Controller / Director of Finance

Brenton E. Bannister

*** ******** ***** 202-***-****

Zebulon, NC 27597 *******.***********@*****.***

I possess 18 years of progressive leadership in the accounting field, specializing in management, analysis, and financial regulations in high-yield profitable hospitality/service organizations. A results-driven and accomplished professional with experience both in the U.S. contiguous states and abroad. Leadership accomplishments include improving accounting accuracy and net profit in each professional position held, implementing and supporting employee accountability and promotion inclusive of diversity/inclusion measures through cross-training, instituting inter-departmental collaboration, and spearheading creative discussion with upper-level management throughout the organization.

Education & Professional Development

●Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, 2005

oMember of National Dean’s List (2004/2005)

●Relevant Continuing Graduate Studies Coursework:

oAdvanced Accounting, Advanced Cost Accounting, Forensic Accounting and Financial Accounting (American Public University - Washington DC)

oManagerial Accounting (Argosy University - Washington DC)

oMBA Fundamentals and Economics for Business Decision Making (Trinity University - Washington DC)

oFinancial Management and Accounting Information Systems (University of Maryland – University College

●Toastmasters International - Certificate for Business Acumen and Public Speaking

●Starwood Hotels & Resorts - Executive Management Training Program

●NBMBAA (National Black MBA Association) – Washington DC Chapter

●Other Completed Training - Diversity & Inclusion:

oDiversity, Equity and Inclusion: A Beginner’s Guide – October 2020

oA Diversity Deep-Dive, Leadership Insights and Lessons – October 2020

oHow to Implement a Workplace Diversity & Inclusion Program – October 2020

Areas of Expertise

Accounting Principles (GAAP)

Financial Statements & Reporting

Risk & Internal Controls

Sales & Property Tax

Audits

Corporate Governance

Corporate Finance

IT System & Software Database Implementation

Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Compliant / Compliance Safety and Accountability (CSA)

Analysis & Decision Making

Internal & External Customer Service

Technical Proficiencies Include: Microsoft Office Suite Certified (Advanced); ADP (Payroll Processing), Broad Vine (Revenue Management); Oracle PeopleSoft, Solomon, QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise and Online, Data Plus M3 and SAP Accounting Systems (Advanced). Excel (V-Lookup/Pivot Tables)

Professional Experience & Achievements

CRESTLINE HOTELS & RESORTS – HOTEL ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY, Fairfax, VA October 2017 – August 2022

Area Centralized Corporate Controller (Shared Services Division)

Developed, prepared and critiqued financial statements for a portfolio of 12 self-service properties; (Income Statement/Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Analysis) presented to individual management and ownership entities on a monthly basis

Wrote and presented detailed monthly written reviews of Profit & Loss (P&L) Statements

Directed hotel managers in analyzing statements, distributions, and other financial data. This contributes to the properties’ EBITDA and Net Operating Income utilizing the network infrastructure of the organization

Communicated directly with Assistant Vice Presidents, Hotel General Managers and Hotel Team Members to resolve and provide real time support regarding any issues; served as a resource to train and educate the field about accounting practices in a centralized environment

Analyzed documents for preparation and filing of sales tax returns covering 5 states, as well as any other applicable tax liabilities

Ensured execution of tasks delegated to both property accountants and accounts payable personnel

Completed journal entries required for preparation of the monthly financial statements – includes comprehensive review of each property’s Trial Balance statement

Reviewed and analyzed the property's labor management system to ensure statistics are in line with present budget

Communicated with the field to verify compliance with on-site Finance SOP manual for effectiveness of internal processes; measures were implemented in order to eliminate fraud and mismanagement

Established balances in accruals, prepaid, and other balance sheet items based on GAAP, auditing standards and financial methodology

RENAISSANCE ST Croix CARAMBOLA BEACH RESORT & SPA, St. Croix USVI

April 2015 – March 2017

Director of Finance

Lead professional for financial projects, conflict analysis, and resolution of audits for the property

Accomplishments Included: reduction of total expenses resort wide by 40% by year end 2016 versus the actuals for 2014/2015 through control spending measures assigned to the department heads. Based on the measures implemented, Net Overall Income YTD for 2016 was increased by $525,000 YTD; the resort finished nearly $900K higher in profit YOY. Additionally, the measures I implemented reduced the AP aging report to under $100,000 within a 6-month time frame - from its original intake amount of $1.8M. Both the 2016 AP and AR aging reports for the resort were ranked top 5 in terms of a “current” status by the management company (Aimbridge Hospitality). Developed, implemented, and updated the (5 Year) Capital Expenditure project, providing expert analytical review of the asset operations. Coordinated and assisted in installation of several IT/Information System measures for the resort based on needed upgrades: notably OPERA (PMS) and Symphony (POS). Implemented extensive change to financial processes and procedures that culminated in the revision of relevant finance policy manuals for the property. Worked with the Human Resources department as it related to both managerial and line staffing hires; inclusive of training development and the on-boarding process while ensuring that ample opportunities of growth became available.

