Years of professional experience within the Hospitality Industry
Hi, I’m
Shankar Natarajan
Rarotonga
Summary
Experienced and effective Chief Financial Officer bringing forth valuable industry experience and a passion for management. Results oriented with a proven track record of improving the financial position of a company and maximising opportunities for financial growth. Adept in analytical thinking, strategic planning, leadership, and building strong relationships with business partners.
Overview
24
9
Years of professional experience as Financial Controller
6
Years of professional experience as CFO
Work History
Island Hotels Ltd. & Club Raro Ltd.
Chief Financial Officer - Hospitality
01.2018 - Current
Job overview
- Reporting to the CEO with dotted lines to the Board of Directors’, the entire gamut of Accounting and Finance functionality and reporting is my area of responsibility
- I have two Finance Manager’s reporting into my role, along departmental staff who assist me carry out my duties and responsibilities
- There are two Resort Properties (Edgewater Resort & Spa 285 keys and Club Raro Resort 84 keys) with a combined turnover of NZ$30m owned and operated by the Group
- This role has given me the opportunity to provide valuable Business and Finance support to Key Stakeholders ensuring the Businesses are performing as per set plans and providing Shareholders with Return on Investment
- I’ve also been presented with the opportunity to provide valuable input in creating a structure for Risk Management, Corporate Governance, Social Responsibility, Delegation of Authority and deploying it across the Group and monitoring its adherence through policies, procedures, systems and reporting the same in a timely and accurate manner
- I’m also tasked with providing feasibility analysis and reports for new capital and Development Projects with an aim to increase the business portfolio for the Group.
Oakwood Hotel and Apartments Brisbane
Financial Controller
02.2016 - 12.2017
Job overview
- Recruited at the Pre-opening stages this role has given me the opportunity to set up the Finance and Accounting department along with providing vital support to other departments in accomplishing tasks at the Pre-opening stage and ensuring smooth transition to the operational phase of the property
- Key tasks undertaken were to register and obtain statutory and regulatory licences, registrations and insurance covers, sourcing and qualification of various vendor contracts, setting up the Accounting and Property Management systems and reports, development of SOP’s, accurate accounting and maintenance of Pre-opening expenses, development of Operational budgets, establishing Treasury functions and securing working capital
- Post opening overseeing implementation of systems and providing accurate and timely financial reports and statistics along with additional roles within the Organisation in areas of Business Advisory service, Pre-Opening Project Management, and Accounting and Financial Management for new Commercial venture in Australia.
Warwick Le Lagon Resort & Spa
Financial Controller
03.2024 - 12.2024
Job overview
- Reporting to The President and CFO primary responsibility is to oversee the smooth functioning of the Accounts and Finance Department
- This position also has further responsibilities of assisting the GM to plan and co-ordinate the operations of Vanuatu’s premier 4.5 Resort and in the GM’s, absence take charge of the day-to-day resort operations.
Maclin Lodge
General Manager
05.2024 - 07.2024
Job overview
- Reporting directly to the Owners, main focus of this position was to manage the operations of the Hotel, ensuring each department is functioning in an efficient & profitable manner
- Areas of work include Property, Revenue Management, Finance and Accounting, preparation of annual budgets and monitoring costs, overseeing the preparation of Staff training and incentive plans, Sales – Marketing and advertising Plans, representing the hotel in Seminars and functions.
Holiday Inn Express – Mill Valley’
Executive Assistant General Manager
03.2024 - 03.2024
Job overview
- Reporting directly to the General Manager and V.P of Operations, focus of this position was to oversee the operation of the Guest Services, Human Resources, Sales, marketing, Revenue management, and Accounting Departments of the property
- I also had to Undertake Certification courses as required
- I deputized as the General Manager of the property operations in the absence of the GM.
The Aarons Hotel Sydney
Assistant Manager
03.2024
Job overview
- Ensuring key management positions are functioning as per required standards in the absence of the departmental heads due to annual leave, roster day off, etc
- Additional Duties & Responsibilities included Guest check in/out
- Guest accounting, Night audit, Security, Yield Management, Guest reservations, Telephone operations.
Iririki Island Resort & Spa & Grand Hotel & Casino
Group Financial Controller
01.2024
Job overview
- Reporting to the CFO, Group GM and Board of Directors, responsibilities include overseeing the Financial operations of the business and providing the Management Team with strategic Financial and Administrative support in the key areas of Project Management, Development of Operational strategies encompassing the various departments, market research & studies, and compiling a list of various suppliers and obtaining purchasing quotes.
Ruwi Novotel' & 'Al Wadi Hotel (Oman)
Management Trainee (Accounts & Finance)
Job overview
- Main duties included Night Auditing, Income Auditing, Petty Cash, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Credit Control, Municipal Tax, Management Fees, F&B Cost reports, preparation of M.I.S reports, Preparation of General Ledger, and preparation of Final accounts.
Education
Strathclyde Graduate School of Business, Strathclyde University (KL Centre)
PGD in Business Management
01.2007
Hotel School Inter-Continental and Southern Cross University
Bachelor of Business in International Hotel Mgmt.
