Chief Accountant - Fairmont the Red Sea

Company Description

Raffles & Fairmont the Red Sea, positioned in the kingdom's groundbreaking Red Sea Project, will provide visitors access to a nature-focused resort. with 361 room, eleven distinct dining concepts, including overwater restaurant 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 island, dormant volcanoes, rich marine habitat, and ancient archaeological sites.

The Chief Accountant will be responsible for supporting the Director of Finance (DOF) in managing all operational accounting duties. This role is critical in maintaining accurate financial records, preparing timely reports, and ensuring strict adherence to Accor corporate policies, local KSA financial regulations, and ultra-luxury brand standards. This is a cluster role reporting directly to the Cluster Director of Finance.

• Financial Operations & Reporting.

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Accounting Department, including Accounts Payable (A/P), Accounts Receivable (A/R), General Cashier, and Income Audit functions.
• Prepare and finalize accurate daily, weekly, and monthly financial reports (e.g., flash reports, P&L statements, balance sheet reconciliations).
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll documentation, tax filings (VAT/Zakat), and governmental compliance reports specific to KSA regulations.
• Conduct monthly bank and balance sheet reconciliations to ensure the integrity of the general ledger.

• General Ledger Management.

• Oversee and maintain the hotel's General Ledger, ensuring all entries, accruals, and deferrals are accurately recorded and compliant with USALI and Accor accounting standards.
• Manage the chart of accounts for the cluster properties, ensuring correct allocation of revenues and expenses between Raffles and Fairmont.
• Coordinate and assist with internal and external audits.

• Pre-Opening & System Setup.

• Actively assist the DOF in the financial setup phase, including establishing bank accounts, securing necessary permits, and finalizing the accounting software structure (e.g., SAP, SunSystems) tailored for a cluster operation.
• Develop, document, and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all accounting functions prior to opening.
• Assist in setting up the initial inventory control and procurement systems in collaboration with the Purchasing department.

• Compliance & Internal Controls

• Enforce robust internal controls across all revenue and expenditure areas to safeguard hotel assets and ensure fraud prevention.
• Ensure all financial activities comply with KSA tax laws (VAT, Zakat), labor laws, and Accor global policies.
• Review and verify expense reports, petty cash reimbursements, and purchase requests for adherence to budget and policy.

• Leadership & Support.

• Support the training and supervision of junior accounting staff, including Income Auditors and Accounts Clerks.
• Act as the key point of contact for operational departments regarding finance-related queries and issues.
• Deputize for the Cluster DOF in their absence.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field. Professional certification (CPA, CMA, ACCA, or equivalent) is highly desirable.
• Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of experience as a Chief Accountant or Assistant Director of Finance, preferably within a luxury hotel brand.
• Pre-opening Experience: Proven experience in a hotel pre-opening environment is a must. Experience in a cluster/multi-property environment is a significant advantage.
• Location: Previous work experience in the GCC (specifically KSA or Qatar/UAE) is strongly preferred.
• Technical Skills: Expert proficiency with accounting software (e.g., SunSystems, SAP), Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, and Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI).
• Language: Fluency in written and spoken English is required; Arabic proficiency is an advantage.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous and highly accurate in numerical data and report preparation.
• Time Management: Proven ability to meet stringent deadlines in a high-pressure environment.
• Integrity: Possesses the highest ethical standards regarding financial controls and confidentiality.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills for dealing effectively with departmental heads and external auditors.
• Understanding of Ultra-Luxury guest expectations and brand alignment.
• experience in project coordination, scheduling, and document control during pre-Opening stages.
• Experience in pre-opening is a must.
• A proactive, anticipatory approach with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Impeccable grooming and personal presentation aligned with Luxury standards.