Director of Finance

About the role

The Director of Finance is responsible for providing the financial expertise to enable the successful implementation of the brand service strategy and brand initiatives while maximizing the return on investment to the owners. In addition, creates and executes a business plan that is aligned with the property and brand's business strategy and focuses on the execution of financial and accounting activities and the delivery of desirable financial results. This position will be responsible for the development of the area model, as well as the financial teams of various properties under the same flag and ownership. The Director of Finance must be detail‑orientated, analytical, strategic, and adaptable to manage and work through opportunities while remaining professional and focused on the job at hand.

Responsibilities

• Detailed understanding and execution of the month‑end process for the properties, including preparation of financial statements, accruals, and journal entries.
• Maintain reconciliations for balance‑sheet accounts in established corporate formats and in accordance with local GAAP.
• Develop means to improve profit, including estimating cost and benefit, exploring new business opportunities, etc.
• Analyze information, forecast sales against expenses, and create annual budget plans.
• Think creatively and practically to develop, execute, and implement new business plans.
• Create the annual operating budget for the property.
• Provide analytical support during budget reviews to identify cost‑saving and productivity opportunities for property managers.
• Implement a system of appropriate controls to manage business risks.
• Ensure a strong accounting and operational control environment to safeguard assets, improve operations, and profitability.
• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive annual business plan aligned with the company’s and brand’s strategic direction.
• Produce accurate forecasts that enable operations to react to changes in the business.
• Utilize interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence, and encourage others; advocate sound financial/business decision‑making; demonstrate honesty/integrity; lead by example.
• Leverage strong functional leadership and communication skills to influence the property’s strategies and lead the finance team.
• Manage communication with owners in an effective manner.
• Manage property working capital and cash flow in accordance with brand SOPs and owner requirements.
• Ensure that the P&L is accurate, with costs properly matched to revenue and recorded in the proper accounts.
• Read and understand basic contract elements such as royalty fees, management agreements, terms, priorities, and profit distribution.
• Maintain close relations with internal and external auditors and ensure effective action on agreed‑upon recommendations.
• Apply business acumen to understand and utilize business information.

Requirements

• Minimum five years’ lifestyle hotel financial management experience.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Superior proficiency with computer software products including Micros, OPERA, On‑Q, ProfitSword, and M3.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the public and property team members.
• Essential statistical and analytical skills to identify revenue opportunities and shortfalls.
• Ability to handle confidential information discretely and appropriately.
• Self‑starter with excellent presentation skills.
• Proven track record of successful hotel distribution and revenue strategic planning.
• Effective decision‑making, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Willingness to work varying schedules as required.
• Strong customer and colleague relationship skills.
• Effective conflict management and good listening skills.

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field.
• Five years’ financial management experience in hospitality.

Skills

• Analytical and strategic thinking
• Financial forecasting and budgeting
• Month‑end close and GAAP compliance
• Profit improvement and cost‑benefit analysis
• Risk management and internal controls
• Leadership and team development
• Owner and stakeholder communication
• Cash flow and working‑capital management
• Contract interpretation
• Business acumen
• Advanced software proficiency (Micros, OPERA, On‑Q, ProfitSword, M3)
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Presentation and conflict‑resolution abilities