Finance Manager - Hotel Financial Operations Job Snapshot - Role: Finance Manager - Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Industry: Hospitality - Function: Financial Control - Experience: Minimum 3-5 years as a Finance Manager or Assistant Finance Manager within the UAE hospitality industry - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Grand Mercure Business Bay, part of the Accor hospitality network, is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to lead financial operations and support the commercial performance of its 270-room premium hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Finance Manager will be responsible for maintaining the hotel 's financial integrity through accurate reporting, effective cost control, regulatory compliance, and sound financial management. The position requires close collaboration with the General Manager and departmental leaders to support profitability, operational efficiency, and informed business decisions. The successful candidate will oversee financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, taxation, internal controls, and the daily activities of the finance department. The role also involves providing financial analysis for revenue opportunities, capital expenditure, and operational improvements. The ideal candidate will bring substantial UAE hotel finance experience, strong knowledge of local taxation and financial regulations, and the leadership skills required to manage a diverse finance team while maintaining Accor 's financial standards.
Job Details
Country: United Arab Emirates
City: Dubai
Industry: Hospitality
Function: Financial Control
Salary: Not disclosed
Gender: No Preference
Candidate Nationality: Not specified
Job Type: Full Time
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Reporting and Performance Analysis
- Oversee the preparation and analysis of monthly financial statements, profit and loss accounts, and balance sheets.
- Ensure financial reporting complies with Accor policies and applicable UAE regulatory requirements.
- Review monthly financial results and provide meaningful analysis to the General Manager and departmental leaders.
- Conduct variance analysis comparing actual performance against approved budgets and forecasts.
- Identify financial risks, cost pressures, and opportunities to improve operating margins.
- Recommend corrective actions based on financial performance and operational trends.
- Maintain accurate financial records and ensure timely completion of month-end reporting.
- Provide reliable financial information to support management decisions and hotel performance reviews.
- Budgeting, Forecasting and Financial Planning
- Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with hotel department heads.
- Coordinate quarterly financial forecasts and review expected departmental performance.
- Provide financial guidance to operational managers during budget preparation and review.
- Evaluate revenue projections, operating expenses, and profitability expectations.
- Develop financial models to assess potential revenue streams and operational changes.
- Conduct feasibility analysis for capital expenditure projects and proposed business initiatives.
- Assess the financial implications of operational decisions and investment proposals.
- Support strategic planning through accurate forecasts and data-driven recommendations.
- Internal Controls and Financial Governance
- Implement and maintain effective internal financial controls to protect hotel assets and minimise financial risk.
- Ensure compliance with applicable Accor internal audit requirements and SOX-related control standards.
- Monitor financial processes to prevent revenue leakage, irregularities, and fraudulent activity.
- Review and approve operational expenditure in accordance with budgetary limits and established procedures.
- Evaluate expenditure against financial priorities and expected return on investment.
- Maintain compliance with Accor financial policies and internal control procedures.
- Coordinate internal audit requirements and support the implementation of corrective actions.
- Promote ethical financial practices, accountability, and transparency across hotel operations.
- Cost Control and Procurement Oversight
- Supervise the Cost Controller in monitoring food and beverage costs, inventory, and purchasing activities.
- Review departmental operating costs and identify opportunities for improved efficiency.
- Monitor inventory management practices and purchasing controls.
- Evaluate expenditure patterns to ensure responsible use of hotel resources.
- Work with department heads to maintain cost discipline without compromising operational requirements.
- Review cost performance against approved budgets and financial targets.
- Support effective procurement controls and accurate inventory reporting.
- Cash Flow, Banking and Treasury Management
- Manage hotel cash flow and oversee treasury-related activities.
- Maintain effective relationships with banking partners.
- Monitor working capital requirements and support efficient cash management.
- Review cash movements and ensure appropriate financial controls are maintained.
- Coordinate financial planning to support the hotel 's operational obligations.
- Oversee relevant banking and treasury procedures in accordance with company policies.
- UAE Taxation and Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with applicable UAE Federal Tax Authority requirements, including VAT filing obligations.
- Maintain a strong understanding of UAE Corporate Tax regulations and their relevance to hotel financial operations.
- Oversee compliance with applicable Dubai Municipality fees and Tourism Dirham collection requirements.
- Coordinate statutory financial reporting and regulatory submissions within required deadlines.
- Liaise with external auditors, tax consultants, and relevant government authorities.
- Support the preparation and submission of tax returns and other required financial documentation.
- Ensure financial practices comply with relevant UAE legal requirements, including applicable labour and civil laws.
- Monitor payroll-related compliance requirements and coordinate with relevant departments.
- Maintain accurate supporting records for audits, tax filings, and regulatory reviews.
- Revenue Management and Commercial Support
- Work closely with the Director of Sales and Marketing to analyse revenue performance.
- Evaluate distribution channel costs and their impact on hotel profitability.
