syed Hussain

Job Description
Lead financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting in alignment with corporate strategy and long-term business objectives.
• Ensure compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI).
• Oversee financial audits, internal controls, and risk management across properties, ensuring robust governance and transparency.
• Provide financial insights, in-depth analysis, and recommendations to support senior management decision-making, contributing to overall business strategy.
• Supervise and mentor the finance team, including corporate financial controllers, property-level finance teams, and purchasing departments, ensuring smooth operations and alignment with company objectives.
• Oversee cash flow management, working capital optimization, and ensure compliance with hotel management agreements.
• Manage property audits, including developing value-added financial reports and providing strategic financial advice to enhance operational performance.
• Monitor and report on financial performance, including variance analysis, benchmarking, and key performance indicators such as GOPPAR and RevPAR.
• Oversee HR functions and related expenditure, ensuring alignment with financial goals, including recruitment, benefits, payroll, and training costs.
• Develop and maintain the company’s insurance policies (including medical) to ensure adequate coverage at both corporate and property levels.
• Oversee tax strategy and compliance, ensuring all financial operations adhere to local and international tax regulations.
• Lead capital expenditure (CAPEX) and investment planning to align financial resources with long-term growth and sustainability goals.
• Collaborate with ownership groups, external auditors, and third-party consultants to maintain transparency and trust in financial operations.
• Ensure the effective use of financial software systems, driving automation and efficiencies in reporting and analysis.
• Communicate financial performance, forecasts, and strategies to stakeholders, including the board, ownership groups, and senior management.

Qualifications & Experience:
• 10+ years of senior-level finance experience, preferably within the hospitality industry.
• Proven expertise in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI).
• Chartered Accountant or postgraduate degree in Finance/Accounting; additional certifications in hospitality finance or management are a plus.
• Extensive audit experience is essential, with a strong understanding of internal control frameworks.
• Experience as an Owner’s representative or in dealing with ownership groups is an advantage.
• Proficiency in English; fluency in Arabic is highly desirable.
• Advanced knowledge of financial systems and software, such as Oracle, SAP, Opera, or SunSystems.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a proven ability to mentor and develop high-performing finance teams.
• Experience with key hospitality performance metrics, including GOPPAR, RevPAR, and other industry-specific KPIs.
• Expertise in tax strategy and compliance, particularly in multinational or multi-property environments.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.