Cluster Director of Finance & Business Support (Pre-opening)

Raffles & Fairmont Red Sea positioned in the Kingdom’s groundbreaking Red Sea Project, will provide visitors access to a nature-focused resort. With 361 rooms, eleven distinct dining concepts, including overwater restaurants with views of the Red Sea and the mangroves, and a spa. The resort will be situated next to an 18 hole championship golf course, reflecting Fairmont’s association as a world class golf destination. It will set new standards in sustainable development, positioned on 200km of untouched coastline, an archipelago of more than 90 unspoiled islands, dormant volcanoes, rich marine habitat, and ancient archaeological sites.

Job Purpose

This position is responsible for the overall financial management of the Hotel including financial reporting, budget and forecasts preparation, as well as the development and maintenance of adequate internal accounting control policies and procedures to ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles or international financial reporting standards.

Key Interactions

Internally

• All department heads
• Owner / Owner’s representative
• Corporate Office for Raffles & Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Externally

• Government bodies
• Accounting / Finance Association
• Banks
• Financial Agencies
• Vendors & Suppliers

Primary Responsibilities

Accounting & Finance

• Set up financial systems and processes in Pre-opening of Cluster properties
• Set up and oversee the daily operations of the Finance department

• Direct and coordinate hotel financial planning and Pre-opening & budget management functions

• Monitor and analyze monthly operating results against Pre-opening budget (POB)

• Direct and coordinate debt financing and debt service payments with external agencies

• Prepare annual reports of actual revenues, transfers, and expenses
• Ensure compliance of internal and external audits

• Analyze financial outlooks and prepare financial forecasts

• Prepare financial analysis for contract negotiations and product investment decisions

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal budgetary reporting requirements

• Establish and implement short- and long-range departmental goals, objectives, policies and operating procedures

• Maintain an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish the department’s goals and objectives

• Serve as primary legislative liaison relative to company financial issues

• Direct financial audits and provide recommendations for procedural improvements

• Conduct regular checks on procedures for purchasing, receiving, storing, issuing, food preparing and portioning

Team Management

• Interview, select and recruit direct reports from pre-opening through to operational 

• Identify and develop team members with potential

• Conduct performance review and manages performance issues that arise within the management team

• Constantly monitor team members performance, attitude and degree of professionalism

• Work with Talent & Culture function to ensure appropriate hiring, training, motivating, coaching, counselling and development of team members according to the changing needs of the business

• Conduct monthly departmental meetings to provide information to team members, obtain their feedback, rectify issues and provide a regular forum for department communication

Other Responsibilities

• Attend all briefings, meetings and trainings as assigned by management

• Maintain a high standard of personal appearance and hygiene at all times

• Be aware of the hotel fire & life safety/emergency procedures

• Perform other reasonable duties assigned by the assigned by the Management
• Set up Pre-opening Chart of Accounts of both Cluster properties.

Main Complexity/Critical issues in the Job

Ensure that both internal control as well as external expenditure must be properly recorded and handled with high integrity and honesty.

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting / Finance
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a senior finance or accounting position or 2 years of experience in a similar cluster capacity
• High degree of professionalism with strong understanding of business acumen
• Excellent reading, writing and oral proficiency in English language
• Proficient in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and relevant financial and accounting reporting systems
• Fully conversant in accounting principles and financial regulation standards

Competencies

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication and customer contact skills
• Results and service oriented with an eye for details
• Ability to multi-task, work well in stressful & high-pressure situations
• A team player & builder
• A motivator & self-starter
• Well-presented and professionally groomed at all times
• Pre-opening experience highly advantageous 
• Working Experience in remote location