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Artisan of travel since 1883, Orient Express sublimates the art of travel with its luxury trains, hotels, and sailing yachts. The brand has just launched its first hotel, Orient Express La Minerva, in Rome – which will be followed by its new hotel in Venice in 2026. The experience continues with the recent launch of La Dolce Vita Orient Express train, followed by Orient Express Corinthian in 2026, the first of two Orient Express Sailing Yachts, and finally, the return of L’Orient Express train to railways. Since 2022, Orient Express is part of Accor Group’s leading collection of luxury brands with a century-old legacy in the hotels and fine‑dining sectors. In 2024, Accor and LVMH entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of Orient Express. Follow the journey at @orientexpress on Instagram or visit the website at www.orient-express.com.
Job Description
The Director of Finance provides strategic financial leadership to the General Manager, Ownership, and Department Heads, ensuring strong financial performance and effective asset management. The role oversees financial planning and analysis, operational finance, procurement, capital projects, and all accounting functions, while ensuring compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead financial strategy, analysis, forecasting, budgeting, and reporting for the hotel.
* Partner with the General Manager and leadership team to support business decisions and identify opportunities to improve profitability and productivity.
* Oversee annual operating and capital budgets; analyze ROI on capital projects and track results.
* Manage cash flow, credit, collections, disbursements, and inventory controls to maximize financial performance.
* Direct and develop the finance and accounting team, ensuring strong communication, performance management, and succession planning.
* Maintain accurate financial records, internal controls, and compliance with government regulations, audit requirements, and contractual agreements.
* Serve as primary contact for owners, auditors, banks, legal counsel, and regulatory agencies.
* Ensure proper management of hotel contracts, permits, licenses, fixed assets, and legal documentation.
* Develop benchmarking, best practices, and corrective action plans to drive efficiency, revenue growth, and service quality.
* Safeguard hotel assets and uphold fiduciary responsibilities to owners and the management company.
* Perform risk assessments, maintain a hotel risk register, and ensure timely reporting and mitigation plans.
* Support guest experience through accurate billing, payment systems, and dispute resolution.
* Serve as Manager on Duty as needed and perform additional tasks assigned by hotel leadership.
Accountability
Supervises the full accounting function, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Audit, Credit/Collections, Purchasing, and related operations.
Compliance and Risk Management
* Ensure full compliance with company policies, the Uniform Chart of Accounts, contractual obligations, and local laws/regulations affecting hotel financial operations.
* Oversee monthly balance sheet reconciliations and approve as needed.
* Safeguard hotel assets and the interests of owners and the management company.
* Maintain secure and up-to-date records of leases, contracts, and legal documents, including the Critical Date List.
* Conduct regular risk assessments, maintain the hotel’s risk register, and implement mitigation plans with ongoing follow‑up and reporting.
* Ensure timely and accurate incident reporting in line with company protocols.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or higher education qualification or equivalent in Accounting, Finance and 5-10 years in hotel accounting or audit with at least five years in a Director of Finance or similar supervisory role, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience.
Knowledge of accounting management duties such as negotiating hotel space and tenant leases; processing payroll; performing asset management duties; providing business projections, displacement analysis, preparing government reports, filing tax returns, etc. as needed or requested. Professional accounting or finance designation or certification preferred.
Technical skills and Knowledge
* Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure.
* Work closely with internal and external stakeholders.
* Strong analytical and numerical skills including a good understanding of financial valuation methodology.
* Advanced ability to use Microsoft applications i.e., Excel and PowerPoint.
* Knowledge of Hospitality IT systems.
* Excellent written and oral level in English and Italian. Other language skills are desired.
* Good interpersonal skills and influencing skills.
* Strong problem‑solving orientation.
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Finance
Industries
Hospitality
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