Excel
Desmond Lee Hue
Orlando,Florida
Overview
45
45
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Director of Finance, Onboarding
Highgate Hotels L.P.
Irving, Texas
04.2022 - 09.2024
- Company Overview: Highgate Hotels is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company
- Responsible for the Onboarding and Transitioning of newly acquired properties to the Highgate Full Services Portfolio
- Upon the signing of the HMA/AMA and a transition date is established it is my responsibility to set up the new Business Unit and assign the appropriate Business Unit Number after requesting appropriate documents for set up
- Establish date for the post-closing true-up of the proration schedule if applicable
- Build out business in Accounting System and request property documents such as Chart of Accounts, Trial Balances and all Financial Statements, General Ledger Details, Balance Sheet Reconciliations and AP Vendor list
- Map and post historical data in new accounting system
- Work with Treasury Department to set up bank accounts and merchant IDs (MIDs) etc
- On day one of transition ensure appropriate users have access to bank accounts and appropriate signature cards are in place
- Provide access to Credit Card Processors and Chargebacks for relevant finance team members
- Validate that Working Capital is received in Operating Account
- Request access to the various accounting systems for the appropriate users
- The transition period is usually approximately six (6) weeks during which time, a complete Onboarding is done with the DOF along with appropriate training of the accounting staff (A/P, Income Journal, General Ledger, Purchasing) in all aspects of the new Accounting System
- SOPs are distributed to and reviewed with accounting and appropriate departments
- In addition to the above, work with other departments to ensure all interfaces and computer systems are properly installed and functioning
- Also work with various Brands to ensure that users are properly trained, and correct information freely flows
- DOF and Accounting staff are trained in the month-end process to meet the closing deadlines
- P&L are produced reviewed with the GM and local managers before reviewed by the corporate personnel and distributed to owners based on timeline specified in HMA/AMA
- Performs duties of the DOF in the event there is none at Transition
- In addition to transitions also performs Task Force duties
- Task Force duties range from special accounting projects including Balance Sheet Reconciliations to performing duties as Director of Finance as needed
- In addition to the above also performs the duties of Onboarding the new Director of Finance to insure proper onboarding in all aspects of the Highgate Finance Discipline including Financial Statement, Forecast and Budget preparations
- Highgate Hotels is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company
Financial Controller
EL ENCANTO, A Belmond Hotel
Santa Barbara, CA
04.2021 - 04.2022
- Company Overview: A luxury historic boutique hotel in Santa Barbara, California
- Responsible for the day-to-day finances, accounting and operating functions of this Luxury Historic Boutique Hotel in the Santa Barbara Hills overlooking the beautiful Santa Barbara Coastline
- The hotel consists of ninety-two suites, bungalows and room plus restaurant, bar, and lounge along with the Spa, zero-edge pool situated on a 7-acre garden offering watersports activities including cave diving, polo, and wineries
- There are also indoor and outdoor event spaces for meetings, weddings, and conferences
- Rehired and trained the entire new accounting team to meet the tight closing deadlines as demanded by Belmond Corporate office and LVMH ownership
- Implemented new and reinstated some old Policies and Procedures throughout the hotels to streamline the operations for more efficient and profitable operation
- Manage hotel’s budgeting, forecasting and Cash Flow process for monthly reporting and meetings with the Divisional and Corporate Offices
- Collaborated with external auditors to complete 2020 audit
- Assist the General Manager and Executive Committee members in understanding and controlling their budget and expenses
- Also collaborate with staff to understand Accounting Policies and Procedures for compliance adherence with the 11th Edition of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry
- A luxury historic boutique hotel in Santa Barbara, California
Director of Finance
RESORTS & RESIDENCES by CUISINART
Anguilla
10.2018 - 03.2021
- Company Overview: A luxury Caribbean villa resort consisting of two world-renowned resorts
- Responsible for the day-to-day finances; accounting and operating functions of this Luxury Caribbean Villa Resort consisting of two world renowned resorts – CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa and The Reef by CuisinArt, along with Estate Homes & Residences including an 18 Hole Greg Norman Signature Design Championship Golf Course as well as Spa, Tennis, Fitness and Watersports operations
