Director of Finance

Reports to the General Manager; exempt position.

About the role

Hotels done differently. At Aparium, we believe in the power of People, Place and Character. We ensure our hotels are a place where individuals are valued and celebrated, elevating our associates’ pride in who they are, where they live and who we serve. Our hotel is a tribute to the neighborhoods and the people of the communities where we operate. Located in the heart of Seattle’s storied Pioneer Square, Populus Seattle is poised to anchor one of the country’s most significant adaptive reuse developments, as one of three main historic buildings connected by activated alleyways. This historic building, originally constructed in 1907 as the Manufacturers Exchange Building, built of sturdy brick and heavy timber, merges the historic narratives of the great continental railways and the bustling seaport of Seattle. The 120-room boutique hotel will feature Pioneer Square’s first rooftop bar, a signature restaurant, a strong community connection, and design that evokes the feeling of a Pacific Northwest rainforest.

Founded in 2011, Aparium Hotel Group is driven by the belief that all hospitality experiences should be fueled by the poetics of their surroundings. Recognized by Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards as a leading hotel brand, Aparium combines the business acumen of large hospitality companies with the charm of boutique hotels in bustling, smaller markets.

The Director of Finance leads the accounting and finance responsibilities of Populus Seattle, promoting GAAP compliance, alignment with the AHLA Uniform System of Accounts, and implementing human resources practices. This role serves as the go-to person for support, coaching, and education on company accounting and employment processes, procedures, and practices. The Director reports to the Managing Director and General Manager, collaborates closely with the Executive Committee and the Aparium Finance team to achieve financially sound and strategic business decisions.

Responsibilities

• Reinforce the company’s Art + Science ideologies to ensure translocal hospitality, intuitive service, and collaboration are modeled by yourself and every hotel leader.
• Lead and be responsible for accounting and finance procedures, practices, and policies, ensuring execution of all accounting tasks and required deadlines.
• Lead preparation of budgets and forecasts; work collaboratively to establish and recommend major economic objectives and policies.
• Develop and implement procedures and training to promote efficient, effective, and timely completion of accounting activities by property accountants, managers, and cash handlers.
• Provide financial analysis for Aparium key stakeholders; collaborate with EVP of Finance, VP of Finance, and GM on hotel financial goals through reports and advising; track and prepare cash flow statements.
• Administer, maintain, and enforce legal and finance compliance initiatives (including SOX, PCI, and other financial reporting); ensure adherence to Aparium policies and all applicable laws.
• Oversee financial reporting and records management; coordinate internal and external audits; prepare regulatory reports; identify and communicate process inefficiencies and recommend solutions.
• Ensure Hotel Management Agreement compliance: negotiate, administer, and monitor vendor contracts; liaise with hotel owners and other departments; assist with finance department and hotel-related issues.
• Advise management on tax code revisions and operational adjustments; ensure timely payment and filing of federal, state, and local sales taxes, fees, payroll, and vendor invoices; safeguard hotel resources, assets, and risk management assessments.
• Actively participate in interviewing, hiring, training, scheduling, coaching, and motivating team members to nurture ideas and develop future talent for succession planning.
• Ensure a sense of belonging by upholding company values for a Respectful Workplace, Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive environment, Manager Code of Conduct, and Associate Handbook Work Rules.
• Role model open-door policy and employee engagement practices; demonstrate positive work ethic; guide and monitor business ethics; perform other job-related duties as requested.
• Demonstrate passion for “being in the know” by spending time in departments, attending shift briefings or meetings; exhibit servant leadership during crunch times.
• Display collaborative spirit with peers and managers; facilitate focus groups and methods for employees to voice ideas; ensure remedies are implemented.

Leadership expectations

• Highly analytical in thought and recommendations; seek facts continually; express viewpoints without ego.
• Engage others in conversation to build rapport quickly; adapt communication and presentation tactics for diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Approach fact-finding collaboratively; value input and experiences of others to uncover deeper issues and barriers.
• Drive results passionately; influence others to execute strategy through tactical methods; prioritize work effectively for self and others.
• Comfortable identifying strategic needs as a “general” and implementing plans as a “soldier.”
• Make decisions with integrity; maintain confidentiality across internal workgroups; use discretion appropriately; distinguish transparency from confidentiality.

Requirements

• Minimum five (5) years of progressive accounting and finance management experience; demonstrated progression through the ranks to understand team responsibilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Hospitality preferred; not required with years of proven experience.
• Background in hotel accounting preferred; familiarity with AHLA Uniform System of Accounts.
• Previous experience leading and implementing human resources practices: recruitment, hiring, employee relations investigations, and meaningful engagement activities.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, especially during month-end close periods to ensure accuracy.

Pay

Salary: $130,000–$160,000, based on experience.

Benefits

• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, and pet insurance
• Employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off to volunteer for community causes
• Strong sense of belonging through diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives