Director of Finance

As a Director of Finance at Anantara, your core responsibilities will include leading the hotel's financial strategy, overseeing operational performance, and managing financial reporting. You will optimize internal controls, conduct capital expenditure reviews, and foster productive relationships with third-party stakeholders. Collaborating closely with the General Manager and Executive Team, you'll drive financial performance and ensure our luxurious hospitality standards are met.

The Director of Finance position at Anantara requires a degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field, along with a professional accounting qualification. A minimum of five years of managerial experience, particularly in hotel finance, is essential. Strong technical skills in accounting, finance, taxation, and a solid understanding of hotel internal controls and budget processes are also important.

At Anantara, the Director of Finance plays a crucial role in team management by leading and developing a finance team that meets tight deadlines and promotes a culture of continuous learning. Your leadership will help foster a collaborative environment, motivating team members while ensuring they are well-equipped to handle financial challenges in the hospitality space.

Experience in rebranding or pre-opening hospitality projects is considered advantageous for the Director of Finance role at Anantara. Additionally, having previously set up and managed a cluster finance operation will enhance your capability to effectively establish and drive financial processes that align with our luxury brand's vision and standards.

The ideal candidate for the Director of Finance position at Anantara should be computer literate with significant knowledge of software systems such as Sun, Opera, and Micros. Proficiency in these systems will be crucial for financial reporting, operational management, and enhancing the overall efficiency of the hotel's finance functions.

In a hospitality environment, my approach to managing financial reporting involves ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with statutory regulations. I would establish clear reporting frameworks, train my team on best practices, and leverage technology to streamline processes, making sure that stakeholders receive relevant information that supports strategic decision making.

To ensure effective internal controls within hotel finance operations, I implement comprehensive policies that align with industry standards. Regular audits and assessments will be conducted, and I encourage open communication within the team to report anomalies. Continuous training will also play a significant role in reinforcing the importance of compliance and oversight.

In my previous role, I identified inefficiencies in operational budgets that were impacting profitability. By conducting a detailed review and engaging with department heads, we restructured our budget allocations, resulting in a 15% increase in operational efficiency. Such data-driven adjustments were key in improving overall financial performance.

When faced with tight deadlines for financial reporting during the busy season, I organized daily check-ins with my team to prioritize tasks and provide support. By delegating effectively and sharing workload transparently, we achieved our goals on time while maintaining high-quality outputs, showcasing our team's commitment to excellence.

I tailor my communication style to ensure that financial information is accessible to non-financial stakeholders. This involves using clear, jargon-free language and visuals like charts and graphs to illustrate key points. Additionally, I focus on the implications of the data, emphasizing how they affect operations and strategic decisions.

During the budgeting process, my strategy involves collaborating closely with department heads to understand their needs and historical performance. I utilize past data to forecast future trends and incorporate a conservative approach to spending while allowing some flexibility for unexpected investments or opportunities that arise.

When discrepancies arise in financial reports, I take a systematic approach to investigate their origin. This includes conducting thorough checks against source data, engaging with relevant team members, and ensuring transparency throughout the process. It is essential to resolve issues quickly while learning from them to prevent future occurrences.

Technology is essential in my finance management practices. I utilize integrated software systems for real-time reporting, data analytics, and budget monitoring, which significantly enhances decision-making processes. Additionally, keeping abreast of technological advancements allows me to identify new tools that can further streamline operations and improve accuracy.

Prioritization in a fast-paced hotel environment requires a proactive mindset and effective organization. I often classify tasks based on urgency and importance, leveraging project management tools to keep track of deadlines. Communication with my team is crucial to adjust priorities collectively and maintain our commitment to high service standards.

I have extensive experience conducting capital expenditure reviews, where I analyze potential investments against the hotel’s overall financial strategy. This involves assessing ROI, risk factors, and alignment with our operational goals. By collaborating with various departments, I ensure informed decision-making that supports long-term growth.