Zarema Z.
Senior Hospitality Finance Director
Open to offersNew to PlatformAbout
Zarema Z. is a highly experienced Director of Finance with over 22 years in financial leadership and expertise concentrating on the hospitality industry. Her distinguished career includes launching her trajectory at InterContinental Tashkent, advancing through luxury boutique hospitality with One&Only Resorts in the Maldives, and shaping financial strategies for Marriott International properties across Eastern Europe and the Middle East. In her capacity, she has demonstrated a proven ability to optimize hotel profitability, lead high-performing finance teams, and drive strategic growth. Her technical prowess includes proficiency in Profit Optimization, Balance Sheet Review, and Profit and Loss Statement Review, complemented by advanced skills in Excel. Zarema's career highlights include managing renovation budgets effectively, overseeing pre-opening financial operations, and spearheading VAT initiatives in the Middle East. Her background in finance and accounting from the Tashkent Financial Institute, combined with language abilities in English, Russian, and Turkish, underscores her comprehensive international perspective and effectiveness in dynamic environments.
Experience
VAT PROJECT LEADER
Dubai Regional Office of Marriott Intl. · 2017 — 2018Collaborated with regional finance management to develop and deliver training for Directors of Finance at all hotels in KSA and UAE regarding the introduction of a 5% VAT effective January 1, 2018.CLUSTER FINANCIAL CONTROLLER, LATER PROMOTED CLUSTER DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Marriott Cluster in Kuwait · 2012 — 2017Oversaw the finance operations of all hotels managed by Marriott in Kuwait, which included two hotels, a convention center, and shared services at the beginning of the role, expanding to include an additional hotel in 2015.FINANCIAL CONTROLLER AND MULTI-PROPERTY FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
Marriott Executive Apartments Bahrain and Residence Inn by Marriott, Manama Bahrain · 2008 — 2012Faced the challenge of establishing financial operations for the first Marriott-branded property in Bahrain, which involved team recruitment, system installations, and office setup. Worked alongside the team to set up inter-company accounts for operations when a new property opened next door.ACCOUNTING MANAGER
Marriott Cluster Properties in Kuwait · 2008 — 2008Managed shared services accounting for two hotels and a convention center, operating within a team under the director of finance. Gained insights into shared services operations and resolved various errors in the HR system that led to financial discrepancies.ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Renaissance by Marriott Hotel, Aturau, Kazakhstan · 2006 — 2007Participated in the pre-opening phase as Assistant Director of Finance, training a team of Russian-speaking accountants in English-based systems including inventory and bookkeeping. Acted as a translator between the finance team and executive management.ASST. FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
One & Only Kanuhura Resort, Maldives · 2005 — 2006Led efforts to enhance reporting time and accuracy while managing receivables during operational periods. Oversaw the renovation budget provided by the insurance company, ensuring proper fund allocation between renovation and hotel expenses, receiving appreciation for effective budget control.ASST. FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
InterContinental Tashkent Hotel · 2001 — 2005Began my career at the hotel in the Accounts Payable department, quickly advancing to the role of Assistant Financial Controller.
Skills & Expertise
Education
- Finance and AccountingTashkent Financial Institute · 1994 — 1999
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