Meet the Expert with… Ricardo Amaral, Senior Corporate Controller at Mercan Properties

As Senior Corporate Controller at Mercan Properties, Ricardo Amaral plays a vital role in shaping the financial backbone of the company. By consolidating results from multiple subsidiaries, implementing structured reporting processes, and driving continuous improvement, he ensures that every strategic decision is supported by accurate, transparent, and timely financial data. His leadership not only strengthens coordination across accounting and management control teams but also accelerates reporting efficiency, enabling the company to respond swiftly to market dynamics and confidently pursue sustainable growth.

Learn more about Rocardo's work in the following interview.

How would you describe your role as Corporate Controller at Mercan Properties?

My role as Corporate Controller involves consolidating the financial results of the group’s various subsidiaries, ensuring that all reports follow the USALI structure, and overseeing careful, rigorous, and audited management of the group’s companies. To achieve this, discipline is essential, along with creating procedures and constantly pursuing continuous improvement. I ensure coordination between accounting and management control teams, define policies that cover the group as a whole, and oversee financial reporting. I also analyze results, propose performance improvements, and support management and the Board in strategic decision-making.

For example, this year we implemented two key processes for the group: the monthly closing process and the rolling forecast, which reduced reporting time from 10 to 6 business days. This allowed management faster access to reliable financial data, facilitating strategic decisions such as budget adjustments, investments in new business areas, and providing a clearer overall view. I currently work with brands including IHG, Hilton, Marriott, and Wyndham, overseeing 15 operational units. At the same time, I serve as Corporate Controller for the corporate companies—shared services companies in this case: AHM, Mercan Capital Portugal. These companies provide shared services for the active management of hotel units and the core business of the Mercan Group.

How does the financial department contribute to Mercan’s global growth and investment strategy?

The financial department plays a fundamental role in supporting Mercan’s global growth and investment strategy by ensuring that decisions are sustainable, profitable, and aligned with the group’s strategic objectives.

Key contributions include:

• Financial planning and analysis – Evaluates the economic performance of international operations and identifies opportunities for investment and expansion.
• Capital and cash flow management – Ensures that financial resources are available to support new projects and acquisitions in different markets.
• Risk control, audit, and compliance – Ensures that all domestic and international operations comply with local legal and tax regulations, reducing financial risk.
• Investment structuring – Supports the creation of financial models and financing structures that optimize returns for investors.
• Provision of strategic information – Through consolidated financial reports and forecasts, enables management to make data-driven decisions.

What do you find most fulfilling about your role as Corporate Controller?

What I find most fulfilling as Corporate Controller is being able to create real impact through financial leadership. I enjoy ensuring that financial information is accurate, rigorous, and transparent, fostering trust among management, investors, and partners. It is highly rewarding to see how analyses and process improvements directly contribute to strategic growth—for example, when more efficient reporting or rigorous budget planning allows the company to expand confidently. Ultimately, what motivates me most is knowing that my work transforms numbers into decisions that drive the company’s sustainable success.

How do you ensure the financial goals stay aligned with Mercan’s projects and objectives?

Aligning financial goals with strategic projects is critical to ensuring the group’s sustainable growth and efficiency. In my role as Corporate Controller, I achieve this through several actions:

• Integrated financial planning – I work closely with project management to ensure that each initiative has an adequate budget, realistic forecasts, and clear financial targets.
• Continuous monitoring – I regularly track the financial performance of each project, comparing actual results to planned outcomes, identifying deviations, and proposing immediate adjustments.
• Strategic reporting – I produce detailed financial analyses showing how each project contributes to the company’s overall objectives, supporting informed decisions on investments and priorities.
• Risk and compliance management – I ensure that all projects comply with tax, legal, and internal standards, protecting the company from risks and ensuring financial sustainability.
• Feedback and continuous improvement – I use data and outcomes from previous projects to optimize processes, budgeting, and future planning, keeping financial goals aligned with the global strategy.

For example, when analyzing a new real estate expansion project, I collaborate with the development team to define the budget, forecast cash flows, and estimate ROI. During project execution, I regularly monitor results and adjust planning as needed, ensuring Mercan’s financial goals remain aligned with the global growth strategy.

My work as Corporate Controller is essential to Mercan’s operations, as it ensures that strategic decisions are supported by reliable and transparent financial information. By guaranteeing accuracy, efficiency, rigor, and alignment of financial resources with the objectives of each company, I contribute directly to sustainable growth, investor confidence, and the group’s overall success. I strive every day to improve and take Mercan to the highest level.