Summary:
This role is part of the Chicago-based Accounting Team with responsibilities that include the following:
- Leading the Accounting Team, reviewing and assisting in the preparation of the monthly, quarterly, and year-end financials, schedules, and reconciliations.
- Providing mentorship for the Accounting Team, fostering a culture that reflects company values.
- Analyzing and recording recurring, non-recurring, and/or technically complex business transactions.
- Developing, maintaining, and monitoring accounting policies and procedures.
- Serving as lead on various accounting operational projects in addition to daily responsibilities.
- This leader will report to the VP and Controller and be based at the Corporate Headquarters in Chicago, IL.
Responsibilities
- This role has two direct reports at the manager level and ten indirect reports at the staff and senior levels.
- Provide training and development opportunities to ensure staff proficiency and professional growth.
- Produce and analyze weekly/monthly KPIs, dashboards, and analytics to measure and improve performance.
- Guide the accounting/financial operations of 21 operating properties, with one additional property added by early 2025, with a growth-oriented mindset to plan and accommodate additional operating expansion in the future.
- Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting for each property.
- Analyze operating performance against budgets and forecasts.
- Develop and implement financial policies and procedures to ensure consistency across properties.
- Ensure data consistency and integration across all properties.
- Identify and drive process standardization, optimization, consistent reporting, and analysis of shared services activities for operating properties.
- Identify and implement changes to reduce cycle time and improve efficiency and accuracy.
- Oversee the implementation and maintenance of accounting systems and software.
- Build and maintain relationships with on-property Directors of Finance and Regional Directors of Finance
- Communicate financial results and performance metrics to senior management and stakeholders.
- Liaise with external partners, including auditors, banks, and regulatory agencies.
- Plan, organize, and coordinate the month-end and year-end close process, including year-end external audit
- Develop, refresh, and maintain accounting policies and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
- Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure the integrity of financial records.
- Coordinate and support internal and external audits.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- CPA certification required
- Experience: Demonstrated experience as a people manager. Minimum of 10 years of accounting experience, with experience in a leadership role (5+ years in a leadership role strongly preferred)
- Skills: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Proficiency in accounting software and financial reporting systems. Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
- Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of hospitality industry financial practices, GAAP, and regulatory requirements.
- Proficient in using accounting software and highly skilled in Microsoft Excel – macros, v-lookups, and pivot tables
- High level of organization and ability to manage and develop a team
- Ability to work from our Chicago Corporate Headquarters on a hybrid-remote work schedule (M/F optional work from home and T/W/TH in-office)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with hotels and/or theme parks preferred
- Experience in a shared service environment and the ability to occasionally travel