Results-driven financial leader with extensive experience in managing all aspects of financial operations. Skilled in optimizing internal controls to mitigate risk, driving financial strategies that support organizational growth, and developing high-performing teams. Adept at streamlining financial processes, enhancing profitability, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. A strategic thinker with a strong track record of improving operational efficiency and delivering measurable business results..
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Controller
Graduate By Hilton Palo Alto- Schulte Hospitality
Louisville, KY
08.2022 - 12.2024
Directed and administered all financial operations, including asset protection, financial reporting, systems management, budgeting, and forecasting.
Engaged in strategic planning and decision-making to enhance profitability, estimate costs/benefits, and explore new business opportunities.
Integral member of the Executive Committee responsible for the conversion of Graduate Hotels to a Hilton property.
Prepared and managed annual budgets, forecasts, and financial reports per corporate guidelines.
Conducted financial analysis to identify market trends, variances, and operational opportunities for improvement.
Monitored and approved all sales, purchases, salaries, and expenses to ensure financial efficiency.
Track capital asset purchases and manages FF&E reserve calculations.
Ensured timely and accurate preparation of financial statements, cash flow statements, and other required reports.
Monitored and managed cash flow, accounts receivable, and accounts payable.
Provided analytical support by monitoring department sales and projecting financial performance.
Coordinated with department heads to implement cost-control initiatives and optimize operational efficiency.
Produced accurate financial forecasts to enable proactive business adjustments.
Ensured compliance with tax regulations, preparing sales, use, and occupancy tax returns.
Facilitated internal and external audits, collaborating with auditors and regulatory agencies.
Established and audits internal financial controls, including purchasing, cash handling, disbursements, payroll, and inventory.
Utilized communication skills to lead, influence, and encourage sound financial decision-making.
Attended executive meetings and communicates financial priorities with corporate offices, owners, and key stakeholders.
Ensured accurate production of daily operating reports for performance tracking.
Identified and manages key capital expenditure projects to improve revenue potential.
Executed special projects and responsibilities as assigned to enhance hotel operations and profitability.
Performed all required preopening functions prior to hotel opening
Accounting Manager / People Services Manager / Front Office Manager
Broughton Hotels Of Chicago
Menlo Park, CA
08.2018 - 09.2020
Oversaw the preparation of reports summarizing and forecasting company business activity, financial position, income, expenses, and earnings based on past, present, and expected operations.
Ensured the timeliness and accuracy of all financial reports.
Managed property cash flow and financial planning.
Worked with Corporate Accounting to prepare and submit monthly financial reports to ownership.
Performed accounting functions, including Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, General Ledger, and Payroll, as needed.
Ensured timely processing of Sales and Transient Occupancy Tax payments.
Processed payroll for 60 employees, including tips, gratuities, 401(k) contributions, and wage garnishments.
Secured staff payment traceability and accurately calculated deductions while managing payroll via ADP Workforce Now and Paychex Flex.
Managed payroll schedules and employee performance review timelines.
Hired, trained, and supervised hotel operations staff, conducted performance evaluations, and provided coaching and counseling.
Established employee handbooks, job descriptions, and compensation packages.
Conducted monthly Food & Beverage inventory processes to ensure financial and operational efficiency.
Attended hotel staff meetings and coordinated with department heads to ensure smooth operations.
Established and maintained policies and procedures for Accounting, Human Resources, and Front Office Operations, ensuring compliance and regulatory adherence.
Worked with department leaders to develop and implement disciplinary actions when necessary.
Established and implemented standard operating procedures for all front office operations at hotel opening.
Set up and managed relationships with new vendors.
Front Office Manager / Group Rooms Coordinator
El Prado Hotel
Palo Alto, CA
10.2016 - 07.2018
Acted as a liaison between the Sales Team, Front Office, and clients to ensure seamless communication and service delivery.
Handled inquiries for the Sales Team and directed them to appropriate managers.
Attended Group Rooms meetings, presenting status reports on blocks and cancellations.
Engaged in daily interactions with the Sales & Catering Department to stay updated on VIPs, amenities, and billing details.
Facilitated clear and effective communication with group contacts, Sales, and Catering Managers.
Attended Pre-Convention meetings as required to support group coordination.
Managed all group reservations, including guestroom blocks, rooming lists, name changes, resumes, billing routes, and master account setups.
Worked closely with the Revenue Manager to process reservation requests, changes, and cancellations via phone, fax, or mail.
Verified room type and rate availability while explaining guarantee, special rate, and cancellation policies to clients.
Input special room reservation types (e.g., complimentary rooms, employee discounts, travel agent inspection rates, and wholesale reservations) using accurate codes and rates in the system.
Ran all relevant reports for group bookings, including Detailed Guest Lists, Detailed Reservation Lists, and Rooming Lists.
Ensured the Front Desk team efficiently checked guests in and out with professionalism and courtesy.
Interviewed, hired, coached, and developed front-of-house team members to maintain high service standards and motivation.
Conducted pre-shift meetings to review important business updates and daily schedules.
Maintained complete knowledge of hotel policies, services, room types, rates, special packages, and promotions.
Responded to guest special requests, needs, and concerns to ensure optimal guest satisfaction and encourage repeat business.
Promoted positive guest relations at all times, fostering a welcoming and professional atmosphere.
Developed and maintained strong relationships with team members across all departments through open communication and face-to-face interactions.
Established par levels for supplies and amenities to ensure adequate inventory for hotel operations.
Maintained a calm, organized approach in high-pressure situations while ensuring a quality work environment.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Tourism And Hospitality Management
University of The South Pacific
Suva, Fiji
01-2012
Skills
StayNTouch Property Management – Training
and Implementation
Knowledge of Opera and Micros
Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable
Cash Management
Month-End Reconciliation
Commission Calculation
Financial Forecasting
Month-End & Year-End Closings
US GAAP Proficiency
Profit and Loss Management
General Ledger Accounting
Financial document review
M3 Accounting Software
ProfitSword / ProfitSage
Infogenisis / Agylisis - POS
Toast
ADP Workforce Now
Paychex Flex
QuickBooks
StayNTouch Property Management – Training & Implementation
Opera & Micros
HMS Property Management System
OnQ Customer Management
ServiceNow Ticketing System
Keypr / Gems / Intelity
Microsoft Office Suite
Google Docs
Training & Development
Customer Service & Relationship Building
Problem Resolution & People Skills
Supervision & Leadership
Timeline
Financial Controller
Graduate By Hilton Palo Alto- Schulte Hospitality
08.2022 - 12.2024
Accounting Manager / People Services Manager / Front Office Manager
Broughton Hotels Of Chicago
08.2018 - 09.2020
Front Office Manager / Group Rooms Coordinator
El Prado Hotel
10.2016 - 07.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Tourism And Hospitality Management