Area Director of Finance | Columbia Hospitality

Columbia Hospitality•Seattle, WA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Columbia Hospitality is seeking an Area Director of Finance to provide strategic financial leadership across a portfolio of hotel properties. This role partners with General Managers, ownership groups, and other key stakeholders to drive profitability and asset value. The position requires oversight of financial reporting, audits, and compliance, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. The Area Director of Finance will manage accounting processes, cash flow, and cost controls, ensuring operational efficiency. A strong command of accounting principles (GAAP/IFRS) and risk management expertise is essential. This role is based on-site in Seattle, with potential for future hybrid options depending on performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree (BA) in Business or Accounting from four-year college or university, or four years related experience and/or training.
Strong command of accounting principles: GAAP/IFRS knowledge is a must for financial compliance.
Risk management expertise: Skilled in assessing and mitigating financial risks, including market trends, competition, and economic factors.
Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and county tax laws and filings.
Well organized, detail oriented with excellent communication skills.
Ability to work under time pressure and extensive hours.
Have a professional, friendly, and enthusiastic demeanor.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, current on technology expertise and know-how.
Superior Excel skills required.
Ability to demonstrate flexibility and be able to perform multiple tasks and work in stressful situations.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree and/or CPA is a plus.
Five years of accounting experience in the Hospitality Industry and/or CHAE certification is desired.
Experience using different accounting softwares a plus.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic financial leadership across a portfolio of hotel properties, partnering with General Managers, ownership group and other key stakeholders to drive profitability and asset value.
Oversee financial reporting, audits, and compliance to ensure accuracy, transparency, and compliance.
Manage accounting processes, cash flow, and cost controls, ensuring fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency.
On a monthly basis, oversees and maintains balance sheet analysis with full supporting detail.
On an annual basis, supervise the preparation of annual audits and tax returns with external audit team.
Ensure integrity and efficiency of computerized data processing functions.
Ensure all financial reports, budgets, forecasts, and other information required by the company are accurately compiled and submitted within the specified time limits, identifying variances, and making recommendations for improvements as appropriate.
Ensure adequate controls are installed and maintained for the protection of the property's assets against loss or misappropriation.
Analyze financial performance, identify trends and risks, and provides recommendations to improve operational efficiency.
Lead and develop finance teams, establishing consistent processes, controls and performance standards at the assigned properties.
Coach general managers, department heads and key stakeholders at the assigned properties regarding their financial responsibilities and effective financial management techniques including how to read, interpret and run financial reports available for their level.