Director of Finance

Overview

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, the Director creates and executes a business plan that is aligned with the property and brand's business strategy, focusing 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‑oriented, analytical, strategic, and adaptable to manage and work through opportunities while remaining professional and focused on the job at hand.

Key Responsibilities

• Detailed understanding and execution of Month‑End process for the properties, including preparation of financial statements, accruals, journal entries, and maintaining reconciliations for balance sheet accounts in established corporate formats and in accordance with local Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (local GAAP).
• Develops means to improve profit, including estimating cost and benefit, exploring new business opportunities, and other initiatives.
• Analyzes information, forecasts sales against expenses, and creates annual budget plans.
• Thinks creatively and practically to develop, execute and implement new business plans.
• Creates the annual operating budget for the property.
• Provides analytical support during budget reviews to identify cost‑saving and productivity opportunities for property managers.
• Implements a system of appropriate controls to manage business risks.
• Ensures a strong accounting and operational control environment to safeguard assets, improve operations and profitability.
• Leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive annual business plan aligned with the company and brand’s strategic direction.
• Produces accurate forecasts that enable operations to react to changes in the business.
• Utilizes interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence, and encourage others; advocates sound financial/business decision‑making; demonstrates honesty/integrity; leads by example.
• Leverages strong functional leadership and communication skills to influence the property’s strategies and to lead own team.
• Manages communication with owners in an effective manner.
• Manages property working capital and cash flow in accordance with brand SOPs and owner requirements.
• Ensures that the P&L is accurate (e.g., costs are properly matched to revenue costs and recorded in the proper accounts).
• Ability to read and understand basic contract elements, such as royalty fees, management agreements, terms, priorities and profit distribution. Maintains close relations with hotel’s internal and external auditors and ensures effective action on agreed recommendations.
• Business Acumen – Understanding and utilizing business information.

Required Qualifications

• Five years’ minimum experience in lifestyle hotel financial management.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Superior user capabilities in computer software products including Micros, OPERA, On‑Q, ProfitSword, M3.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in written form with the public as well as property team members.
• Essential statistical and analytical skills required to identify revenue opportunities and shortfalls.
• Ability to handle confidential information discretely and in the proper manner.
• Self‑starter with excellent presentation skills.
• Proven track record of successful hotel distribution and revenue strategic planning.
• Effective decision‑making skills.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• May be required to work varying schedules.
• Good communication skills (verbal, listening, writing).
• Effective conflict management skills.
• Strong customer and colleague relationship skills.