Hotel Controller

Study Hotels • Philadelphia, PA

8h • Onsite

About The Position

The Study at University City is currently seeking a Hotel Controller to manage the hotel’s Accounting Department and lead the hotel’s finance and accounting function in partnership with hotel and restaurant operational leaders and team members. This position is akin to a ‘Hotel Director of Finance’ position. As Controller, you will support operational departments with financial data, analysis, insights, and guidance while ensuring robust internal controls and compliance to safeguard assets and ensure legal and regulatory compliance.
The ideal candidate has strong hospitality financial accounting leadership experience, demonstrating extensive hands-on expertise in hospitality systems, processes, best practices, and controls with a comprehensive understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)- and the Uniform Systems of Accounts for the Hotel Industry (USALI)-based financial accounting, and a passion for continuous improvement in a dynamic, fast-paced hospitality environment.
As a valued member of our leadership team, you will set a high bar for financial accounting and reporting accuracy, integrity, and dependability with the principal belief that internal customer and guest service are our highest priorities.
The Study at University City, operating under the Study Hotels brand, is a vibrant boutique hotel designed around the needs of university academia, researchers, and travelers that is nestled in the heart of University City in Philadelphia, near the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. The hotel features 212 signature studies and suites, a café bookstore, the Co-Op Restaurant & Bar, and 7,000 square feet of versatile, inviting meeting space, all designed for purposeful guest discovery, connection, and interaction. Guest rooms and public spaces are designed with a bright, uplifting palette, reflective of contemporary residential living.

Study Hotels is a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment drug test and background check required. Please note:
Only local candidates need to apply; no relocation provided.
No third-party hiring agencies.
This is a work on-site position only; no remote/virtual options available.

Requirements

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in financial accounting or related field is required.
• Professional Knowledge: Must possess thorough, practical knowledge of financial accounting practices per GAAP and the USALI.
• Professional Experience: A minimum of 4 years within a hotel financial accounting position or similar experience demonstrating professional acumen and expertise.
• Hands-on financial accounting and budgeting/forecasting experience preferred.
• Leadership Attributes: A passion for hospitality with a desire to deliver exceptional service to internal and external customers.
• Strong interpersonal written and verbal communication skills, proven time management and organizational expertise, and the ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced work environment.
• Demonstrated success in improving processes, solving challenges, and consistently delivering results.
• Systems Expertise: Proficiency working with MS Excel and Office Suite (including Planner), hotel property management systems (HMS), food and beverage point of sale (Toast, Aloha, etc.), financial accounting ERP (M3), procurement-to-pay systems (Birchstreet), ProfitSword for financial reporting, budgeting & forecasting.
• Also, working knowledge of labor productivity reporting and analysis using Hotel Effectiveness, and Time & Attendance Systems (ADP) or similar systems is preferred.
• Tax compliance: Knowledgeable in filing state and local taxes relevant to the hotel industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Managing the day-to-day aspects of the Accounting Department and supervising a general accountant.
• Performing or overseeing procurement, accounts payable, disbursements, cash handling, accounts receivable billing and collection, daily income reporting, general cashiering, cash management, general ledger reconciliation, and period end closings.
• Implementing and enforcing the company’s finance and accounting policies, procedures, processes, and systems as directed by Study Hotels’ Home Office.
• Filing and paying state and local taxes, maintaining permits and licenses, and preparing regulatory reports.
• Providing “checks and balances” as the financial accounting and compliance subject matter expert, and scrutinizing revenue adjustments, cash paid outs and petty cash disbursements, complimentary charges, and purchases for reasonableness, proper authorization, and correct accounting treatment.
• Partnering with the General Manager and department leaders to create an annual budget and generate a 12-month rolling forecast by interpreting Home Office requests and guidance, partnering with the General Manager to manage the process, facilitate meetings, gather required data, and perform analysis.
• Control spending by monitoring expense checkbooks to budget and forecast.
• Supporting the hotel General Manager, department managers, and Home Office with accurate, timely financial accounting and ad hoc management reporting and analysis against key industry financial and performance metrics.
• Coaching and training the hotel leadership and team members in understanding financial information and processes to ensure compliance, drive revenues, control costs, and optimize profit.
• Coordinating with the Information Technology team to ensure system efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability, and assist in system implementations and updates.

Benefits

• Eligible full-time team members are offered a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, and paid time off and paid holidays with eligibility to participate in our 401(k) plan and Employee Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager