Financial Controller

Organization

The Residence Zanzibar

Location

Zanzibar, Tanzania

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Role Purpose

The Financial Controller is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing all financial management functions at The Residence Zanzibar.

Working closely with the General Manager and departmental leaders, the role ensures:

• Financial integrity and accountability
• Regulatory and statutory compliance
• Effective financial planning and control
• Commercial profitability
• Sustainable operational performance
• Delivery of exceptional guest experiences while maintaining strong financial results

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Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Leadership & Reporting

Financial Management

• Direct and oversee all activities of the Resort Accounting Department.
• Ensure accounting practices comply with company policies and local regulations.
• Maintain high standards of financial governance and reporting.

Financial Reporting

• Prepare accurate monthly financial statements.
• Ensure compliance with:
  • International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
  • Company policies
  • Tanzanian statutory requirements

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead annual budgeting processes.
• Prepare financial forecasts and projections.
• Analyze budget variances and recommend corrective actions.
• Present financial results and forecasts to:
  • General Manager
  • Regional Leadership

Business Performance Analysis

Develop and present:

• Management Accounts
• Financial Dashboards
• KPI Reports
• Business Performance Commentary

to support strategic decision-making.

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2. Cost Control & Operational Finance

Cost Management

Implement controls across key operational areas including:

• Food & Beverage
• Labour Costs
• Utilities
• Supplies
• Equipment

to maximize profitability without compromising guest experience.

Departmental Financial Support

Work closely with department heads to:

• Set profit targets
• Monitor performance benchmarks
• Implement corrective action plans

Operational Financial Controls

Develop and maintain:

• Budgets
• Forecasts
• Purchase Specifications
• Recipe Standards
• Portion Controls
• Menu Costing Reports
• Food Production Controls
• Operational Management Reports

Inventory Management

• Oversee stock control systems.
• Ensure accurate inventory counts.
• Conduct reconciliations.
• Maintain optimum stock levels.

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3. Internal Controls & Compliance

Internal Control Framework

• Design and implement effective financial controls.
• Continuously improve operational and financial processes.
• Protect company resources and assets.

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure compliance with:

• Tanzanian Tax Laws
• Statutory Reporting Requirements
• Corporate Policies
• Financial Regulations

Audit Management

• Coordinate internal audits.
• Coordinate external audits.
• Act as the primary audit liaison.
• Ensure timely resolution of audit findings.

Asset Protection

Establish policies governing:

• Asset utilization
• Maintenance
• Repairs
• Storage and safeguarding of company property

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4. Treasury & Cash Management

Cash Flow Management

• Monitor and manage daily cash flow.
• Ensure adequate liquidity for operations.
• Optimize working capital management.

Banking & Foreign Exchange

• Manage banking relationships.
• Monitor foreign exchange exposure.
• Support treasury risk management activities.

Accounts Payable & Receivable

• Oversee supplier payments.
• Monitor customer receivables.
• Maintain healthy cash conversion cycles.

Capital Expenditure Management

• Review and approve capital expenditure requests.
• Ensure expenditures align with approved budgets and authority levels.

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5. Team Leadership & Development

Team Management

• Lead and supervise the Finance Department.
• Foster accountability and high performance.
• Promote continuous improvement.

Staff Development

• Mentor and coach finance staff.
• Build technical and leadership capabilities.
• Support succession planning.

Financial Training

Provide financial literacy training for departmental managers on:

• Budgeting
• Cost Management
• Financial Reporting
• Profitability Improvement

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with:

• Front Office
• Food & Beverage
• Procurement
• Human Resources

to strengthen financial discipline throughout the resort.

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Qualifications

Essential

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in:
  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Related Field

Professional Certifications (Preferred)

• CPA
• ACCA
• CIMA
• Equivalent Professional Accounting Qualification

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Experience Requirements

Required Experience

• Minimum 5 years of progressive finance experience.
• At least 3 years serving as:
  • Financial Controller
  • Senior Finance Manager
  • Similar leadership position

within an international luxury hotel or resort environment.

Hospitality Experience

Strong experience managing finances in:

• Hotels
• Resorts
• Hospitality Operations
• Multi-Revenue Stream Businesses

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Technical Knowledge & Skills

Financial Management

• Financial Reporting
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Cost Control
• Cash Flow Management
• Treasury Management
• Financial Analysis

Accounting Standards

Strong knowledge of:

• IFRS
• Tanzanian Tax Regulations
• Statutory Compliance Requirements
• Hospitality Accounting Practices

Systems & Technology

Advanced proficiency in:

• Opera PMS
• Sun Systems
• Sage
• Hotel ERP Systems
• Financial Reporting Software

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Core Competencies

Leadership

• Team Leadership
• Staff Development
• Coaching & Mentoring
• Stakeholder Management

Analytical Skills

• Financial Analysis
• Problem Solving
• Strategic Thinking
• Business Performance Evaluation

Communication

• Report Writing
• Financial Presentation
• Executive Communication
• Cross-Department Collaboration

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Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is an experienced hospitality finance professional with strong expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, cost control, compliance, and team leadership. They should possess a solid understanding of luxury hotel operations, demonstrate excellent analytical and communication skills, and be capable of translating financial information into strategic business insights that enhance profitability and operational excellence.

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