Director of Finance / Financial Controller

Novotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Hotel that makes every moment matter

Situated in the Golden Triangle of Kuala Lumpur, the hotel offers a convenient position between the PETRONAS Twin Towers and Bukit Bintang. Within a short stroll of less than five minutes, guests can easily reach the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and shopping destinations such as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Suria KLCC. With 302 rooms, all of which are smoke-free with various amenities including complimentary WIFI, 24-hour room service, built-in drinking water filtration, and an ergonomic working desk.

Culinary delights await at Food Exchange, where you can indulge in a diverse selection of international and local cuisine at this all-day dining restaurant. For socialising or refreshment, Gourmet Bar offers a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Guests staying on our premier floors or holding Accor Platinum and Diamond memberships enjoy exclusive access to Premier Lounge. Stay active with our outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre. Organise meetings and events in our six versatile ballrooms.

When in Kuala Lumpur, guests can explore a myriad of attractions located close to the hotel, including landmarks like Petronas Twin Towers, Aquaria KLCC, KL Tower, KL Forest Eco Park, Petaling Street (Chinatown), and numerous other captivating sights.

Be it a business or leisure trip with your family or loved ones, our prime location ensures that most of the must-visit destinations in Kuala Lumpur are within reach.

We're looking for an experienced Director of Finance / Financial Controller to join our dynamic team. In this pivotal role, you will provide strategic financial leadership and business support to drive organizational performance and profitability. You will partner closely with senior management and department heads to deliver actionable financial insights, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster a culture of fiscal responsibility across all operations. This is an exceptional opportunity for a detail-oriented, analytical leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and is committed to driving sustainable business growth.

Business Partnering & Strategic Leadership

• Develop and maintain key relationships with the General Manager, Executive Committee, and department heads to provide comprehensive financial support and strategic guidance.
• Collaborate with operational leaders to analyze financial performance, identify variances, and recommend data-driven strategies to enhance business effectiveness.
• Contribute to critical business decisions regarding revenue generation, cost management, and capital investments.
• Support department heads in developing and implementing corrective action plans based on internal and external audit findings.
• Attend and actively participate in revenue management meetings to identify opportunities and risks across all revenue streams.
• Build strong business relationships with stakeholders by participating in strategic discussions and responding proactively to initiatives.

Financial Planning, Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare, analyze, and interpret comprehensive financial data and reports in a clear, comprehensible manner for all organizational levels.
• Lead the development and implementation of annual budgets, capital budgets, and rolling forecasts in conjunction with the General Manager and department heads.
• Establish and maintain accurate financial reporting procedures, ensuring timely delivery of monthly internal benchmarking and operational performance analysis reports.
• Monitor and analyze balance sheet accounts, identifying meaningful variations and communicating findings to senior management.
• Identify and implement best practices and benchmarking techniques to enhance revenues, improve productivity, and optimize cost efficiencies.
• Manage all facets of the capital process, including fixed asset tracking, sub-ledger maintenance, and depreciation management.
• Ensure accurate and consistent recording of financial and statistical data across a unified chart of accounts and expense dictionary.

Compliance, Risk Management & Controls

• Maintain fiduciary responsibility to the organization and stakeholders by ensuring full compliance with policies, accounting standards, and local regulatory requirements.
• Safeguard organizational assets and interests by serving as the guardian of management agreements, contracts, and critical legal documents.
• Conduct regular operational risk assessments, establish and maintain a comprehensive risk register, and develop action plans to mitigate identified risks.
• Ensure proper segregation of duties, monitor internal control systems regularly, and document compliance with established control procedures.
• Approve all cash disbursements and ensure proper documentation and execution of all financial transactions.
• Develop, implement, and monitor credit and collection procedures in accordance with corporate policies.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of all incidents in accordance with company protocol.

Additional Responsibilities

• Prepare and present special financial reports as required by senior management, corporate office and owners.
• Interact with external stakeholders including legal counsel, insurance companies, tax consultants, auditors, and financial institutions.
• Ensure compliance with all local laws, fiscal regulations, and licensing requirements applicable to Spain.
• Develop business acumen across all leadership levels to enhance understanding of financial impact on overall organizational performance.

Experience & Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting or related field (Master’s or MBA preferred) with CPA or equivalent professional accounting certification;
• Fluent in English with strong written and verbal communication skills;
• 10+ years of progressive experience in finance, accounting or financial analysis;
• Solid experience leading teams and managing complex financial operations or projects;
• Strong background in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and business performance analysis;
• Experience with systems, accounting platforms, and financial reporting tools;
• Advanced skills in financial analysis, variance analysis, financial modeling, and cash flow management;
• Solid knowledge of internal controls, compliance frameworks, and risk management;
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and cross-functional collaboration capabilities;
• Luxury hospitality industry experience preferred, including familiarity with hotel revenue management, financial systems implementation, and operational finance within a upscale hotel environment.