Assistant Financial Controller

Mandarin Oriental Cristallo, Cortina is an upcoming luxury alpine resort set above the iconic mountain town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites. Scheduled to open in Winter 2026, the resort will mark the debut of Mandarin Oriental in one of Italy's most renowned mountain destinations, combining the legendary heritage of the Cristallo with Mandarin Oriental's exceptional service, refined design, and award-winning hospitality.

The resort will feature elegantly appointed rooms and suites, exceptional dining experiences, a world-class Spa & Wellness Centre, and curated year-round experiences designed for discerning international travellers seeking the finest alpine luxury.

Joining the pre-opening team offers a unique opportunity to help shape one of Europe's most anticipated luxury hotel openings, contributing to the creation of an extraordinary guest experience from day one.

About the Role

Based at Mandarin Oriental Cristallo, Cortina, the Assistant Financial Controller plays a key role in the successful pre-opening and ongoing operation of the resort's Finance department. The role supports the management of the hotel's accounting and financial activities, ensuring accurate financial reporting, effective internal controls and full compliance with Mandarin Oriental policies, accounting standards and applicable local regulations.

During the pre-opening phase, the Assistant Financial Controller will contribute to the establishment of the Finance function, implementation of financial systems and procedures, setup of internal controls and reporting processes, and coordination with all hotel departments to ensure financial readiness for a successful resort opening.

As an Assistant Financial Controller, you will be responsible for the following duties:

Pre-Opening Responsibilities

• Support the establishment and operational readiness of the Finance department prior to the resort opening.

• Assist with the implementation and testing of financial systems, accounting procedures and reporting tools.

• Support the development and implementation of financial policies, Standard Operating Procedures and internal controls in accordance with Mandarin Oriental standards.

• Assist with the setup of the chart of accounts, accounting processes and departmental reporting structures.

• Support the preparation and monitoring of the pre-opening budget and related expenditure.

• Assist with the recruitment, onboarding and training of Finance colleagues.

• Coordinate with Purchasing and operational departments to establish purchasing, receiving, inventory and payment procedures.

• Support the setup of banking, cash handling, credit, accounts payable, accounts receivable and income audit processes.

• Participate in system testing, operational trials and pre-opening readiness activities.

• Collaborate closely with Finance, IT, Purchasing, People & Culture and all operational departments throughout the pre-opening phase.

Operational Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day management of the hotel's accounting and financial operations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and compliance.

• Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements and management reports.

• Support the month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring accurate reconciliation and timely completion.

• Review balance sheet reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, prepayments and other accounting transactions.

• Monitor accounts payable, accounts receivable, income audit, general cashier and other Finance activities to ensure appropriate controls are maintained.

• Ensure revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities are accurately recorded and supported by appropriate documentation.

• Support the preparation of annual budgets, forecasts and financial projections.

• Monitor actual financial performance against budget and forecast, identifying and analysing significant variances.

• Prepare financial analyses and reports to support management decision-making and operational performance.

• Maintain effective internal controls and ensure compliance with Mandarin Oriental financial policies and procedures.

• Support cash flow management, banking activities and treasury-related processes.

• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting, tax, statutory and regulatory requirements.

• Support internal and external audits and coordinate the preparation of required documentation.

• Work closely with department heads to improve financial awareness, cost control and budget management across the hotel.

• Monitor purchasing, inventory and cost control processes to safeguard hotel assets and ensure appropriate expenditure management.

• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting accuracy and operational efficiency.

• Support, coach and develop Finance colleagues, promoting accuracy, accountability and continuous improvement.

• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding financial, commercial and colleague-related information.

• Perform any other reasonable duties consistent with the responsibilities and operational requirements of the role.

Requirements

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration or a related discipline.

• Minimum 3–5 years' experience in accounting or hotel finance, preferably within a luxury five-star hotel, resort or internationally recognised hospitality environment.

• Previous experience as an Assistant Financial Controller, Chief Accountant or in a comparable hotel finance position is highly desirable.

• Previous luxury hotel pre-opening experience is considered a strong advantage.

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, budgeting and internal controls.

• Good understanding of hotel financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, income audit, general ledger and cost control.

• Strong analytical and numerical skills with excellent attention to detail.

• Experience with hotel accounting systems and financial reporting tools; knowledge of relevant hospitality systems is considered an advantage.

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and strong proficiency in Microsoft Office.

• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• High level of integrity, accuracy and discretion when handling confidential financial information.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with operational departments.

• Proactive, hands-on and solution-oriented approach.

• Fluent English and Italian, both written and spoken.