Controller

The Hilton Head Island–Bluffton Chamber of Commerce is seeking an experienced financial leader to serve as Controller, a key member of our Executive Leadership Team.

About the organization
The Hilton Head Island–Bluffton Chamber of Commerce is a three-time National Chamber of the Year and the recognized voice of the business community, representing more than 1,300 member businesses across Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and the surrounding region. The organization supports the business community through advocacy, destination marketing, workforce initiatives, leadership programming, and community engagement, funded through a mix of public and private sources.

The role
The Controller is responsible for the financial health, operational integrity, and administrative infrastructure of the organization. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, this role works closely with executive leadership and the Board of Directors to ensure strong financial stewardship, sound governance, and effective use of resources.

This is an in-office leadership role overseeing finance, payroll, benefits administration, and core human resources oversight for a 24-employee organization.

Key responsibilities

Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and long-term financial planning across public and private funding sources
Oversee all accounting operations, internal controls, and coordination of the annual independent audit
Manage payroll operations and serve as liaison with payroll and benefits administrators
Provide leadership and oversight for hiring processes, onboarding, personnel records, and employment compliance
Supervise the Assistant Controller and promote a culture of accountability, professionalism, and excellence
Serve as staff liaison to the Finance Committee and provide regular financial reporting to leadership and the Board
Ensure appropriate insurance coverage and fiduciary oversight of benefit plans
Identify opportunities to enhance financial systems, reporting, and operational efficiency
Serve as a trusted advisor in a highly visible, member-facing organization

Qualifications

7–10+ years of senior-level accounting or finance leadership experience
Demonstrated experience serving as the lead on organizational audits
Experience presenting financial information to boards and public or government-related entities
Strong proficiency with accounting systems and financial reporting tools
Experience overseeing payroll and benefits administration
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with board members, staff, members, and external partners
High integrity, sound judgment, and a collaborative leadership style
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; Master’s degree preferred

Why this role
This is an opportunity to be part of a nationally recognized organization playing a central role in supporting the business community and regional economy.

Apply by emailing [email protected]. Salary commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package.

Director of Finance & Accounting

JOB SUMMARY

Functions as the property’s strategic financial business leader. The position champions, develops and implements property-wide strategies that deliver products and services to meet or exceed the needs and expectations of the brand’s target customer and property employees. The position provides the financial expertise to enable the successful implementation of the brand service strategy and brand initiatives while maximizing the return on investment. In addition, creates and executes a business plan that is aligned with the property and brand’s business strategy and focuses on the execution of financial and accounting activities and the delivery of desirable financial results.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education and Experience

• 4-year bachelor's degree in Finance and Accounting or related major; 2 years experience in the finance and accounting or related professional area.

OR

• Master's degree in Finance and Accounting or related major; no work experience required.

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES

Engaging in Strategic Planning and Decision Making

• Develops means to improve profit, including estimating cost and benefit, exploring new business opportunities, etc.

• Analyzes information, forecasts sales against expenses and creates annual budget plans.

• Compiles information, analyzes and monitors actual sales against projected sales.

• Analyzes differences between actual budget wages and forecasted wages for more efficient budget planning.

• Identifies the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

• Thinks creatively and practically to develop, execute and implement new business plans

• Creates the annual operating budget for the property.

• Provides analytical support during budget reviews to identify cost saving and productivity opportunities for property managers.

• Implements a system of appropriate controls to manage business risks.

• Ensures a strong accounting and operational control environment to safeguard assets, improve operations and profitability.

• Analyzes financial data and market trends.

• Leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive annual business plan which is aligned with the company’s and brand’s strategic direction.

• Provides on going analytical support by monitoring the operating department’s actual and projected sales.

• Produces accurate forecasts that enable operations to react to changes in the business.

Leading Finance & Accounting Teams

• Utilizes interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence, and encourage others; advocates sound financial/business decision making; demonstrates honesty/integrity; leads by example.

• Communicates the strategic goals, the focus and the owner priorities to subordinates in a clear and precise manner.

• Leverages strong functional leadership and communication skills to influence the executive team, the property's strategies and to lead own team.

• Oversees internal, external and regulatory audit processes.

• Provides excellent leadership by assigning team members and other departments managers' clear accountability backed by appropriate authority.

• Conducts annual performance appraisals with direct reports according to Standard Operating Procedures.

Anticipating and Delivering on the Needs of Key Stakeholders

• Attends meetings and communicating with the owners, understanding the priorities and strategic focus.

• Understands and meets the needs of key stakeholders (owners, corporate, guests, etc.).

• Advises the GM and executive committee on existing and evolving operating/financial issues.

• Communicates financial concepts in a clear and persuasive manner that is easy to understand and drives desired behaviors.

• Demonstrates an understanding of cash flow and owner priorities.

• Manages communication with owners in an effective manner.

• Manages property working capital and cash flow in accordance with brand SOPs and owner requirements.

• Facilitates critique meetings to review information with management team.

Developing and Maintaining Finance and Accounting Goals

• Ensures Profits and Losses are documented accurately.

• Monitors all taxes that apply, ensuring that taxes are current, collected and/or accrued.

• Submits reports in a timely manner, ensuring delivery deadlines.

• Develops and supports achievement of performance goals, budget goals, team goals, etc.

• Improves profit growth in operating departments.

• Reviews audit issues to ensure accuracy.

Managing Projects and Policies

• Generates and provides accurate and timely results in the form of reports, presentations, etc.

• Reconciles balance sheet to ensure account balances are supported by appropriate documentation in accordance with SOPs.

• Ensures that the P&L is accurate (e.g., costs are properly matched to revenue, costs are recorded in the proper accounts).

• Ensures compliance with management contract and reporting requirements.

• Ensures compliance with standard and local operating procedures (SOPs and LSOPs).

• Ensures compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Managing and Conducting Human Resource Activities

• Ensures team members are cross-trained to support successful daily operations.

• Ensures property policies are administered fairly and consistently.

• Ensures new hires participate in the department’s orientation program.

• Ensures new hires receive the appropriate new hire training to successfully perform their job.

• Creates appropriate development plans which develop team members based on their individual strengths, development needs, career aspirations and abilities.

• Conduct performance review process for employees.

• Participates in hiring activities as appropriate.

At Marriott International, we are dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all and providing access to opportunity. We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated. Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our associates. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or other basis protected by applicable law.
At Westin, we are committed to empowering guests to regain control and enhance their well-being when they need it most while traveling, ensuring they can be the best version of themselves. To achieve the brand mission of becoming the preeminent wellness brand in hospitality, we need passionate and engaged associates to bring the brand’s unique programming to life. We want our associates to embrace their own well-being practices both on and off property. You are the ideal Westin candidate if you are passionate; you are active and take pride in how you maintain your well-being; you are optimistic; you are adventurous. Be where you can do your best work,​ begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global​team, and become the best version of you.