Responsibilities Included:

Managed the work of 3 employees directly reporting to me: Accounts Receivable Manager, Accounts Payable Manager and Payroll Master. I spearheaded their development by implementing a rotating cross-training schedule every 6 months; all individuals responded well to each opportunity for growth

Created and conducted on-site training modules for all staff members to support cross-training, succession planning, and team building

Prepared and conducted employee evaluations for 2 consecutive years; documents were reviewed and approved by the management company

Wrote and presented clear and concise reports/worksheets which were presented to both management and ownership outlining the current financial metrics

Reconciled and produced periodic (i.e. daily, monthly) financial statements against current budget and prior year comparisons

Partnered with the local EDC entity to set spending standards for the property – thus providing opportunities for relationships within the local economy

Generated and developed financial statements/materials for the monthly board meeting which were presented to the corporate owners

Conducted extensive reviews of the financial procedures for compliance and validity. I implemented and maintained cash controls as a “check and balance” system to combat fraud and mismanagement of funds

Created a P&L Meeting initiative to monitor departmental spending and recommended corrective actions; provided real-time, practical analysis based on actual need ‘versus’ inventory/par levels

Resolved inquiries based on external auditors’ comments concerning finances and operations, and devised plans to address noted deficiencies and outstanding items by the requested deadline. The compilation of this documentation provided actions to reach a supportable conclusion

Integral and strategic participant in weekly revenue calls with upper-level management to forecast property revenues; included a review and submission of the weekly cash flow/forecast analysis to the ownership group

Utilized and processed reports through multiple databases to create two budgets (for both the resort and HOA/Timeshare entity) which monitored the execution of funds

ST. REGIS HOTEL, Washington DC, November 2007 – April 2015

Senior Accountant

Accounting lead responsible for mid-level functions; major role in maintaining financial integrity and accuracy. Revenue income auditor with responsibility to balance daily cash and credit card transactions, ensure balance of daily F&B promotional packages in both the room and sales departments, ensure all adjustments were properly coded in the General Ledger

Accomplishments included: detailed organization of the entire A/R department along with a more strenuous audit system for daily, weekly, and monthly items. The work performed was on behalf of various properties within the DC Metro area, and a triplex hotel unit in the Philadelphia area. Additionally, I developed and implemented internal accounting systems that were used to ensure efficient and accurate analysis of completed work within the entire department. Lastly, I served as Interim Payroll Master, utilizing ADP (Payroll) and SAP (back-office accounting) systems (2014).

Responsibilities Included:

Managed the monthly and yearly financial closing cycles in collaboration with cross-functional teams

Reviewed weekly forecasting and budgeting reports for approval of the Controller. Work included generating and developing reports/documents for the monthly regional property review meeting

Prepared and presented requested financial documentation for the external audits conducted by Ernst & Young, Deloitte and BDO

Issued financial analysis and reporting documentation to be used in presentations of the financial state

Analyzed and forecasted cash flow of Capital Expenditures proposals based on projected revenue within a 120-day window

Prepared month end journal entries by extracting data to analyze and interpret financial reports; produced and approved up to 30 balance sheet reconciliations for month-end

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE:

PHM Management Services, Task Force Assignment

June 2017 – September 2017

Assistant Controller – Pier 2620 Hotel (San Fransisco, CA)

Facilitated the distribution, management and documentation of materials for the Finance Department; consulted with the Controller on high level items and provided suggestions for greater efficiency – specifically on month end and audit practices

Collaborated with the Controller to implement internal controls and accountability systems – department wide

Trained Executive staff on critical accounting practices

Oversaw data entry for a staff of (2)

Assisted with tax preparation and filing

Implemented procedures to reduce the balance of the A/R Ledger report

YPFP Non-Profit Organization (Young Professionals in Foreign Policy), Washington, DC

May 2018 – January 2019

Regional Finance Director – Volunteer Status

Managed and approved the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting materials for the board of directors – inclusive of document compilation and presentation preparation for the monthly staff meeting

Oversaw the yearly budget, quarterly forecast, monthly/quarterly cash flow and coordination of all audit activities – inclusive of Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable

Trained staff members on items related to the monthly financials – and how key metrics tied into the operations of the organization

Reconciled monthly expenses versus incoming membership dues/company grants and advised the board of directors on enhanced fundraising efforts

Hilton Hotel Corporation, Remote / Alila Napa Valley Hotel / Old 77 Hotel, HYBRID

September 2022 – November 2022 / May 2023 – September 2023

Director of Finance – Contractor

Reconciled and produced periodic (i.e. daily, monthly) financial statements

Compiled and presented detailed monthly written reviews of the Profit & Loss (P&L) Statements

Oversaw all audit and internal control operations

Prepared and produced weekly cash flow analysis; approved by the AVP and then released to the property

Contact this candidate