Director of Finance

Job Description

Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Finance to join our Executive Committee.

This role serves as the senior financial leader for the property, responsible for safeguarding the financial integrity of the hotel while driving profitability, operational efficiency, and long-term asset value.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Director of Finance partners closely with ownership, asset management, and corporate leadership while providing financial guidance across all departments.

This role combines strategic financial leadership with hands-on operational oversight, ensuring accurate reporting, strong internal controls, and the successful execution of the hotel’s financial strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, providing financial insight to support strategic and operational decisions
• Partner with the General Manager and department leaders to drive profitability, operational efficiency, and revenue growth
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support key business initiatives and investment decisions
• Maintain strong relationships with ownership, asset managers, auditors, and corporate finance teams

Financial Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the preparation and execution of the annual operating budget, capital expenditure planning, and long-term financial strategy
• Oversee monthly forecasting and financial outlooks, ensuring projections reflect business trends, market conditions, and operational performance
• Conduct detailed variance analysis between actual results, forecast, and budget
• Collaborate closely with Revenue Management and Sales leadership to ensure accurate business forecasting
• Present financial results, forecasts, and strategic recommendations to ownership and corporate leadership

Financial Operations & Reporting

• Oversee all accounting functions including:
  • General ledger
  • Accounts payable
  • Accounts receivable
  • Income audit
  • Payroll processing
• Ensure accurate and timely monthly financial reporting in compliance with Accor standards and GAAP
• Manage the monthly closing process and preparation of financial statements
• Prepare and review owner reporting packages and financial performance analysis

Balance Sheet & Internal Controls

• Ensure the integrity and reconciliation of the hotel’s balance sheet
• Oversee bank reconciliations and treasury management
• Monitor and manage accounts receivable aging and credit policies
• Implement and maintain strong internal controls and financial procedures
• Ensure full compliance with corporate policies, tax regulations, and internal/external audit requirements

Audit, Compliance & Internal Controls

• Ensure full compliance with Accor corporate financial policies, internal audit requirements, and regulatory standards
• Lead and coordinate internal audits, external audits, and ownership financial reviews
• Maintain strong internal control systems and financial governance procedures
• Ensure all financial processes comply with GAAP standards, tax regulations, and corporate reporting guidelines
• Work closely with department leaders to ensure operational compliance with financial policies and procedures
• Proactively identify and mitigate financial and operational risks through effective audit preparation and follow-up actions

Cash Flow & Asset Management

• Optimize cash flow management and banking relationships
• Oversee working capital and cash forecasting
• Support capital investment planning and ROI analysis
• Collaborate with ownership and asset management to protect and enhance the hotel’s long-term asset value

Systems & Technology

• Utilize financial and operational systems to support data-driven decision making
• Experience with SUN Systems, Opera PMS, and BirchStreet procurement systems is highly desirable

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor the Accounting and Finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Provide leadership and oversight for team members responsible for:
  • Balance sheet reconciliations
  • Bank reconciliations
  • Payroll processing
  • Accounts receivable management
  • Month-end close
• Ensure strong departmental structure, training, and succession planning

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field
• MBA, CPA, or equivalent certification preferred
• 10+ years of progressive finance experience, including 5+ years in a senior hotel finance leadership role
• Strong understanding of hotel financial operations and GAAP accounting principles
• Demonstrated experience managing hotel accounting teams and financial processes
• Proven ability to partner with executive leadership and ownership groups
• Strong analytical, financial modeling, and strategic planning skills
• Exceptional communication and leadership abilities
• Ability to operate successfully in a fast-paced luxury hospitality environment
• Experience working with SUN Systems, Opera PMS, and BirchStreet is a strong advantage

Additional Information

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.