Resort Financial Controller

Scope of work (JOB PURPOSE)

Responsible for the delivery of accurate and timely financial information to Dubai Holding, Merlin Entertainments, and the Resort's (Parks and Hotel) local management on a periodic basis. Reports will include daily flash reports, periodic management accounts, revenue reconciliations, P&L statements, balance sheet reconciliations (including risks and opportunities), periodic auditing (internal/external), preparation of annual audited FS, monthly funding requirement, annual budgeting, periodic forecasting, filing periodic tax returns (Excise, VAT and Corporate Tax) and coordinating month/year end closings. Lead the automation of finance processes to improve efficiency.

This role will be responsible for the production and analysis of a wide variety of financial reports to aid in business decisions, with detailed commentary to both a financial and non-financial audience.

The job holder must create and enforce the Resort's financial policies, procedures and controls.

The job holder will be responsible for the management of the cash office operation, providing a comprehensive support service to the Resort and ensuring revenues/takings are accurately recorded, reconciled, and banked on a timely basis.

The job holder will also be responsible for the Profit Protection function of the Resort.

Main responsibilities

Operations / Financial

Management accounts

Co-ordinate the month end close process, including publication of the month end timetable received from DHE and control over all sub-ledger closing activities in Oracle Fusion.

Financial Analysis of key business drivers and costs.

Preparation of monthly management accounts with commentary for variances for each business and department.

Revenue reconciliation between financial ledgers and management accounts, along with detailed revenue analysis to enhance business knowledge.

Preparation and delivery of monthly group reporting pack in accordance with Group Reporting Requirements (IFRS for parks, USALI for hotel and HFM for Merlin).

Balance sheet and cash flow administration

Oversee the preparation of detailed monthly reconciliations for all Balance Sheet accounts with a focus on intercompany, deferred revenue and annual pass revenue.

Month end balance sheet commentary, including identifying risks and opportunities to the P&L.

Ensuring all payable invoices are recorded and paid in line with the vendor's credit terms.

Monitor the outstanding of the hotel's receivables from OTAs and escalate any collection issues.

Prepare the monthly funding requirement including forecasting cash in-flows/out-flows and submit to DHE.

Budgeting and forecasting

Prepare high level budget targets for both entities.

Prepare and distribute with appropriate instructions/assumptions the upcoming year's budget template files with historical data.

Consolidate the budgets and forecast files submitted by the departments.

Compare the departmental submissions with historical actuals, to provide insights to management.

Preparation and delivery of Group budget packs/PPTs, including assumptions and phasing validation.

Preparation of monthly business unit forecasts and full year projections for the Parks and the Hotel.

Manage the utilization of the approved CAPEX budgets.

Revenue and cost analysis

Maintain revenue databases and revenue Management Information Systems.

Ensure periodic reconciliation of revenue from feeder systems to GL.

Ensure delivery of local weekly admissions, annual pass and promotions reports.

Ensure delivery of weekly yield, performance and statistical reports.

Ensure delivery of monthly gross margin, COGS and wastage analysis for F&B and retail.

Ensure delivery of monthly departmental P&Ls and have monthly meetings with departmental Directors to go over the historical performance and understand the forward-looking plans/indicators of the department.

Co-ordinate the delivery of the month end and year end process

Support the delivery of the month end and year end timetables, checklists and responsibility lists.

Prepare and reconcile the group year-end entity pack for both entities.

Co-ordinate month end and year end activities with group finance colleagues and audit partners.

Co-ordinate the delivery of year-end corporate tax and monthly/quarterly VAT analysis and workings to tax consultants and group finance.

Prepare and get audited the annual financial statements of the Parks and the Hotel.

Internal controls and regulatory compliance

Ensure protection for LEGOLAND Dubai assets through creation and enforcement of the Resort's finance polices, procedures and internal controls.

Assist in periodic auditing (internal/external) and resolve the internal audit issues as per the deadlines.

Assist in maintenance of proper insurance coverage for the Resort.

Ensure that Excise, VAT and Corporate tax returns are prepared, reconciled with books & filed as per the deadlines.

Ensure that payments to government authorities (FTA, DTCM, DM, etc.) are made as per the deadlines.

Cash office management

Oversee the cash office operation, including the cash office Manager and a cash office team.

Ensure appropriate resources are in place to meet Resort cash handling requirements.

Ensure revenues are accurately reconciled and discrepancies are reported to and followed up by business managers on a timely basis.

Ensure banking of all tender types is processed for settlement in line with agreed deadlines.

Supervision

Oversee the professional staff of all colleagues in the finance function. The finance functions include the accounts payable, accounts receivable (mainly for hotel), general accounting, inventory, cost control and revenue functions. Has responsibility for operational effectiveness, leadership, training and supervision, staffing and personnel decisions.

People and development

The job holder will have a key role in supporting the Resort with financial advice and information and ad hoc financial reports to help business decision making.

This role will require development and regular review of Resort financial procedures, including maintaining existing policies and implementing new procedures for Resort initiatives.

Lead the Cash Office & Payroll team, inspiring them to live the Resort values and deliver excellence to the business.

Maintain ethical and professional standards both within the Finance team on all matters involving third parties.

Health & safety

Managers/Supervisors are responsible for all aspects of Health, Safety & Security within their

department, in line with the Group Policy (HS001). In particular, they must ensure that risk

assessments have been carried out, that safe working procedures are in place for all work activities

and that all employees under their management are aware of the Group Health, Safety and

Security Policy and their obligations under it. They must ensure that safe working practices are

monitored and that risk assessments and procedures are reviewed regularly. Where incidents do

occur, they must ensure that they are investigated appropriately and that where necessary,

corrective action is taken to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.

Qualifications, experience, & skills

Background and Experience:

Requires at least eight years of progressive experience in Accounting and Finance field.

Demonstrated leadership experience and effective verbal and written communication skills are required.

Requires a track record of success in Accounting and Cash Management functions.

Experience in coordinating and implementing financial plan for control of operations is required.

Experience with corporate profit planning, revenue forecasts, expense budgets, capital investment, saving opportunities and exposures are required.

Requires strong analytical and decision-making skills.

Demonstrated success in project management skills, including budgeting.

Must possess strong management skills, including selecting, training, developing and coaching people.

Requires strong interpersonal skills.

Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office products is required.

Education:

ACA, CPA, CIMA or ACCA qualified with 2 years post qualification experience.

A bachelor's degree in accounting, business, or closely related field (or equivalent education and experience) is required.

Physical demands:

Ability to sit for sustained periods of time to attend on-site and off-site meetings, perform paperwork activities, travel and drive.

Intermittent and prolonged standing and walking to move about the Resort site, and interact with employees.

Finger dexterity sufficient to complete paperwork activities and to use a computer.

Visual acuity sufficient to read written materials, to complete paperwork activities, and to drive.

Hearing sufficient to communicate with individuals in person and by telephone.

Work environment:

Various inside and outside locations with varying temperatures and floor surfaces.

Other requirements:

Must be willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends to support Resort operations.