Director of Finance

Job title:                                             Director of Finance

Reports directly to:                        General Manager

Direct Reports:                                Accounting Department

Overall Job Purpose

–       Functions as the property’s strategic financial business leader.

–       The position champions, develops and implements property-wide strategies that deliver products and services to meet or exceed the needs and expectations of the brand’s target customer and property employees.

–       The position provides the financial expertise to enable the successful implementation of the brand service strategy and hotel initiatives while maximizing the return on investment.

–       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 activities and the delivery of desirable financial results.

Competencies

• Action orientated with a drive for results
• Analytical Skills
• Strong math’s skills
• Attention to detail
• Problem solver
• Positive approach
• ERP Software and Opera experience

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Fluent in both Italian and English
• Strong understanding of finance and accounting
• Internationally experienced
• Affinity with a more refined lifestyle

Candidate profile

Education and Experience

Minimum 4-year experience in similar role in comparable property with sizeable rooms and meeting spaces.

Preferred:

• Has demonstrated the ability to always work on behalf of Guests
• Has demonstrated the ability to work with other Team Members
• Successful track record of working in a collaborative/matrixed environment
• Ability to evaluate and identify business opportunities for a business

Principal Accountabilities

Engaging in Strategic Planning and Decision Making

·        Develop means to improve profit, including estimating cost and benefit, exploring new business opportunities, etc.

·        Analyze information, forecasts sales against expenses and creates annual budget plans.

·        Compile information, analyzes and monitors actual sales against projected sales.

·        Analyze differences between actual budget wages and forecasted wages for more efficient budget planning.

·        Identify the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

·        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.

·        Analyze financial data and market trends.

·        Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive annual business plan, which is aligned with the company’s and brand’s strategic direction.

·        Provide ongoing analytical support by monitoring the operating department’s actual and projected sales.

·        Produce accurate forecasts that enable operations to react to changes in the business.

Leading Finance Teams

·        Utilize interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence, and encourage others; advocates sound financial/business decision-making; demonstrates honesty/integrity; leads by example.

·        Communicate the strategic goals, the focus and the owner priorities to subordinates in a clear and precise manner.

·        Leverage strong functional leadership and communication skills to influence the executive team, the property’s strategies and to lead own team.

·        Oversee internal, external and regulatory audit processes.

·        Provide excellent leadership by assigning team members and other departments managers’ clear accountability backed by appropriate authority.

·        Conduct annual performance appraisals with direct reports according to standard operating procedures.

Anticipating and Delivering on the Needs of Key Stakeholders

·        Attend meetings and communicating with the owners, understanding the priorities and strategic focus.

·        Understand and meet the needs of key stakeholders (owners, corporate, guests, etc.).

·        Advise the GM and executive committee on existing and evolving operating/financial issues.

·        Communicate financial concepts in a clear and persuasive manner that is easy to understand and drives desired behaviors.

·        Demonstrate an understanding of cash flow and owner priorities.

·        Manage communication with owners in an effective manner.

·        Manage property working capital and cash flow in accordance with brand standard operating procedures and owner requirements.

·        Facilitate critique meetings to review information with management team.

Developing and Maintaining Finance Goals

·        Ensure Profits and Losses are documented accurately.

·        Monitor all taxes that apply, ensuring that taxes are current, collected and/or accrued.

·        Submit reports in a timely manner, ensuring delivery deadlines.

·        Develop and support achievement of performance goals, budget goals, team goals, etc.

·        Improve profit growth in operating departments.

·        Review audit issues to ensure accuracy.

·        Monitor the purchasing process as applicable.

Managing Projects and Policies

·        Generate and provide accurate and timely results in the form of reports, presentations, etc.

·        Reconcile balance sheet to ensure account balances are supported by appropriate documentation in accordance with standard operating procedures.

·        Ensure that the P&L is accurate (e.g., costs are properly matched to revenue; costs are recorded in the proper accounts).

·        Ensure compliance with management contract and reporting requirements.

·        Ensure compliance with standard and local operating procedures.

·        Ensure compliance with standard operating procedures.

Managing and Conducting Human Resource Activities

·        Ensure team members are cross-trained to support successful daily operations.

·        Ensure property policies are administered fairly and consistently.

·        Ensure new hires participate in the department’s orientation program.

·        Ensures new hires receive the appropriate new hire training to successfully perform their job.

·        Create appropriate development plans which develop team members based on their individual strengths, development needs, career aspirations and abilities.

·        Conduct performance review process for employees.

·        Participate in hiring activities as appropriate.