DIRECTOR - FINANCE

Knowledge of NYHTC IWA is required for this role. The Director of Finance is responsible for overseeing, directing, and administering all financial operations of the property. This position is a strategic business partner who helps the hotel achieve its goals by being an advocate, change leader, and champion for inspiring achievement in the finance team.   The Director manages financial performance, oversees internal and external audits, protects property assets, and ensures the financial integrity of the property.  The Director of Finance must create an exceptional climate of professional and personable service that ensures the engagement of employees, guests, owners, and investors.

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• Create performance expectations, lead people, manage processes, and hold people accountable for the agreed upon activities and timetables.
• Lead, direct, and manage all department operations. Maintain regular presence throughout the department. 
• Manage overall financial transactions and reporting of the business by analyzing and reconciling financial reports, determining trends and areas of opportunity, advising others on cost control methods, and resolving budgetary issues.
• Oversee preparation of monthly financial reporting package including financial statement, balance sheet, and cash flow.
• Ensure compliance with labor management system standards.
• Have understanding of taxation and governmental reporting applicable to the property; ensure accurate and timely filing.
• Lead monthly P & L reviews and forecast meetings with the management team
• Ensure compliance with the Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) and all financial reporting responsibilities.
• Oversee all aspects of accounts receivable, credit, accounts payable, income audit, payroll, cash handling, cash control, purchasing and receiving.
• Control capital expenditure program
• Oversee all contracts and legal agreements and maintain all licenses, permits, insurance, and contracts.
• Oversee internal and external audits.
• Communicate with leaders regarding issues, risk, and liability concerns, or other important business matters.
• Participate in monthly closing process by ensuring all deadlines are met and proper reporting is completed.
• Ensure all finance policies and procedures are fully implemented and consistently followed in all departments.
• Maintain compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, government regulations, and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Assist in creating property annual operating budget, capital plan, and cash flow.
• Prepare and execute business plans to ensure the maximization of property performance.
• Create and develop goals and operational strategies for the operations that are aligned with the Hard Rock brand. Communicate the role that each employee has in their achievement and ensure accountability. 
• Analyze and identify financial opportunities including cost controls, productivity levels, and revenue generation.
• Monitor actual sales, revenues, and expenses to determine variance and assess goal accomplishments, and adjust strategies and forecasts accordingly.
• Create and distribute monthly forecasts.
• Protect and enhance the value of property assets through appropriate programs and maintenance. Evaluate condition of equipment and property and conduct analysis for capital expenditure needs.
• Balance staffing levels and labor to achieve ideal employee/guest engagement and cost ratio.
• Attract and select the best talent available from inside or outside the organization.
• Develop and implement strategies to retain staff.
• Train, coach, and counsel managers, supervisors and employees to achieve their career goals and maximize their potential.
• Monitor and evaluate staff performance and deliver recognition and rewards.
• Promote a positive work environment for all employees and ensure all employment related processes and documentation are in compliance.
• Participate in and ensure Sound Checks are being conducted in department.
• Ensure an extraordinary experience and create loyalty to the property and Hard Rock brand by exceeding expectations through exceptional service and product quality.
• Resolve guest complaints and implement changes to prevent future issues.
• Monitor quality assurance program scores and guest feedback. Take corrective action when necessary.
• Ensure all property policies and procedures are fully implemented in department, including health and safety guidelines.
• Maintain relationships with key clients, owners, and investors.
• Maintain communication with Hard Rock corporate staff.
• Develop positive relationships within the business and social community.
• Promote the organization in and out of industry and at relevant trade associations.
• Present a professional image to employees, guests, clients, owners, and investors.
• Serve as a member of the property's Executive Committee.
• Perform duties in accordance with and ensure compliance with property management agreement and other requirements and regulations.
• Operate ethically to protect the Hard Rock brand. Ensure brand and business initiatives are implemented. 
• Maintain confidentiality of guest, employee, and company information.
• Active participant in daily operations meeting, weekly staff meeting, daily management Sound Check, Resume Meeting, Monthly Credit Meeting and any other required meetings.
• Participation in the Manager on Duty program.
• Conduct monthly department meetings to communicate new policies and procedures, discuss service issues and successes, discuss global programs, implement new products and procedures, and discuss areas of opportunities, special events, activities, and training.
• Knowledge of Hard Rock Brand products, program, and service standards, including Forbes Standards, and ensure each are effectively maintained.

This job description reflects the position’s essential functions; it does not encompass all of the tasks that may be assigned.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND CERTIFICATIONS

• 8+ years’ experience in hospitality finance management, including 3 years in a leadership role. Luxury hotel experience preferred. 
• 5+ years' experience with Union Local 6 
• College Degree in Finance or related degree required.
• Working knowledge of local financial practices and taxation; work experience in country required.

SKILLS

• High energy with effective and influential people skills. Positive attitude and the desire to motivate others.
• Ability to prioritize and work on several projects simultaneously should pose a challenge without being overwhelming.
• Ability to comprehend and use technical or professional language, either written or spoken, to communicate complex ideas.
• Strong communication and listening skills and excellent speaking, reading, and writing ability.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, owners, investors, and employees of the organization.
• Ability to perform complex quantitative calculations or reasoning.
• Ability to perform numerical operations using basic counting, adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing.
• Understanding of the Uniform System of Accounts for Lodging.
• Strong command of software applications, especially Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and hotel-specific platforms (MICROS Opera, Sabre/SYNXIS, Delphi, SUN, etc.). 
• Ability to effectively deal with internal and external customers and staff, some of whom will require high levels of patience, tact, and diplomacy.
• Fluency in English: additional languages preferred. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to move throughout the business (standing, walking, kneeling, and bending) for extended periods of time.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to make repeating movements of the arms, hands, and wrists.
• Ability to express or exchange ideas verbally and perceive sound by ear.
• Ability to obtain impressions through the eyes.
• Manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and ability to work with hand above shoulders.
• Ability to occasionally move objects (lift, push, pull, balance, carry) up to 10 pounds / 5 kilograms.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to heat, cold, chemicals, and loud/noisy environment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Deep understanding of lifestyle hotels
• New York experience
• Pre-opening experience preferred
• Self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit and strong organizational skills
• Must meet legal requirements for any required licensing.
• Ability to travel occasionally.
• Availability to work weekends, holidays, and special events when necessary or as directed by the General Manager.