- Provide financial input into pricing strategies and commercial initiatives.
- Analyse revenue trends and identify opportunities to improve financial performance.
- Support management decisions through financial modelling and commercial analysis.
- Monitor financial results against the hotel 's revenue and profitability objectives.
- Provide strategic recommendations to the General Manager based on operational and financial data.
- Credit Control and Receivables Management
- Oversee the credit control function to minimise bad debt exposure.
- Monitor outstanding receivables and support timely collection of payments.
- Review corporate account balances and City Ledger transactions.
- Monitor financial matters relating to online travel agency commissions.
- Ensure appropriate controls are maintained over credit arrangements and collections.
- Support accurate reconciliation and reporting of accounts receivable.
- Identify overdue balances and coordinate appropriate follow-up actions.
- Payroll and Workforce Productivity
- Collaborate with the Human Resources department to monitor payroll efficiency.
- Review workforce productivity metrics and their financial implications.
- Support accurate payroll processing and related financial controls.
- Ensure payroll-related financial activities comply with relevant hotel policies and applicable regulations.
- Provide financial analysis to support effective workforce cost management.
- Finance Department Leadership
- Lead and develop the hotel 's finance team, including Accountants, Payroll Master, Cost Controller, and Storekeepers.
- Oversee the Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Income Audit, General Cashier, and Payroll functions.
- Coordinate departmental activities to ensure accurate and timely financial processing.
- Support recruitment and selection activities for finance department positions.
- Provide coaching, training, and professional guidance to finance colleagues.
- Conduct performance reviews and identify individual development requirements.
- Establish clear expectations for accuracy, accountability, and compliance.
- Encourage collaboration and effective communication within the finance department.
- Promote financial awareness among non-finance department heads.
- Build a professional finance function capable of supporting hotel operations and management objectives.
Qualifications and Professional Experience
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience as a Finance Manager or Assistant Finance Manager within the UAE hospitality industry.
- Previous hotel finance experience is mandatory.
- Experience with Accor hotel brands, including Mercure, Novotel, or Pullman, is a distinct advantage.
- Bachelor 's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Economics.
- Professional accounting certification such as CA, CPA, ACCA, or CMA is highly preferred.
- Strong understanding of hotel financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
- Practical knowledge of UAE VAT, Corporate Tax, Tourism Dirham regulations, and local payroll-related labour requirements.
- Proficiency in SunSystems, Opera Cloud, and Microsoft Excel.
- Experience with Accor-specific financial reporting tools is an advantage.
- Knowledge of internal controls, audit procedures, and financial compliance requirements.
- Ability to interpret complex financial information and translate findings into practical business recommendations.
- Experience managing finance teams and working with senior hotel management.
- Ability to meet strict corporate and statutory reporting deadlines, including month-end closing and VAT filing requirements.
Leadership and Professional Competencies
- Strong financial management and analytical capabilities.
- Excellent understanding of hotel profitability and operational cost structures.
- Ability to provide strategic financial guidance to senior management.
- Sound commercial judgement and financial decision-making skills.
- Strong leadership, coaching, and performance management abilities.
- Ability to influence departmental leaders and communicate financial priorities effectively.
- High standards of professional ethics, integrity, and transparency.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to financial accuracy.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet demanding reporting deadlines.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to financial risk management.
- Confidence in evaluating financial models, forecasts, and investment proposals.
- Commitment to maintaining effective internal controls and regulatory compliance.
Working at Grand Mercure Business Bay
Grand Mercure Business Bay offers a professional hospitality environment where financial leadership contributes directly to hotel performance and operational success. As Finance Manager, you will work closely with the General Manager and departmental leadership team, providing financial insight and guidance across the hotel 's operations. The position offers exposure to financial management within a premium Dubai hotel, including commercial planning, regulatory compliance, operational cost control, and the development of a multidisciplinary finance team. As part of Accor, employees are encouraged to develop their professional capabilities and explore career opportunities within the group 's international hospitality network.
About Grand Mercure Business Bay
Grand Mercure Business Bay is a 270-room premium hotel located on Al Abraj Street along Marasi Drive in Dubai 's Business Bay district. Reflecting the Grand Mercure brand 's emphasis on local culture and authentic hospitality, the hotel combines contemporary accommodation with experiences inspired by its destination. The property features four versatile meeting rooms, a club lounge, five dining and entertainment venues, and an enhanced outdoor pool terrace overlooking the Business Bay skyline. Grand Mercure Business Bay serves business and leisure travellers through a hospitality experience that combines professional service, cultural connection, and modern facilities. The hotel is part of Accor, an international hospitality group with more than 45 brands, approximately 5,600 hotels, 10,000 restaurants, and lifestyle destinations across 110 countries. Accor promotes responsible hospitality, professional development, and a culture in which colleagues, known as Heartists, contribute to meaningful experiences for guests, fellow employees, and the communities they serve.