Director of Finance

The Director, Finance & Business Support is a hands on role that provides strategic leadership, functional guidance and valuable insights to operation leaders, partners, executive committee and department heads in order to achieve optimal business decisions. Interacting with hotel’s legal counsel, insurance companies, tax consultants, auditors, and commercial and government banks to effectively control the assets of the business. This role requires a team leader with motivational abilities to develop a team of dedicated finance professionals. Strong accounting, communication, business presentation and analytical skills with a systems background are desired qualities.

What is in it for you:

• Experience living in Banff National Park in the iconic location of Lake Louise
• Subsidized staff accommodation provided on-site for full time status
• Access to our Lifestyle Program activities
• One duty meal in our newly renovated staff cafeteria
• Competitive extended benefits package including medical, vision and dental for full time permanent status
• Employee Travel Program
• Comprehensive Wellness Platform (LifeWorks)
• Discounts on food & beverage/fitness centre/spa/golf
• Opportunity to develop your talent and grow within Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and over 5,000 properties with Accor

What you will be doing:

• Embrace an established culture of business support by partnering with the Hotel Leaders for achieving optimal operating performance for Accor and ownership returns by proactively managing all measured KPI’s.
• Ensure compliance with FHR accounting policies and procedures including focus on self-audits as well as internal and external audits required.
• Responsible for overall accounting and financially-related activities of the hotel, which includes accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, credit, systems management, cash management, food and beverage cost control, receiving, purchasing, food stores, yield management, capital planning and budgeting.
• Coordination and preparation of annual operating and capital budgets, strategic plans, annual audit financial reports, analysis of budgets, short-term forecasts, planning support and financial interpretation.
• Completion of month end duties; P&L, forecast, commentary, inventories.
• Work closely with the company Centralized Accounting System Delivery team in order to provide feedback and ensure accurate and timely process of Accounts Payable and Income Audit workflow, and balance sheets accounts reconciliation.
• Analyze and review trends related to operating techniques, ensuring optimum utilization of resources and maximum ROI on theoretical GOP flow thru
• Key member of the executive team at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise supporting hotel initiatives and providing support and guidance to all colleagues and leaders.
• Active involvement in the development of business and strategic plans, including participation in annual hotel and individual goal setting and achievement.
• Assist in identification and development of profit improvement opportunities. Including preparation and analysis of ROI and cost benefit scenarios.
• Participate in the growth and success of the property through active and creative involvement in the executive decision-making process and the hotel’s strategic plan implementation.
• Recruit and train all new colleagues to ensure excellent service and consistency in the accounting office.
• Lead and develop colleagues within accounting and foster on-going training and development for both colleagues and the leadership team.
• Monitor employee performance through positive feedback, performance management, annual performance reviews, recognition practices and consistent follow-up.
• Host monthly departmental communication meetings.
• Promotes a safe and well work environment with emphasis on health, safety and work - life balance. Ensure a clean and safe working environment, and actively participate in health and safety initiatives.
• Adhere to all hotel environmental policies and initiatives.
• Carry out any other tasks as assigened

Your experience and skills include:

• Professional designation or an acceptable university degree with appropriate specialization in Accounting required.
• Previous experience as a hotel Director of Finance or Controller preferred or equivalent of 5 years of progressive Accounting experience.
• Superior skills in computer technology and applications. Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office required (Excel in particular). Experience with accounting systems or similar financial software for the purpose of financial reporting, analysis and presentation (i.e. Birchstreet procurement software, Sun GFS back of the house, Watson labor management tool, Electronic Time Clocks or other time & attendance products and Hyperion Financial Reporting System). Familiarity with hotel operating systems and software, such as POS software (i.e. Silverware) and Opera PMS an asset.
• Leadership and coaching skills with a proven track record of developing a highly-motivated, trained group of progressive accounting professionals.
• Excellent administrative, interpersonal and organizational skills required
• Experience that demonstrates a progressive environment of colleague growth, development, interdepartmental teamwork and exceptional guest service.
• Self‑motivated, with the ability to make effective decisions.
• Ability to maintain high service levels under pressure.

You may be required to work on holidays, weekends, overnights and other non-day shifts. Submission of your application to Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise indicates that you are able to meet these requirements as needed.

Your team and working environment:

• Fast-paced, upscale, luxury hotel
• Close proximity to multiple ski resorts in winter and world-renowned hiking trails in summer
• Hospitality employees worldwide making this a great place to develop lifelong connections

Visa Requirements: Must be legally eligible to work in Canada. The hotel is unable to assist candidates in obtaining Canadian work authorization.

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