Finance and Business Support Manager

Job description

The Finance & Business Support Manager is responsible for managing the hotel's day-to-day financial operations, ensuring effective financial controls, accurate reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow management and business support. The role will lead and empower the Finance team while partnering with the General Manager and Heads of Department to drive profitability, manage hotel assets, control costs and support sound commercial decisions in line with IHG standards and policies. Key Responsibilities Financial Management • Direct and oversee the day-to-day financial activities of the hotel. • Lead, coach and empower the Finance team to deliver their responsibilities effectively. • Ensure accurate accounting, recording and reporting of all hotel financial transactions. • Maintain an effective and centralised accounting environment. • Ensure timely completion of daily, monthly and year-end financial activities. • Monitor cash flow, working capital and overall financial health of the hotel. • Ensure proper management and safeguarding of hotel assets. Guest Billing & Revenue Controls • Ensure guest bills, city ledger and other revenue transactions are accurate and properly accounted for. • Review daily revenue and night audit reports. • Ensure all revenue is properly captured, reconciled and reported. • Support resolution of guest billing and financial queries in coordination with the relevant departments. • Monitor cash handling, deposits and credit card settlements. Financial Planning & Analysis • Prepare and support annual budgets, business plans and monthly forecasts. • Conduct financial analysis and provide meaningful insights to the General Manager and management team. • Review actual performance against budget and forecast and highlight key variances. • Identify opportunities for revenue enhancement, cost optimisation and improved profitability. • Participate in management, commercial and sales strategy meetings and provide relevant financial inputs. • Support review of room rates, pricing decisions and commercial strategies from a financial perspective. Cost Control & Hotel Asset Management • Monitor departmental costs and operating expenses against approved budgets. • Review purchasing, inventory, operating supplies and other hotel expenses. • Ensure proper controls over hotel assets, inventory and capital expenditure. • Conduct periodic stock and asset verification. • Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining guest experience and brand standards. Accounts Payable & Cash Flow • Manage accounts payable activities and ensure invoices are properly reviewed, approved and processed. • Ensure timely payments to suppliers while maintaining healthy cash flow. • Monitor supplier balances and outstanding payments. • Maintain professional relationships with suppliers and protect the hotel's reputation through timely and accurate payment processes. • Review vendor reconciliations and resolve discrepancies. Accounts Receivable & Credit Control • Monitor city ledger, company accounts, OTA receivables and other outstanding balances. • Ensure timely collection of receivables. • Monitor ageing and take appropriate follow-up actions. • Ensure proper reconciliation of customer accounts. Financial Controls & Compliance • Ensure all financial control procedures are ethical, transparent and compliant with applicable laws and regulations. • Ensure compliance with IHG financial policies, procedures, Local Laws & Statutory Compliance and internal controls. • Ensure appropriate approvals, segregation of duties and supporting documentation are maintained. • Coordinate GST, TDS and other applicable statutory requirements. • Support internal, external, statutory and IHG audits. • Ensure timely closure of audit observations and implementation of corrective actions. Business Support • Act as a financial business partner to the General Manager and Heads of Department. • Provide financial guidance to operational teams to improve cost awareness and accountability. • Support decision-making through accurate financial information and analysis. • Work closely with Sales & Marketing, Operations, HR, Procurement and other departments. • Provide financial inputs for business initiatives, contracts, capital expenditure and operational decisions. People Management • Lead, develop and motivate the Finance & Business Support team. • Clearly communicate responsibilities, priorities and expectations. • Monitor team performance and ensure timely completion of deliverables. • Provide coaching, feedback and development opportunities. • Build a culture of integrity, accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement. Key Performance Indicators • Hotel profitability / GOP performance • Budget and forecast accuracy • Revenue and financial reporting accuracy • Accounts receivable ageing and collection • Accounts payable ageing • Cash-flow management • Cost control and departmental variance • Inventory and asset variance • Timely month-end closing • Audit compliance • IHG financial control compliance • Team productivity and development Qualifications & Experience Education • Bachelor's degree or higher education qualification in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or a related field. Experience • Minimum 4–6 years of relevant finance/accounting experience, preferably in the hotel industry. • Alternatively, relevant experience in hotel accounting or internal audit with supervisory/leadership experience. • Experience in a branded hotel environment, preferably IHG, will be an advantage. • Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered. Technical Skills • Strong knowledge of hotel accounting and financial controls. • Good understanding of budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis. • Knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit control and cash-flow management.