Chief Accountant - Raffles The Red Sea

About the Role

As the Chief Accountant at Raffles The Red Sea, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial foundation of one of Saudi Arabia’s most prestigious ultra-luxury resorts. Reporting directly to the Cluster Director of Finance, you will oversee all operational accounting functions, ensuring financial integrity, compliance, and operational excellence in alignment with Accor’s corporate standards and local KSA regulations. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the pre-opening and operational phases of a groundbreaking destination, where refined elegance meets sustainable luxury.

Key Responsibilities

In this dynamic and high-impact role, your responsibilities will encompass a broad spectrum of financial and operational duties, including:

• Financial Operations & Reporting:
  • Manage the day-to-day accounting operations, including Accounts Payable (A/P), Accounts Receivable (A/R), General Cashier, and Income Audit functions, ensuring seamless financial workflows.
  • Prepare and finalize accurate daily, weekly, and monthly financial reports, including flash reports, profit and loss statements, and balance sheet reconciliations, to provide actionable insights for leadership.
  • Ensure timely and precise processing of payroll documentation, tax filings (VAT/Zakat), and governmental compliance reports in strict adherence to KSA regulations.
  • Conduct monthly bank and balance sheet reconciliations to maintain the integrity of the general ledger and financial transparency.
• General Ledger Management:
  • Oversee and maintain the hotel’s General Ledger, ensuring all entries, accruals, and deferrals are accurately recorded and compliant with USALI and Accor accounting standards.
  • Manage the chart of accounts for cluster properties, ensuring correct allocation of revenues and expenses between Raffles and Fairmont to reflect operational performance accurately.
  • Coordinate and assist with internal and external audits, providing comprehensive documentation and support to auditors as required.
• Pre-Opening & System Setup:
  • Actively support the Director of Finance in the financial setup phase, including establishing bank accounts, securing necessary permits, and finalizing the accounting software structure (e.g., SAP, SunSystems) tailored for a cluster operation.
  • Develop, document, and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all accounting functions prior to the resort’s opening, ensuring a robust and scalable financial framework.
  • Collaborate with the Purchasing department to assist in setting up initial inventory control and procurement systems, aligning financial controls with operational needs.
• Compliance & Internal Controls:
  • Enforce robust internal controls across all revenue and expenditure areas to safeguard hotel assets, mitigate risks, and prevent fraud.
  • Ensure all financial activities comply with KSA tax laws (VAT, Zakat), labor laws, and Accor’s global policies, maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance.
  • Review and verify expense reports, petty cash reimbursements, and purchase requests for adherence to budgetary allocations and policy guidelines.
• Leadership & Support:
  • Provide mentorship, training, and supervision to junior accounting staff, including Income Auditors and Accounts Clerks, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for operational departments regarding finance-related queries, resolving issues promptly and effectively.
  • Deputize for the Cluster Director of Finance in their absence, ensuring continuity and stability in financial leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

To excel in this role, you will bring a blend of technical expertise, leadership acumen, and a passion for luxury hospitality finance. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Professional certifications such as CPA, CMA, ACCA, or equivalent are highly desirable and will be considered a significant advantage.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive experience in a Chief Accountant or Assistant Director of Finance role, preferably within a luxury hotel brand or high-end hospitality environment.
  • Proven experience in a hotel pre-opening environment is essential, with a track record of successfully establishing financial systems and controls from the ground up.
  • Experience in a cluster or multi-property environment is a significant advantage, demonstrating your ability to manage complex financial structures across multiple entities.
• Location & Technical Skills:
  • Previous work experience in the GCC region, particularly in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, or the UAE, is strongly preferred, with a deep understanding of regional financial regulations and business practices.
  • Expert proficiency with accounting software platforms such as SunSystems or SAP, as well as Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, is required to ensure seamless financial operations.

Why Join Us?

Raffles The Red Sea represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a visionary project that redefines luxury travel in Saudi Arabia. As a Chief Accountant, you will not only shape the financial future of this iconic resort but also contribute to the broader vision of Red Sea Global, where sustainability, innovation, and unparalleled guest experiences converge. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for financial excellence and a desire to work in one of the world’s most exciting destinations, we invite you to apply and become a key player in this extraordinary journey.