Director of Finance

Chicago Athletic Association is seeking a Finance Business Partner who brings an agile mindset and thrives in a collaborative, cross-functional environment. This role plays a key part in shaping and executing thoughtful financial strategies that support the hotel’s unique character and business objectives, while delivering meaningful results for all stakeholders.

About the Organization

At Hyatt, we believe in the power of belonging and creating a culture of care, where our colleagues become family. Since 1957, our colleagues and guests have been at the heart of our business, helping Hyatt become one of the best and fastest-growing hospitality brands in the world. We celebrate individuality and connection, valuing diverse perspectives, fostering curiosity, and building authentic relationships.

Our transformative growth opens doors for exciting career opportunities. As we continue to expand, we remain focused on what’s most important: People. We turn trips into journeys, encounters into experiences, and jobs into careers.

Hyatt has earned a place on Fortune’s prestigious 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the last ten years, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity, empathy, and respect. Our purpose—to care for people so they can be their best—guides every business decision.

About the Role

The Director of Finance leads all financial operations of the hotel, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with applicable regulations and standards. This role is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and overseeing the hotel’s financial and control functions, delivering clear reporting on operational performance, and providing strategic financial guidance to hotel leadership.

Responsibilities

• Financial Management:
  • Prepare and review all monthly and annual financial statements.
  • Investigate, review, and analyze variance explanations, engaging department managers in the process.
  • Identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed.
  • Lead and manage all on-site and off-site accounting functions, including financial and capital planning, budgeting, month-end close, accounting, and cash management.
  • Lead the development and implementation of the annual business plan in alignment with overall business objectives.
  • Oversee the year-end process, including reviewing and approving all reconciliations and audit workpapers.
  • Coordinate external audit visits, respond to auditor requests, approve adjustments, reconcile audited reports to hotel records, and finalize audit approval.
• Internal Controls & Risk:
  • Ensure adherence to HMA terms and fulfillment of all reporting obligations.
  • Maintain compliance with policies and procedures to uphold strong internal controls and appropriate segregation of duties.
  • Lead and manage SOX compliance requirements.
  • Monitor industry trends, local legislative changes, and organizational dynamics to inform sound business decisions.
• Operational Leadership:
  • Mentor and coach the finance team by providing clear direction, training, and performance feedback to support professional growth and development.
  • Support the development of future leaders across all areas of the hotel.
  • Empower employees with financial insights to enhance decision-making and ownership.
  • Oversee the Information Technology and Procurement functions, while maintaining a strong understanding of both operational and back-office functions.
  • Foster and sustain an environment that is adaptable and receptive to change.
  • Respond to all ownership groups, ensuring timely and accurate reporting, while managing a wide range of ad hoc requests.
• Business Partnership:
  • Collaborate with hotel leadership to develop and execute strategic initiatives that drive cost efficiencies and revenue growth, while preserving core business values and relationships.
  • Oversee Third-Party F&B provider for compliance to FB Management Agreement, including validation of provided financials.
  • Consolidate Third-Party Financials into hotel reporting and prepare additional financial reports for ownership and lender.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with ownership representatives and key stakeholders, ensuring timely communication and submission of deliverables.
  • Demonstrate a growth mindset and embrace change to create value for stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in finance; experience in hospitality, retail, or a related industry preferred.
• Degree in Accounting, Finance, Hospitality, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with individuals from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to convey information clearly and concisely.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Benefits

• Annual allotment of free hotel stays at Hyatt hotels globally.
• Flexible work schedule and location.
• Work-life benefits including wellbeing initiatives such as a complimentary Headspace subscription and a discount at the on-site fitness center.
• A global family assistance policy with paid time off following the birth or adoption of a child, as well as financial assistance for adoption.
• Paid Time Off, Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401K with company match.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $126,000 - $157,500. The final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

About the Workplace

Located on Michigan Ave, the Chicago Athletic Association hotel is a historic landmark transformed into an incomparable boutique hotel. The hotel features 240 guest rooms and suites, 17,000 sq ft of event space, and seven award-winning dining destinations. It was recently voted the #1 best hotel in Chicago by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler.