Director of Finance
About The Position
The Director of Finance is a critical leadership role responsible for building and sustaining a high-functioning finance operation during an active period of growth and operational improvement. This is a hands-on role suited for a finance leader who is comfortable taking ownership of a function in transition — one who can simultaneously stabilize day-to-day accounting operations, rebuild core forecasting and budgeting processes, and develop the team around them. The ideal candidate brings both technical rigor and the interpersonal credibility to partner effectively with the General Manager, department heads, and a corporate finance structure.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- Minimum 5 years of progressive hotel finance experience, including at least 2 years in a Director of Finance or Controller role at a full-service, select-service, or independent property
- Demonstrated experience leading and rebuilding finance operations, including budgeting and forecasting processes, in a complex or transitional environment
- Strong working knowledge of USALI and hotel-specific accounting standards
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools
- Authorized to work in the United States
- Must be able to commute to the property; this is a fully on-site role
Nice To Haves
- Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC365) or similar ERP platforms
- Familiarity with hospitality-specific systems including Opera PMS, ProfitSword, or Oracle FCCS
- Experience with Chicago-area tax compliance, including the Tourism Improvement District (TID) and city/county lodging tax frameworks
- CPA, CMA, or equivalent certification
Responsibilities
- Prepare timely weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports and plans in compliance with USALI standards
- Oversee the accuracy of daily hotel revenues via the Income Journal
- Prepare and review monthly bank reconciliations and general ledger account reconciliations
- Monitor cash flow, operating forecasts, and internal controls; escalate risk items proactively
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including Illinois-specific requirements
- Assist with Internal, External, and Sales Tax audits as required
- Own the property’s budgeting and forecasting cycle from end to end, including template management and departmental alignment
- Partner with the General Manager and department heads to ensure forecasts are accurate, current, and operationally grounded
- Investigate and clearly communicate variances to budget, forecast, and prior year with actionable recommendations
- Participate in revenue and yield management strategy meetings
- Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and development to the accounting team, with a focus on building bench strength and succession readiness
- Identify training needs and close skill gaps proactively; create an environment where the team can grow into expanded responsibilities
- Assist with hiring, performance management, and disciplinary processes as needed
- Maintain consistent interaction with department heads to keep property operations financially on track
- Effectively manage receivables, payables, daily cash balances, and timely deposit of all funds
- Communicate financial objectives clearly to department heads and hold them accountable to budgeted targets
- Prepare special reports, statements, and ad hoc analyses as requested by property or corporate leadership
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k)
- Tuition assistance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
