Chief Accountant - Raffles the Red Sea

Chief Accountant - Raffles the Red Sea

Raffles Hotels & Resorts

Company Description

Raffles & Fairmont the Red Sea, positioned in the kingdom's groundbreaking Red Sea Project, will provide visitors access to two nature-focused resorts. With 361 rooms and 11 distinct dining concepts-including an overwater restaurant with views of the Red Sea and the mangroves, and a spa-Raffles The Red Sea will be a sanctuary of refined elegance and timeless luxury, nestled within Saudi Arabia's extraordinary Red Sea destination.

Responsibilities

• Financial Operations & Reporting.
• Manage 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.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Competencies: Attention to Detail - meticulous and highly accurate in numerical data and report preparation.
• Competencies: Time Management - proven ability to meet stringent deadlines in a high-pressure environment.
• Competencies: Integrity - possesses the highest ethical standards regarding financial controls and confidentiality.
• Competencies: Communication - excellent interpersonal skills for dealing effectively with departmental heads and external auditors.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Accounting/Auditing and Finance

Industries: Hospitality