Are you a master of craft? Do you thrive in a team that succeeds together, demonstrating integrity and respect while acting responsibly? Do you embrace a growth mindset? We invite you to become a fan of the exceptional. 

Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences located in prime destinations around the world, with a strong development pipeline. Increasingly recognized for creating some of the world’s most sought-after properties, the Group provides legendary service inspired by Asian heritage whilst representing the very cutting-edge of luxury experiences.

Mandarin Oriental, Makati is an upcoming 5-star luxury hotel set within the lush Ayala Triangle Gardens, at the prestigious corner of Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue. Scheduled to open in 2026, this landmark development will feature 276 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites, offering a refined blend of contemporary design and timeless sophistication. Guests will enjoy an exceptional array of world-class amenities, including a curated selection of restaurants, a stylish bar, a serene pool area, and the brand’s signature spa. Designed to be a sanctuary in the heart of the city, the hotel promises an elevated experience for both leisure and business travelers seeking comfort, excellence, and distinction in Manila.

The Role

The Chief Accountant is responsible for establishing, managing, and maintaining the hotel’s accounting operations during the pre‑opening phase of Mandarin Oriental Makati and ensuring a smooth transition into full operations post‑opening.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Finance, the role ensures the integrity of the hotel’s financial records, accurate reporting, strong internal controls, and full compliance with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (MOHG) Policies & Procedures, USALI, and Philippine statutory requirements.

The Chief Accountant plays a hands‑on and detail‑driven role, particularly critical during pre‑opening, supporting system implementation, balance sheet readiness, audit preparation, and the training of accounting colleagues.

 

Key Responsibilities

1. Pre‑Opening Accounting Setup & Readiness

• Establish the hotel chart of accounts, accounting structures, and reporting frameworks in accordance with MOHG standards and USALI.
• Support the implementation, configuration, and testing of financial and operational systems (Accounting, PMS, POS, Inventory, Procurement, Payroll) prior to opening.
• Set up accounting processes for pre‑opening expenses, capitalization, and cost tracking.
• Ensure all accounting documentation, controls, and procedures are audit‑ready before opening.

2. General Ledger & Month‑End Close

• Maintain full responsibility for the General Ledger, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of postings.
• Prepare and post journal entries, accruals, prepayments, and allocations.
• Lead and manage the month‑end and year‑end closing process, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Perform detailed balance sheet reconciliations, investigate discrepancies, and ensure timely resolution.
• Maintain proper supporting documentation for all accounting entries.

3. Financial Reporting

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly financial statements in line with MOHG reporting requirements.
• Assist in the preparation of management reports, variance analysis, and schedules for review by the Assistant Director of Finance and Director of Finance.
• Support corporate and ownership reporting requirements during pre‑opening and opening phases.
• Ensure consistency, accuracy, and integrity of financial data across all systems.

4. Fixed Assets & Capitalization

• Establish and maintain the fixed asset register for the hotel, including:
• Capitalization of pre‑opening and owner‑supplied assets
• Asset tagging and tracking
• Depreciation calculations and schedules
• Ensure compliance with MOHG capitalization policies and accounting standards.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Purchasing, and Project Teams during handover and asset commissioning.

5. Internal Controls & Compliance

• Implement and maintain strong internal accounting controls to safeguard hotel assets.
• Ensure compliance with MOHG Policies & Procedures, accounting standards, and local regulations.
• Prepare schedules and documentation for internal and external audits.
• Support statutory and tax reporting requirements, ensuring accurate accounting treatment and documentation.
• Assist in responding to audit findings and implementing corrective actions.

6. Accounts Payable, Receivable & Cash Controls (Oversight)

• Oversee and review accounting aspects of:
• Accounts Payable
• Accounts Receivable
• Income Audit
• General Cashiering
• Review payment vouchers, reconciliations, and control reports.
• Ensure proper segregation of duties and compliance with approval limits and procedures.

7. Pre‑Opening Budget Support & Cost Control

• Support the tracking and monitoring of pre‑opening expenses against approved budgets.
• Assist in identifying cost variances, mispostings, or control gaps.
• Work closely with department heads to ensure correct expense classification and documentation.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes from an accounting and data‑integrity perspective.

8. Team Leadership & Development

• Assist in the recruitment, onboarding, and training of accounting colleagues during pre‑opening.
• Provide hands‑on coaching to ensure understanding of:
• MOHG accounting standards
• Internal controls
• Month‑end processes
• Promote accuracy, discipline, and professionalism within the Accounting team.
• Support performance management and continuous improvement initiatives.

9. Pre‑Opening to Post‑Opening Transition

• Ensure a seamless transition from pre‑opening accounting to live hotel operations.
• Stabilize month‑end close timelines and reporting accuracy post‑opening.
• Support operational departments as systems go live and volumes increase.
• Act as a subject‑matter expert for accounting processes during the opening phase.

Qualification & Experience Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• CPA or equivalent professional certification preferred
• Minimum 4–6 years of progressive hotel accounting experience
• Pre‑opening hotel experience strongly preferred
• Strong working knowledge of:

• USALI
• Hotel accounting systems
• Fixed assets and balance sheet management

• High attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and ability to work under tight pre‑opening deadlines

 

Why Join Us?

Mandarin Oriental offers a world‑class environment where your expertise, creativity, and leadership will shape the legacy of our return to Manila. You will be part of a dynamic pre‑opening team committed to excellence, innovation, and authentic Asian hospitality.

Our commitment to you:

• Learning & Development. Your success is our success. We craft unique learning and development programmes for various stages in your career so that you grow, continuously.
• MOstay. When you work as hard as our colleagues do, it’s important to take time off. As a member of the #MOfamily, you can stay with us wherever you go in the world. The MOstay programme offers complimentary nights and additionally attractive rates on rooms for you and your loved ones.
• Heath & Colleague Wellness. Finding the right work-life balance is important. Your wellbeing matters to us. A variety of health benefits and wellness programmes are offered to all our colleagues, globally.

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