The Controller is responsible for providing consistent leadership in the financial area of the hotel, with a sharp focus on the profitability of the business. This role ensures accurate and timely financial reporting, maintains acceptable levels of internal control, ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, upholds management and ownership Operating Procedures, and safeguards owner and investor assets.
This is a pre-opening hire with a unique opportunity to build the accounting function from the ground up at a landmark full-service hotel in San Antonio. The Controller will play a critical role in systems implementation, vendor onboarding, financial control establishment, and opening-day readiness; working directly alongside the Managing Director and Regional Director of Finance.
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Effectively manage and communicate cash flow-related issues, including accurate and timely preparation of monthly financial statements, cash flow statements, management of receivables and payables, control mechanisms, and timely deposits of all funds.
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Monitor hotel revenues and expenses and ensure accurate recording in accordance with established guidelines; monitor and control the hotel's operating forecast.
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Prepare annual budgets and monthly variance analysis; investigate and critique variances from budget or prior year and offer practical improvement methodologies to management.
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Ensure hotel compliance with all regulatory licenses and permits, leases, contracts, legal agreements, and proper execution of all operational taxes.
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Analyze financial data and operations to assist and advise management in maintaining the hotel's financial objectives.
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Comply with Standard Accounting policies and procedures and maintain internal controls for all finance and accounting operations.
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Timely review and approve all balance sheet accounts, including monthly bank reconciliations and general ledger account reconciliations.
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Establish and continually audit all internal financial controls, including purchasing, cash handling, disbursements, inventories, hotel assets, master keys, payroll, and employee records.
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Successfully complete all internal and external financial audits, including coordinating work with CPA firms and delivering requested information on a timely basis.
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Hire, train, supervise, and develop accounting staff including coaching, counseling, and discipline (2–4 direct reports).
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Maintain compliance with management and ownership standards and regulations to ensure the hotel operates safely and efficiently.
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Timely interact with Executive Committee members to ensure property operations are on track and under control.
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Monitor accurate production of the hotel's daily operating report.
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Execute other special projects and responsibilities as assigned.
Specific Responsibilities
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Collaborate with third-party Food & Beverage partner to ensure accurate accounting of all shared expenses and revenues in accordance with contracted terms; immediately communicate any issues to the Managing Director and Regional Director of Finance.
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Manage F&B shared expense allocation process between hotel and F&B operator, including monthly reconciliation against the agreed USALI 12th Edition GL mapping.
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Support pre-opening financial setup, including chart of accounts build-out, vendor onboarding, system implementation (Opera Cloud, HIA), and establishment of opening-day financial controls.
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Assist in establishing banking relationships, merchant services accounts, tax registrations, and working capital management for hotel opening.
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Coordinate with Members Club leadership to ensure proper revenue and expense allocation between hotel departments (F&B 200) and Members Club (330) per USALI standards.
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Weekly: A/R & A/P Aging, Flash Reports, Payroll Reports, Revenue Updates
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Monthly: Financial Statements, Forecasting, Key Statistics Report, Cash Flow
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Annual: Budgets, 5-Year Plans, 5-Year Capital Plans
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Minimum 3 years of progressive Hospitality Finance/Accounting experience.
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Prior Controller or Director of Finance experience preferred, ideally at a premium or full-service property.
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Bachelor's degree preferred, with a concentration in Finance or Accounting.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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Proficiency in Opera Cloud PMS, HIA, M3 or similar hospitality accounting platform.
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Must be proficient in Windows, Microsoft Office Suite, and hotel-specific systems.
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Must supervise 2 or more employees.
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Bilingual in English/Spanish a plus.
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Maintain a professional and service-oriented demeanor at all times.
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Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with all levels of employees, guests, and ownership.
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Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
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Maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial and personnel information.
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Maintain high standards of personal appearance and professional conduct.
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Flexible schedule as required; occasional evenings or weekends during peak reporting periods.
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Ability to sit for extended periods; long hours may be required during financial close and pre-opening.
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Sedentary work with occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