- The resort consists of a combined total of 181 luxury rooms and villas along with six restaurants, two bar-lounges and a 5,000 square-foot meeting facility/ ballroom for Meetings & Special Events
- Organized and implemented a new system; consolidating five different operating entities into one consolidated operation and produced one Consolidated Financial Statement for a much smoother effective operation
- Assisted in the implementation and training of various new software introductions throughout the property
- Monitor and review monthly financials with management team before presenting to ownership
- Prepared Budgets and Reports for owner representative
- Manage hotel’s budgeting, forecasting and Cash Flow for weekly reporting and meetings with the President/Managing Director and efficiently manage cash outflow and inflow within both US and Local banks
- Revised Accounting Policies and Procedures for compliance adherence with the 11th Edition of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry
- A luxury Caribbean villa resort consisting of two world-renowned resorts
Controller
GRAND ISLE RESORT & SPA
Great Exuma, Bahamas
05.2017 - 09.2018
- Company Overview: An exclusive luxury Caribbean villa resort
- Responsible for the day-to-day finance, accounting and operating functions of this exclusive Luxury Caribbean Villa Resort consisting of 78 Luxury Villas, one main restaurant with bar and Spa
- Work alongside Trust Hospitality, the Management Company, and the Board of Directors for both the Resort and Homeowners Association, Managers, and staff for an efficient and effective operation
- Produced the Consolidated Financials for both the Resort and Homeowners Association
- Review the monthly Financials with the management company and board before presenting to the Villa Owners by posting to the Owners Website
- Prepared Budgets and Reports for presentation at Annual General Meeting of owners
- Manage hotel’s budgeting, forecasting and Cash Flow with weekly reporting and meetings with the Board Treasurer and efficiently manage cash outflows and inflows for both the US and Local bank accounts
- Spearheaded the completion of the External Audit that was a few years behind
- An exclusive luxury Caribbean villa resort
Director of Finance
HALF MOON
Montego Bay, Jamaica
10.2015 - 03.2017
- Company Overview: An exclusive 5 Star Golf Caribbean Resort
- Responsible for the day-to-day finance, accounting, and operating functions of this exclusive 5 Star Golf Caribbean Resort with 398 Rooms including 31 Villas, over 8 Restaurants and Bars along with an awarding winning Spa, Golf, and other Activities
- Work alongside the Board of Trustees, Directors, and Asset Managers along with the General Manager and Senior Executive Staff to coordinate a smooth and effective operation
- Produced the Consolidated Financials for both the hotel and golf companies
- Review the monthly Financials with and present annual results and budget to the board and Asset Managers
- Manage hotel’s budgeting and forecasting resulting in positive flow
- Work with Asset Managers to provide owners with monthly cash flow to assist with important operational and capital expenditure decisions
- Efficiently manage cash for both US and Local Bank Accounts and ensure collections are timely and Accounts Payables and payments coincide with collections
- Introduced new Accounting, PMS, POS, and Payroll software thereby providing employees with more cost effective and efficient operational tools
- Revised Accounting Policies and Procedures to follow the 11th Edition of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry
- Revised the Gratuity Distribution System to a rational and equitable distribution system
- Worked with accounting staff to produce accurate and timely reports and schedules for the External Auditors resulting in the timely completion of external audits
- Work with local Government authorities to ensure the hotel is following all local and statutory laws
- An exclusive 5 Star Golf Caribbean Resort
Chief Financial Officer
CAP JULUCA HOTEL
Anguilla, AI
11.2012 - 10.2015
- Company Overview: An exclusive 5 Star Caribbean Resort
- Responsible for the day-to-day finance, accounting, and operating functions of this exclusive 5 Star Caribbean Resort
- Work alongside 2 Directors and engaged in every aspect of the management of this property due to the unfavorable conditions under which the hotel had to operate due to the absence of a Property General Manager and key Executive Management Staff
- Produce Financials for both the hotel company as well as parent company
- Manage hotel’s budgeting and forecasting resulting in positive flow
- Took hotel from negative to positive flow within one year despite declining operational conditions
- Collaborate with Directors to provide owners with monthly cash flow to assist with important operational and capital expenditure decisions
- Efficiently manage cash for both US and Local Bank Accounts and ensure collections are timely and Accounts Payables and payments coincide with collections
- Introduced new modern computer hardware and software thereby providing employees with more cost-effective and efficient operational tools
