Controller

About the role

The Study at University City is seeking an experienced Controller to lead the hotel’s accounting and finance function in partnership with hotel and restaurant leadership. This role oversees the Accounting Department and serves as the property’s financial expert, providing reporting, analysis, and guidance while ensuring strong internal controls and regulatory compliance. As a key member of the property's senior leadership team, the Controller partners closely with the General Manager and department leaders to support financial performance, operational decision‑making, and strategic planning. The position is based in Philadelphia, PA.

Reporting structure

Reports to: Regional Controller
Dotted line: General Manager
Works closely with: Hotel Department Leaders, Restaurant Leadership, Study Hotels Home Office

Responsibilities

• Manage day‑to‑day Accounting Department operations and supervise accounting staff.
• Oversee procurement, accounts payable, disbursements, and cash handling.
• Manage accounts receivable billing and collections.
• Oversee daily income reporting, general cashiering, and cash management processes.
• Perform general ledger reconciliations and oversee month‑end and period‑end closings.
• Implement and enforce finance and accounting policies, procedures, and systems in coordination with Study Hotels Home Office.
• Prepare and file required state and local taxes, maintain permits and licenses, and complete regulatory reporting.
• Review revenue adjustments, cash payouts, petty cash disbursements, complimentary charges, and purchases for accuracy and compliance.
• Partner with the General Manager and department leaders to develop the annual budget and maintain a rolling financial forecast.
• Monitor departmental spending and help leaders manage expenses against budget and forecast.
• Provide timely financial reporting, operational analysis, and management insights to hotel leadership and Home Office.
• Train and support department leaders in understanding financial processes and performance metrics.
• Coordinate with the Information Technology team on system efficiency, updates, and implementations.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• Professional knowledge: Thorough knowledge of financial accounting practices including GAAP and the Uniform System of Accounts for the Hotel Industry (USALI).
• Professional experience: Minimum of four years of hotel accounting or similar hospitality financial management experience; experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis in a hospitality environment preferred.
• Skills: Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities; advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with hospitality systems including property management systems, POS platforms, and financial accounting software preferred; familiarity with systems such as M3, Birchstreet, ProfitSword, Hotel Effectiveness, or ADP is beneficial; knowledge of hotel‑related state and local tax compliance preferred; ability to work collaboratively with operational leaders to improve financial performance.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Employee Assistance Program