Director of Finance (Pre-Opening)

Responsibilities. Drive financial strategy: Oversee all financial operations, ensuring alignment with the hotel’s strategic goals to optimize profitability and efficiency. Oversee financial planning and analysis: Direct the preparation of annual plans, projections, and budgets, providing financial insights to support business decisions. Advise hotel leadership: Serve as the primary financial advisor to hotel management, ownership, and department heads, offering data-driven recommendations to enhance financial performance. Ensure financial compliance: Uphold adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and safeguard hotel assets through strong financial controls. Optimize financial reporting: Oversee systems and processes to drive accuracy, efficiency, and transparency in financial reporting. Monitor and approve financial transactions: Oversee and authorize hotel sales, purchases, salaries, and expenses to maintain fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency. Cultivate a high-performing team: Drive engagement and retention through performance management, professional development, and recognition programs. Key Responsibilities for Hotel Pre-Opening Leaders. Project Management: Project Management: Oversee timelines, budgets, and resources; manage construction, procurement, and vendor coordination; ensure compliance with deadlines and regulations. Strategic Planning: Develop and execute pre-opening plans; set priorities, anticipate challenges, and establish operational workflows. Operational Readiness: Ensure all departments (front office, housekeeping, F&B, engineering) are prepared; coordinate training and brand standards implementation. Team Leadership: Recruit, onboard, and train staff; foster collaboration and maintain team focus under pressure. Financial Management: Manage pre-opening budgets; monitor forecasts; negotiate vendor contracts and control costs. Brand Standards: Ensure consistency in design, service, and operations aligned with brand guidelines. Problem-Solving: Address unexpected issues quickly; manage risks and maintain safety compliance. Attention to Detail: Oversee final construction, design, and furnishing; ensure operational processes meet quality standards. Communication: Maintain transparent updates with owners, investors, and stakeholders; represent the project in pre-opening events. Customer Focus: Ensure guest experience remains the top priority from day one.