Financial Controller - Saij Mountain Retreat by Mantis

Mantis is a leading, conservation-focused hotel group with eco-lodges, waterways and eco-escapes located all over the world. Sustainable travellers have been enjoying eco-tourism, safaris and adventure travel with Mantis since 2000. Rooted in conservation, Mantis pursues sustainable business practices and develops tourism products that are respectful of the environment and communities in which they operate.

Whether small and intimate or vast and complex, on a sweeping African plain, beach-side escape or bustling city, each is an exceptional place for guests to find themselves. While uniquely different in the experiences they offer, all are linked through a collective obsession to be extraordinary, to be rare in a world that mass-produces sameness.

Financial Controller

Financial Controller will steer the financial operations during the pre- and post-opening phase. Acting as the property's strategic financial business leader, it encompasses the development and implementation of property-wide strategies to deliver products and services that meet or exceed the needs of the brand's target customers and property employees. You will provides the necessary financial expertise for the successful implementation of the brand service strategy and initiatives, while also maximising the return on investment. In addition, this position formulates and executes a business plan aligned with the property and brand's strategy, focusing on financial activities to achieve the desired results.

What is in it for you

• Engage in conservation efforts and help preserve wildlife.
• Enjoy sustainable adventures with exclusive rewards.
• Celebrate locality and heritage in a vibrant community.
• Advance your career with global development opportunities.
• Drive change through impactful social initiatives.
• Collaborate with a passionate, innovative team.
• Achieve success with a forward-thinking, excellence-driven company.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning and Strategy:

• Develop and implement comprehensive financial strategies aligned with the resort’s overall business objectives.
• Collaborate with senior management to align financial goals with the pre-opening and operational plans.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Prepare detailed operating and capital budgets with accurate revenue and expense forecasts.
• Monitor performance against budgets, identify variances, and recommend corrective actions.

Financial Reporting and Analysis:

• Generate timely and accurate financial reports, providing insights into financial performance.
• Conduct in-depth analyses to identify trends, risks, and opportunities to support decision-making.

Treasury and Cash Flow Management:

• Manage the resort’s cash flow to ensure adequate liquidity for operational needs.
• Optimise banking relationships and negotiate favourable financial terms with banks and vendors.

Internal Controls and Compliance:

• Establish and maintain strong internal control systems to protect assets and minimise risks.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, reporting standards, and corporate policies.

Financial Team Leadership:

• Lead, mentor, and manage the finance team, providing training and performance feedback.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing, and results-oriented team culture.

Pre-Opening Financial Oversight:

• Oversee all financial aspects of the resort’s pre-opening phase, including vendor negotiations, procurement of assets, and pre-opening staffing budgets.
• Coordinate with various departments to ensure smooth financial operations during the transition to the operational phase.

Stakeholder Communication and Reporting:

• Provide financial guidance and strategic advice to senior management.
• Prepare and present financial reports to key stakeholders, highlighting performance and strategic recommendations.

• Work Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience as a Finance Manager (No. 2 in a larger property) or as a Financial Controller (No. 1 in a smaller property) in the UAE.

• Education: A Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a relevant discipline from a reputable university.
• Skills: Excellent presentation and communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for conveying financial information clearly.
• Leadership: The ability to lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing finance team is paramount.
• Business Acumen:  Knowledge of financial regulations and accounting standards in the UAE hospitality industry is essential. A comprehensive understanding of financial regulations and accounting practices is required.

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.

Why work for Accor? We are far more than a worldwide leader. We welcome you as you are and you can find a job and brand that matches your personality. We support you to grow and learn every day, making sure that work brings purpose to your life, so that during your journey with us, you can continue to explore Accor’s limitless possibilities.

By joining Accor, every chapter of your story is yours to write and together we can imagine tomorrow's hospitality. Discover the life that awaits you at Accor, visit https://careers.accor.com/

About Mantis Collection: Mantis is a boutique hospitality group that was founded by conservationist Adrian Gardiner in 2000, with its main focus predominantly in Africa and the Middle East. Mantis grew from Adrian’s vision to restore and rewild degraded farmland which he developed into a widely-acclaimed Private Game Reserve. This was the first private game reserve in the Eastern Cape and the beginning of eco-tourism in a poverty-stricken province that had few opportunities outside of commercial farming. Adrian and the Mantis team successfully created a place where man and nature could co-exist sustainably. From this initial success, the Mantis model was then developed worldwide, understanding that consumers could use the Mantis portfolio as a mark of quality, consistency and character. Today the diverse portfolio of handpicked properties links up to create travel journeys, which offer guests the opportunity to experience the essence of the location in a setting of tailored luxury. Rooted in conservation, Mantis pursues sustainable business practices and develops tourism products that are respectful of the environment and communities in which they operate.

Do what you love, care for the world, dare to challenge the status quo! #BELIMITLESS