04.2003
The Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School
Graduate Diploma in Hospitality Mgmt.
12.1997
Rizvi College Of Arts, Science & Commerce (University Of Bombay)
B.Com
01.1995
Career Achievements Highlights
Recent achievements include navigating the Company through troubled waters during the COVID period with sound financial planning and advise, ensuring financial losses over the prolonged disruption were minimal and the Business was operational with capital and assets protected. Through scenario planning and financial modelling, assisted the CEO in championing the recommendation of investing excess capital in enhancement of existing facilities as well as human resources and other areas of working capital which has been well received by the Market and assisted the Company to avoid resource and infrastructure hurdles post opening of the Tourism business. I've also had the opportunity recently to overhaul the legacy IT systems and build an ecosystem suited for the business to improve efficiency, accuracy of data, and timely reporting. New and innovative BI functionalities have also been introduced as part of the IT overhaul that will provide for real time access to data as well as analyse the future profitability. The Company is currently enjoying record breaking turnovers and profitability with the financial future securely in the black. Overall as an Accounting & Finance specialist, I’ve successfully implemented Uniform System of Hotel Accounting and streamlined the Statutory Reports. I’ve ensured Cash Flow is effectively managed through maintenance of strict credit and collection policies and negotiation of favorable credit terms with suppliers and contractors. I’ve also provided Audit & Assurance services to the company by implementing internal audit & control procedures that ensure all Revenues and payments are reconciled and accounted for and wastages are minimised. Year on year the business has been profitable through organic revenue growth and cost rationalisation. This has been possible because Management has access to accurate and timely financial reports and statistics to make strategic policies and decisions and are also able to track any variances from budgeted performances and take corrective actions. I’ve successfully opened hotels and been involved with development projects providing vital support to other departments in accomplishing tasks at the Pre-opening stage and ensuring smooth transition to the operational phase of the property.
Other Skills Acquired
Well versed with latest Accounting & Labour Management software’s with BI assisting the tasks of analysis, modelling, forecasting, reporting and controls. Revamped legacy Chart of Accounts to USALI 11th edition. Able to undertake Investment appraisals and prepare proposals using financial frameworks. Able to undertake Financial Ratio Analysis to measure the organisations performance. Able to measure business performances using Balanced Score card and Value Chain analysis techniques. Able to undertake Industry and Competition analysis using relevant market intelligence reports and developing appropriate strategies. Thorough understanding of Strategic Marketing concepts and Models. Excellent hands on knowledge of latest PMS, POS, and & Revenue Management systems., Build Morale and Spirit and ability to instil a guest service attitude in all employees. A ‘hands-on’ approach to management. Experience in training and developing employees with limited education/ experience. Ability to sell concepts and ideas to management, peers, and employees. Provide overall direction, co-ordination, and ongoing evaluation of operations. Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action and solve problem through creative skills. Follow/enforce company policies and procedures.
Profile Brief
Over Twenty-Five years of experience within the Hospitality Industry in various positions, off which last 16 years as Financial Controller including CFO role. Excellent international education. B.Com (Accounting & Finance), B. Bus (International Hotel Management), PGD (Accounting & Finance/Business Management). Experience in acquisitions and pre-opening projects from planning to feasibility to commercialisation and operational phase. Experience of working in large up market premier properties with extensive guest facilities. Well versed with entire gamut of Accounting and Finance functions. Highly experienced in undertaking complex business trend and forecast modelling. Creating Annual budget packages including Staffing guides and annual CAPEX programmes. Overseeing of Annual Audit and producing the required monthly, quarterly, and annual statuary and management reports. Able to network with key stakeholders of the business and good working relations with CEO, Board of Directors, General Manager, and Departmental Heads. Good all-round operational experience within all departments of the Hospitality Industry. Proven experience of meeting deadlines and providing valuable support and guidance to the various departments. Proven experience of taking on the role of General Manager as and when required along with providing management with strategic and Analytical support daily.
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 07/23/75
- Visa Status: Australian Permanent Resident
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
General Manager
Maclin Lodge
05.2024 - 07.2024
Financial Controller
Warwick Le Lagon Resort & Spa
03.2024 - 12.2024
Executive Assistant General Manager
Holiday Inn Express – Mill Valley’
03.2024 - 03.2024
Chief Financial Officer - Hospitality
Island Hotels Ltd. & Club Raro Ltd.
01.2018 - Current
Financial Controller
Oakwood Hotel and Apartments Brisbane
02.2016 - 12.2017
Assistant Manager
The Aarons Hotel Sydney
03.2024
Group Financial Controller
Iririki Island Resort & Spa & Grand Hotel & Casino
01.2024
Management Trainee (Accounts & Finance)
Ruwi Novotel' & 'Al Wadi Hotel (Oman)
Strathclyde Graduate School of Business, Strathclyde University (KL Centre)
PGD in Business Management
Hotel School Inter-Continental and Southern Cross University
Bachelor of Business in International Hotel Mgmt.
The Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School
Graduate Diploma in Hospitality Mgmt.
Rizvi College Of Arts, Science & Commerce (University Of Bombay)
B.Com
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