What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Controller position at Hotel El Roblar?
Assistant Controller
Hotel El Roblar Ojai, CA
Hotel El Roblar is a privately owned, newly opened boutique hotel in Ojai, California, with multiple food and beverage outlets. We are seeking an experienced Assistant Controller to support our post-opening stabilization and continued growth.
This is a hands-on leadership role for a hospitality accounting professional who enjoys building structure, improving processes, and leading a small team. The Assistant Controller will serve as the Controller’s primary partner for day-to-day execution, helping bring consistency, controls, and clarity to a growing operation.
Compensation & Benefits
This position offers a base salary in the range of $90,000–$100,000, depending on experience, along with a competitive benefits package that includes health benefits, paid time off, and other standard employee benefits. Details will be shared during the interview process.
What This Role Is About
This role exists to create operational stability and leverage. You will oversee daily accounting execution, lead a small accounting team (2–3 people, including payroll), strengthen internal controls, and help document and improve processes—so the Controller can focus on strategic oversight and long-term planning.
If you are successful, the accounting function runs smoothly, systems are integrated, month-end close is predictable, and the team operates confidently without constant escalation.
Key Responsibilities
Accounting Operations & Month-End Close
* Oversee daily accounting operations for the hotel and food and beverage outlets
* Review daily revenue and income audit activity across Opera Cloud and Simphony POS
* Prepare and review journal entries, accruals, and adjustments
* Own balance sheet reconciliations (bank, cash, credit cards) and present completed work to the Controller for final review
* Execute the operational aspects of month-end close in M3 Accounting
Payroll, Accounts Payable & Cash Controls
* Oversee payroll processing performed by a dedicated payroll team member using UKG
* Review payroll accuracy, reconciliations, and controls (funding remains with the Controller)
* Oversee accounts payable processing, vendor setup, approvals, and payment workflows
* Maintain and strengthen cash handling, deposit controls, and variance investigations
SOPs, Systems & Process Improvement
* Develop, document, and maintain SOPs for core accounting functions
* Deliver approximately one to two new or improved SOPs per month during the first year
* Help reduce reliance on spreadsheets and support system improvements, including inventory tracking
* Train accounting team members and operational leaders on new procedures
Systems You Will Use
* M3 Accounting
* Opera Cloud PMS
* Simphony POS
* UKG Payroll
* Alice (operations platform)
* Excel-based reporting and analysis tools
Team Leadership
* Lead and support a small accounting team of 2–3 people
* Assign responsibilities, set expectations, and ensure accountability
* Coach a capable but developing team in a fast-moving environment
* Lead with a flexible, solutions-oriented approach
Reporting, Audit & Compliance
* Prepare and review financial reports for leadership and ownership
* Support variance analysis, budgeting, and forecasting
* Assist with internal and external audits
* Ensure operational tax filings, licenses, and compliance documentation are maintained
What We’re Looking For
* 3–5 years of recent hotel accounting experience (boutique and multi-outlet experience strongly preferred)
* Hotel opening or post-opening stabilization experience required
* Working knowledge of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI), including familiarity with the 11th and 12th editions
* Strong Excel skills and comfort working across multiple systems
* Experience leading or supervising a small team
* Adaptable, hands-on, and comfortable building structure where processes are still evolving
This is an on-site role based in Ojai, CA.
If you are a hospitality accounting professional ready to take the next step and help shape a growing boutique hotel, we encourage you to apply.
Salary : $90,000 - $100,000