Controller

The Study at University City is currently seeking a Controller to manage the hotel’s Accounting Department and lead the hotel’s finance and accounting function in partnership with hotel and restaurant operational leaders and associates.  As the Controller, you support operational departments with financial insights and promote robust internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure legal and regulatory compliance. This position requires strong leadership that is founded in a firm understanding of hospitality best practices and systems with a solid application of financial accounting acumen governed by GAAP and USALI standards, and a strong desire to drive continuous improvement in a dynamic hospitality environment.
As a part of our leadership team, you will set the high-bar for Study’s principal belief that guest service is our highest priority by setting a high-bar example for providing efficient service and memorable experiences.
Responsibilities Include, but are not limited to:

• Managing the day-to-day aspects of the Accounting Department and supervising a general accountant. Performing or overseeing procurement, accounts payable, disbursements, cash handling, accounts receivable billing and collection, daily income auditing, general cashiering, cash management, general ledger reconciliation, and period end closings.
• Filing and paying taxes, maintaining permits and licenses, and preparing regulatory reports.
• Validating the completeness and accuracy of financial data. Reviewing and reporting on the hotel’s and restaurant’s income, expense, earnings yield, and key industry metrics.
• Providing the hotel General Manager, department managers, and Home Office with accurate and timely financial accounting and ad hoc management reporting and analysis. Proactively working with the General Manager and department leaders to understand financial information to drive revenues, control costs, and optimize earnings yield.
• Collaborating with the General Manager and department leaders to curate the annual budget and subsequent forecasts requiring, but not limited to, managing processes, facilitating meetings, gathering required data and analysis, interpreting Home Office requests and guidance, and presenting feedback.
• Implementing and enforcing the company’s finance and accounting policies, procedures, processes, and systems as directed by Study Hotels’ Home Office.
• Acting as the property’s “check and balance” and financial compliance subject matter expert by reviewing all revenue adjustments, paid out vouchers, and complimentary guest amenities and scrutinizing purchases, invoices, and checks for reasonableness, proper authorization, and correct accounting treatment.
• Coordinating with the Information Technology team to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of systems.

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in financial accounting or related field is preferred.
• Professional Knowledge: Possess a thorough, practical knowledge of financial accounting practices per Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the Uniform Systems of Accounts for the Hotel Industry (USALI).
• Professional Experience: A minimum of 3 years within a hotel financial accounting position with a proven record of advancement demonstrating professional acumen and expertise.
• Systems Experience: Strong proficiency using MS Excel and Office Suite, hotel property management systems (HMS), point of sale (Toast, Aloha, etc.), financial accounting ERP (M3), procurement-to-pay systems (Birchstreet), and Time & Attendance Systems (ADP).
• Regulatory Knowledge: Proficient with US, State, and Local tax regulations preferred.

• Study Hotels is a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment drug test and background check required.

About Us
The Study at University City, the second property of the Study Hotels brand, is located at the crossroads of the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University in the heart of University City in Philadelphia, PA.
The 212-room hotel features areas of discovery and connection placed throughout for purposeful guest interaction, including three custom designed museum cases showcasing artifacts from nearby museums, custom writing desks complete with postcards to encourage guests to connect with family and friends postage free, and a European-inspired café. Guest rooms and public spaces are designed around a bright, uplifting palette, reflective of contemporary residential living.
The Study at University City’s CO-OP Restaurant & Lounge is an energetic restaurant featuring exceptional food in a spirited atmosphere positioned at the bustling corner of 33rd and Chestnut Streets.
Eligible full-time team members are offered a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, paid time off and paid holidays. Team members are eligible to participate in our 401(k) plan and Employee Assistance Program.
Study Hotels is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, disability, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.