Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Compliance

Controller

Newport, RI, US

CONTROLLER

The Chanler

The Controller at The Chanler is a hands-on financial leader who combines precise financial oversight with high-touch operational agility. In a boutique luxury environment, this role partners closely with the General Manager, ownership, and department heads to safeguard the hotel’s financial health, protect asset value, support operational excellence, and maintain the highest standards of guest service.

The Controller is responsible for overseeing the hotel’s accounting and financial functions while serving as a strategic business partner to leadership. This position requires strong attention to detail, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, luxury hospitality environment.

Core Responsibilities

• Oversee full-cycle accounting operations, including general ledger maintenance, month-end and year-end closing, bank and balance sheet reconciliations, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and cash-flow management.
• Monitor daily financial activity and ensure accurate, timely financial reporting.
• Maintain strong internal controls and financial procedures to protect company assets.
• Analyze financial performance and provide recommendations to the General Manager and ownership.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis

• Assist department heads in preparing the annual operating budget and capital budgets.
• Prepare and maintain monthly forecasts and provide ongoing financial analysis.
• Coach department heads on expense management, budget accountability, productivity, and variance analysis.
• Monitor departmental performance against budget and identify opportunities for improved profitability and cost control.
• Analyze key hotel performance metrics, including ADR, RevPAR, occupancy, and TRevPAR, in partnership with the revenue team.

Payroll & Employee Benefits

• Oversee and ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, including review of payroll reports, hours, adjustments, and related documentation.
• Work closely with management and payroll providers to resolve payroll discrepancies and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
• Assist with the annual health benefits planning and renewal process, including coordination with brokers, reviewing plan options and costs, and communicating changes to management and employees.
• Monitor benefit-related expenses and incorporate anticipated changes into annual budgets and forecasts.
• Maintain and oversee hotel contracts, agreements, and key vendor relationships.
• Review contracts for financial terms, renewal dates, pricing, and other obligations.
• Coordinate contract renewals and work with the General Manager and ownership to evaluate and negotiate terms when appropriate.
• Maintain an organized system for tracking contracts and ensuring timely renewals.

Audit, Tax & Compliance

• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards and local, state, and federal requirements.
• Coordinate annual external audits and provide requested documentation and financial information.
• Oversee required tax filings and work with outside accountants, advisors, and other professionals as needed.
• Ensure appropriate financial controls and procedures are consistently followed.

Insurance & Risk Management

• Manage the annual insurance renewal process in coordination with the hotel’s insurance broker.
• Review insurance coverage, premiums, and proposed changes and communicate recommendations to the General Manager and ownership.
• Oversee property, liability, workers’ compensation, and other insurance claims.
• Monitor potential financial exposure and incorporate anticipated insurance costs into budgets and forecasts.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external IT support firms.
• Oversee IT…