Director of Accounting

Job Description

Firm Overview

Northwood Investors is a privately-held real estate investment advisor that was founded in 2006 by John Kukral, the former President and CEO of Blackstone Real Estate Advisors. Northwood employs a fundamental, value-driven investment strategy with a longer-term outlook. Northwood invests alongside institutional and private clients in a broad range of real estate and real estate-related investment opportunities globally, with approximately $7 billion of assets under management. The Northwood team has deep experience in sourcing, executing and managing real estate transactions worldwide, ranging from office buildings and shopping centers to hotels and residential investments.

Northwood has office locations in the US in Denver (headquarters), New York, Dallas, Los Angeles and Charlotte. The firm also has employees who work for vertically integrated platforms, such as Retail and Hospitality, in Florida, North and South Carolina, California, and Texas. Additionally, the firm has professional teams located in the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Paris, Singapore and Amsterdam.

Northwood Hospitality, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northwood Investors, manages the prominent hotel portfolio acquired by Northwood Investors. The growing portfolio of Northwood Hospitality currently consists of thirteen iconic properties, twelve of which are managed by Northwood Hospitality:

• London West Hollywood www.thelondonwesthollywood.com
• Cheeca Lodge www.cheeca.com
• Casitas at Cheeca Lodge www.casitasatcheeca.com
• Morada Bay moradabaykeys.com
• The Ballantyne Hotel, a Luxury Collection www.theballantynehotel.com
• Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne www.aloftcharlotteballantyne.com
• Courtyard Charlotte Ballantyne www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cltbl-courtyard-charlotte-ballantyne/
• Staybridge Suites Charlotte Ballantyne www.ihg.com/staybridge/hotels/us/en/charlotte/cltcc/hoteldetail
• The Amara Resort and Spa www.amararesort.com
• The Darcy Hotel www.thedarcyhotel.com
• Conrad Nashville  www.conradnashville.com
• The Four Seasons Prague www.fourseasons.com/prague

For more information, visit Northwood’s website atwww.northwoodinvestors.com.

Position Overview

The Director of Accounting will work at the Denver Home office and manage staff accountants.  The Director of accounting will work closely with and ensure timely communication with the property accounting teams.  In addition to the property accounting teams, this position will work directly with the VP of Finance to ensure all property level accounting needs are met.  The Director of Accounting will actively monitor our company operations and make recommendations to executive management about enhancing business processes and procedures.  The successful candidate will also work with the management team to identify opportunities to help increase productivity and support property operations with implementing proposed process changes. 

Responsibilities

• Set priorities for direct reports and ensure support to property accounting teams
• Identify the optimal / most efficient workflow and duties for direct reports in support of the home office and hotel property accounting teams
• People development – Help train, mentor and lead direct reports
• Review / oversee daily audit and analysis of overnight revenue processing
• Oversee daily cash management activities
• Oversee Accounts Payable processing
• Manage the generation and review of journal entries to ensure compliance with GAAP and company policies for assigned areas, and adjust as needed
• Analyze records of financial transactions to determine accuracy and completeness of journal entries
• Review and approve general ledgers and financial statements prior to final month end closing
• Utilize analytical skills to compile data, research and analyze accounting and financial information
• Review, identify, research and resolve monthly variances in balance sheet and income statement accounts compared to budget utilizing independent judgement
• Prepare summary financial reports and ad hoc financial analysis
• Design or revise reports, forms, tools and procedures to improve efficiency and accuracy
• Customer service – Ensure daily interaction with property teams is occurring as to understand their needs, research their inquiries, support their requests, and help them to resolve issues.
• Preparation / review of month end reconciliations and the final monthly closing
• Preparation / review of monthly financial statement compilation
• Preparation / review of monthly balance sheet and income statement account reconciliations to include design, preparation and maintenance of any necessary supporting documentation
• Other duties as assigned.

Candidate Qualifications

• Degree in Accounting or a related field of study preferred
• 5 to 7 years’ experience in Accounting (Hospitality Accounting is a significant plus)
• Strong understanding of GAAP
• Previous management experience

Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong leadership skills and a willingness to mentor direct reports
• Flexibility and openness to change in a dynamic environment
• Ability to organize workload, adapt quickly to change, and deliver under the pressure of deadlines
• Strong initiative, organizational skills and ability to handle multiple projects and assignments in addition to daily activity
• High energy and great customer service skills
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships
• Exceptional follow-through and attention to detail
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, etc.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Ability to work flexible schedule including weekends and holidays
• Intermediate to Advanced skill with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word required
• Ability to compile, analyze, and utilize complicated and integrated spread sheets.
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn and use applications
• Ability to maintain confidentiality is mandatory
• Strong math and analytical skills

Knowledge Areas

• Knowledge of financial accounting systems (MRI & Microsoft Dynamics a plus)
• Knowledge of Profitsword a plus
• Knowledge of computer based front and back of house hospitality systems (PMS and POS)

Type of Position

• Salary

Salary Range

• $115K - $120K Based on experience plus bonus potential.

What We Offer

• Group medical, dental, vision, life and disability benefits.
• Participation in 401(k) with company match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Eligible for annual incentive
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Generous Paid Time Off

EEO and ADA Statements

Northwood Hospitality is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to maintaining a diverse Workforce and an inclusive culture.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.