Director of Finance - hospitality

ORIENT EXPRESS; Roma; In loco; EUR 80.000 - 120.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

Orient Express is seeking a Director of Finance to join their executive committee in Rome. This role involves managing finance functions and supporting business strategy within the ultra-luxury hospitality sector, requiring strong leadership and financial expertise to enhance guest experiences and operational results.

Competenze

• 5+ years' experience as a Hospitality Director of Finance.
• Deep knowledge of luxury hospitality market and financial management.
• Fluent in Italian and English; French is a plus.

Mansioni

• Manage Finance functions including Income Audit, Payroll, and Accounts Receivable.
• Prepare and monitor the annual budget and financial reports.
• Oversee recruitment of finance positions and team development.

Conoscenze

Leadership

Financial Analysis

Strategic Planning

Team Development

Formazione

Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business, or related field

MBA preferred

Professional qualifications such as ACCA or CPA

Descrizione del lavoro

Company Description

About Orient Express

Orient Express embodies the refined and nomadic spirit of travel. Its exceptional portfolio includes experiences such as The Orient Express, featuring iconic carriages reimagined as a modern-day tribute to French luxury; Orient Express Sailing Yachts, including the Orient Express Corinthian—the world’s largest sailing yacht; La Dolce Vita Orient Express, a train celebrating the elegance of Italian art de vivre, developed in partnership with the ARSENALE Group; and a collection of luxury hotels, including Orient Express La Minerva in Rome and the soon-to-open Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice.

While redefining the future of luxury hospitality, Orient Express emphasizes employee experience, development, and engagement.

As a symbol of ultra-luxury hospitality, the brand is currently undergoing an ambitious phase of rebirth and expansion, accelerated since 2024 as a Joint Venture between ACCOR and LVMH.

Now, as Orient Express grows under its 140-year reputation, it aims to become a pioneer of contemporary luxury hospitality, creating immersive experiences that combine exceptional design, service, culinary excellence, wellness, technology, sustainability, and authentic local experiences, while supporting local communities and social causes. The spirit of adventure, sublime service, and storytelling remains central to Orient Express, appealing to those with an adventurous spirit and a taste for excellence, linking travel and destinations as part of a single journey.

About La Dolce Vita Orient Express

La Dolce Vita Orient Express is the first Italian luxury cruise on rail, offering a unique travel experience across Italy. Inspired by the golden age of railway tourism, it connects major cities and destinations with top-class service, comfort, gourmet cuisine, and a refined atmosphere. The project celebrates Italy’s charm and beauty, making each journey unforgettable.

Job Description

Reporting to the General Manager and working closely with the Orient Express management company and the asset Owner Finance teams, the Director of Finance is part of the Executive Committee. He/She supports decision-making, quality, and results across departments, maintaining respect for Orient Express procedures.

The Director of Finance will assist in delivering business plans and integrating the business, optimizing costs, and seizing cross-business opportunities. They will provide strategic support to their team and the Leadership Team to ensure service standards, guest experience, and operational results meet expectations.

Roles And Responsibilities

Accounting and Controlling Activities

• Manage Finance functions (Income Audit, Payroll, Cash/Bank Control, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable), Purchasing, and other teams.
• Develop and implement scalable financial processes and controls, ensuring governance as the company grows.
• Prepare departmental strategies and set effective goals.
• Establish measures and action plans related to engagement, guest experience, revenue, financial reporting, loyalty programs, purchasing, and IT metrics.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, including USALI Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow, Inventory, and weekly financial reports with forecasts.
• Coordinate audits, VAT, payroll taxes, and compliance with deadlines.
• Supervise year-end financial closing according to local requirements.
• Work closely with teams to ensure understanding of financial reporting and KPIs.

Business Strategy

• Participate in developing business strategies aligned with the LDV vision and objectives.
• Contribute to growth strategy development.

Business Plans & Budgets

• Prepare and monitor the annual budget.
• Track progress and communicate financial metrics internally and externally.

Commercial Insight

• Analyze operations and trends to inform strategies and recommendations.
• Provide performance analyses and highlight key issues and opportunities.
• Monitor industry trends and innovative offerings.
• Present implementation plans to senior leadership.
• Maintain excellent relationships with all stakeholders.

Specific Business Proposals

• Assess benefits of spends and contracts, advising on program design and implementation.
• Implement and maintain financial systems (ERP) to streamline reporting and payments.

People Management

• Oversee recruitment of finance positions in line with leadership frameworks and processes.
• Develop and lead a high-performing team through training, management, and succession planning.
• Create a solution-oriented work environment, motivate colleagues, and promote ongoing feedback and coaching.
• Mentor finance colleagues and identify financial drivers for value creation.
• Approach tasks entrepreneurially, seeking improvement opportunities and revenue generation.

Qualifications

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or related field; MBA preferred. Professional qualifications such as ACCA or CPA are highly desirable.
• At least 5 years’ experience as a Hospitality Director of Finance in an ultra-luxury hotel/train setting.
• Deep knowledge of the luxury hospitality market, industry trends, and market dynamics.
• Experience managing audits, regulatory compliance, and financial records.
• Familiarity with Hospitality IT systems.
• Fluent in Italian and English; French is a plus.

Competencies

• Proven leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent presentation and influencing skills.
• Ability to operate in international, matrix environments, and handle ambiguity.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail.
• Effective teamwork and efficiency.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Self-motivated and autonomous work style.
• Commitment to high ethical standards and confidentiality.