- Introduced and monitored employee schedule to control payroll expenses
- Modernized the Purchasing system to control purchasing and operational expenses
- Collaborated with various brokers to provide hotels with adequate and affordable insurance
- An exclusive 5 Star Caribbean Resort
DESMOND M LEE HUE HOSPITALITY CONSULTING
Orlando, Florida
12.2011 - 11.2012
- Company Overview: Accounting, Finance and Business Consulting professional assisting companies in the Hospitality Industry
- Accounting, Finance and Business Consulting professional assisting companies in the Hospitality Industry
- Accounting, Finance and Business Consulting professional assisting companies in the Hospitality Industry
General Manager
EDGEWATER SOUTH BEACH
Miami, Florida
07.2011 - 10.2011
- Company Overview: Managed by Tecton Hospitality/ Desires now Trust Hospitality
- Responsible for daily operations
- Ensure adherence to corporate financial and operational procedures at maximum levels
- Manage office operations, including cash control, bookkeeping, and payroll functions
- Identify and proactively manage repair and maintenance issues
- Recognize capital expenditure needs and assist with any pertinent projects
- Utilized revenue management to maximize financial performance
- Prepared as well as Maintained budgets by administering effective P & L analysis in conjunction with cost and inventory control
- Promoted property sales and marketing while cultivating the optimum quality of services
- Maintained a healthy work environment and administered the hiring and termination of employees
- Managed by Tecton Hospitality/ Desires now Trust Hospitality
BUCCAMENT BAY RESORT
St Vincent and the Grenadines
03.2010 - 07.2011
TECTON HOSPITALITY/DESIRES HOTELS
07.2007 - 03.2010
OMNI ORLANDO RESORT at CHAMPIONSGATE
Orlando, Florida
03.2005 - 06.2007
THE FLORIDA MALL HOTEL
Orlando, Florida
05.2004 - 03.2005
- Company Overview: Formerly The Adam’s Mark Orlando
- Formerly The Adam’s Mark Orlando
ADAMS MARK ORLANDO
Orlando, Florida
06.1997 - 05.2004
ADAMS MARK HOTELS & RESORTS
11.1995 - 05.2004
THE PEABODY ORLANDO HOTEL
Orlando, Florida
08.1986 - 11.1995
QUALITY INN HIGH Q
Orlando, Florida
02.1986 - 06.1986
AMERICANA OCHO RIOS
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
02.1982 - 06.1985
INTER_CONTINENTAL HOTEL
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
07.1979 - 01.1982
Education
Bachelor of Science - Management Major- Accounting Minor
University of The West Indies
Kingston, Jamaica 09.1976 - 06.1979
Summary
Dedicated Hospitality Finance professional with a history of meeting company goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives. Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.
Skills
- Cash flow management
- Internal controls
- GAAP compliance
- Cost control
- Audit management
- General ledger accounting
- General ledger entry
- Account analysis
- Reporting
- Internal controls implementation
- Account reconciliation
- Financial reporting and analysis
- Budget planning
- Regulatory compliance
- Audit coordination
- Financial statement preparation
Certification
CHAE - Certified Hospitality Accounting Executive
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 24 staff members.
- Collaborated with team of 3 in the development of Service Charge Distribution System.
- Achieved 20% F&B Cost Reduction through effectively helping with implementing new Purchasing Syatem.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Affiliations
- HFTP
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
On-SiteRemoteHybridImportant To Me
Company CultureWork-life balanceCareer advancementQuote
Almost everything worthwhile carries with it some sort of risk, whether it’s starting a new business, whether it’s leaving home, whether it’s getting married, or whether it’s flying into space.
Chris Hadfield
Software
Oracle
M3
Profit Sword
Blackline
Opera
OnQ
Birchstreet
Broadvine
Languages
English
Native language
Timeline
Director of Finance, Onboarding
Highgate Hotels L.P.
04.2022 - 09.2024
Financial Controller
EL ENCANTO, A Belmond Hotel
04.2021 - 04.2022
Director of Finance
RESORTS & RESIDENCES by CUISINART
10.2018 - 03.2021
Controller
GRAND ISLE RESORT & SPA
05.2017 - 09.2018
Director of Finance
HALF MOON
10.2015 - 03.2017
Chief Financial Officer
CAP JULUCA HOTEL
11.2012 - 10.2015
DESMOND M LEE HUE HOSPITALITY CONSULTING
12.2011 - 11.2012
General Manager
EDGEWATER SOUTH BEACH
07.2011 - 10.2011
BUCCAMENT BAY RESORT
03.2010 - 07.2011
TECTON HOSPITALITY/DESIRES HOTELS
07.2007 - 03.2010
OMNI ORLANDO RESORT at CHAMPIONSGATE
03.2005 - 06.2007
THE FLORIDA MALL HOTEL
05.2004 - 03.2005
ADAMS MARK ORLANDO
06.1997 - 05.2004
ADAMS MARK HOTELS & RESORTS
11.1995 - 05.2004
THE PEABODY ORLANDO HOTEL
08.1986 - 11.1995
QUALITY INN HIGH Q
02.1986 - 06.1986
AMERICANA OCHO RIOS
02.1982 - 06.1985
INTER_CONTINENTAL HOTEL
07.1979 - 01.1982
Bachelor of Science - Management Major- Accounting Minor
University of The West Indies
09.1976 - 06.1979
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