Azure Beach redefines the essence of seaside living, offering a captivating beach and poolside escape that seamlessly blends elegance with relaxation.
We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Financial Controller to join the pre-opening team and play a key role in establishing the financial framework and controls for the new operation. As Financial Controller, you will oversee the financial operations of the venue, ensuring strong financial governance, accurate reporting, effective cost control and compliance with company policies and local requirements. You will work closely with the General Manager and operational leadership team to provide meaningful financial insights and support commercial decision-making throughout the pre-opening phase and beyond.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead all financial and accounting activities for the pre-opening and operational phases of the venue.
- Establish and implement effective financial controls, processes, policies and reporting procedures.
- Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts, cash-flow projections and financial plans.
- Monitor revenue, operating expenses, payroll, purchasing, inventory and overall cost performance.
- Provide accurate and timely monthly financial reporting and analysis.
- Partner with the General Manager and department heads to drive profitability and financial performance.
- Monitor Food & Beverage costs, beverage costs, labour costs, stock movements and operational variances.
- Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management and reconciliations.
- Ensure appropriate controls around purchasing, receiving, inventory and supplier payments.
- Support the pre-opening team with financial planning, CAPEX tracking, OS&E/FF&E budgets and opening-related expenditure.
- Analyse financial performance and identify opportunities to improve margins and operational efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with internal controls, audit requirements and applicable Bahrain financial and regulatory requirements.
- Lead and develop the finance team, ensuring high standards of accuracy, accountability and performance.
Ideal Candidate:
- Proven experience as a Financial Controller, Finance Manager or senior finance professional within hospitality.
- Previous experience in restaurants, beach clubs, lifestyle hospitality, luxury hotels or high-volume F&B operations is highly desirable.
- Strong pre-opening experience, with the ability to establish financial systems, controls and reporting structures from the ground up.
- Strong understanding of F&B finance, cost control, budgeting, forecasting and commercial analysis.
- Excellent knowledge of inventory, purchasing, stock control and F&B cost management.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a commercially focused mindset.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to partner effectively with operational teams.
- Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting.
- Experience working with hospitality accounting systems and ERP/POS platforms.
- International hospitality experience and previous GCC experience are highly desirable.
- Excellent communication skills in English; additional European languages are an advantage.
