Interim Director of Finance

Interim Director of Finance

We are seeking a hands-on Interim Director of Finance to lead accounting and financial operations across three Santa Monica hotels, with Shore Hotel as the primary work location. The Interim Director will provide financial leadership, maintain operational continuity, and support ownership and property leadership on profitability, capital allocation, and financial decisions during the transition period. We value sound financial controls, independent judgment, practical technology leadership, and a proven ability to turn ideas into measurable results.

This is an opportunity for an experienced hospitality finance leader who can step into an established operation, quickly assess priorities, and provide both strategic and hands-on support. The Interim Director of Finance will play a key role in maintaining financial performance, strengthening accounting processes, and ensuring a smooth transition to permanent leadership.

Essential Duties:

Financial Leadership & Portfolio Strategy

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, working capital, and timely financial reporting for all three properties.
• Partner with ownership and GMs on portfolio profitability, operating performance, capital expenditures, and financial analysis.
• Develop financial models, scenarios, and ROI analyses that support practical, well-supported business decisions.

Operational Efficiency, Technology & Cost Control

• Challenge existing workflows and eliminate, simplify, consolidate, or reassign unnecessary steps before pursuing automation or new software.
• Support financial-system improvements, integrations, reporting automation, and appropriate AI-enabled solutions, prioritizing initiatives that can deliver measurable results during the interim assignment.
• Establish and maintain a structured cost-control program across purchasing, vendor contracts, labor, recurring expenses, and department budgets; validate realized savings.

Accounting Operations & Team Leadership

• Direct AP, AR, payroll-related accounting, reconciliations, month-end and year-end close, reporting, and cash management, while maintaining sound internal controls.
• Maintain compliance with applicable accounting standards, USALI, taxes, and company policies.
• Provide hands-on oversight of outstanding accounting priorities, including balance-sheet reconciliations, and ensure timely resolution.
• Lead and support the Finance team, establish clear ownership, deadlines, operating standards, and performance measures, and facilitate an effective transition to permanent leadership.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of progressive hospitality finance experience, including 3 years in senior financial leadership; 7+ years preferred.
• Previous interim, task force, or multi-property hospitality finance experience strongly preferred.
• Strong financial modeling, hotel accounting, forecasting, controls, and operating-performance analysis.
• Demonstrated personal leadership of completed cost-saving, workflow redesign, technology integration, or automation initiatives, supported by measurable outcomes.
• Advanced Excel skills; hands-on M3 and OPERA experience strongly preferred, along with business intelligence tools and practical AI-enabled finance applications.
• Independent, hands-on management style with sound judgment, clear communication, consistent follow-through, and the ability to quickly adapt to an existing operation.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA or MBA preferred.

Working Conditions & Physical Work Demands

• Able to sit and work at a computer keyboard for extended periods of time.
• Able to stoop, kneel, bend at the waist and reach on a daily basis.
• Able to lift and move up to 20 pounds occasionally.
• Regular and on-time attendance is critical.
• Hours occasionally exceed 40 hours per week.

Company Benefits

We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance of our team members.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees
• Company-paid life insurance ($25,000 coverage)
• Paid sick leave in accordance with applicable eligibility requirements
• Company-paid parking
• Transportation allowance and eligible alternative transportation incentives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee recognition and appreciation programs
• Employee referral incentive program
• Complimentary dry cleaning for work attire
• Tuition reimbursement

Benefits for interim employees are subject to employment classification, eligibility requirements, and applicable plan terms.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.