costs are recorded in the proper accounts).
• Ensure compliance with standard and local operating procedures (SOPs and LSOPs).

Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.

This is an interesting and involved opportunity based in a vibrant, multi-cultural and dynamic city that offers an equally vibrant lifestyle in a setting that comprises a mixed and varied clientele of business users, VIP guests, local and international celebrities, and HNW individuals/families. The position will appeal to a qualified, career professional in the hotel and hospitality finance space with the relevant background and experience, who is conscientious, focused and committed to their career. The successful applicant will value teamwork and be able to inspire others to reach their full potential. S/he will be enthusiastic about their work and have a natural aptitude for excellence, accuracy and reliability. The start date is immediate to ASAP subject to notice periods as/if applicable.

CONDITIONS:
This is position is for expatriate candidates subject to possessing the prerequisite international experience that the client requires. It is offered on a single person status only. The employment package will include a competitive salary, accommodation, health insurance and other benefits in line with industry standards. Details will be discussed at the client interview stage. As a senior and important position that carries a high degree of responsibility, it is essential that applicants possess the required skills and experience to be considered. PLEASE do not apply unless you have the competencies specified, can comply with the conditions and have a verifiable and solid background in the international 4 and 5-star/high-end business class, luxury hotel sector.

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. If chosen, you will be invited to an initial online interview with DWR. If shortlisted, the following stage will be an interview with the employer (via Zoom).
Applications for this role will close by 20th February 2025. 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 an acknowledgement by the 5th April 2025, then regrettably your application has not been successful on this occasion. You are encouraged to connect with DWR on LinkedIn and to then join the DWR Executive Group.
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.