Director of Finance

Chedi Hospitality; AlUla; On-site; SAR 650,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chedi Hegra in AlUla seeks a strategic Director of Finance to lead the property's financial planning, reporting and risk management. You will build and implement business plans aligned with the hotel's strategy, maximize ROI and ensure transparent financial results for owners, guests and employees.

With a background in luxury hospitality finance, you will lead the finance team, oversee audits, manage cash flow and taxes under Saudi regulations while partnering with executives to drive profit

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting with at least 3 years of experience in finance and accounting.
• Master's degree in Finance and Accounting with at least 1 year of experience in finance and accounting.
• Prior luxury hospitality experience and familiarity with Saudi financial, tax and regulatory requirements is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develops means to improve profit, including estimating cost and benefit and exploring new business opportunities.
• Analyzes information, forecasts sales against expenses, and creates annual budget plans.
• Compiles information, analyzes and monitors actual sales against projected sales.
• Analyzes differences between actual and forecasted wages for more efficient budget planning.
• Breaks down financial data to identify underlying principles, reasons and drivers.
• Thinks creatively and practically to develop, execute and implement new business plans.
• Creates the annual operating budget for the property.
• Provides analytical support during budget reviews to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Implements controls to manage business risk.
• Ensures strong accounting and operational control to safeguard assets and improve profitability.
• Analyzes financial data and market trends.
• Leads development of a comprehensive annual business plan aligned with strategy.
• Provides ongoing analytical support by monitoring departments' sales.
• Produces accurate forecasts to react to changes in the business.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budgeting

Financial analysis

Cash flow management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting

Master’s degree in Finance/Accounting

Job description

About The Chedi Hegra

The Chedi Hegra is located within the Hegra Reserve in AlUla, home to Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Managed by GHM Hotels, a global operator renowned for refined, understated luxury, the property blends the region's rock-cut heritage with contemporary sophistication to deliver an exceptional guest experience rooted in the spirit of AlUla.

We are committed to being an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all and providing access to opportunity. We foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our colleagues are valued and celebrated, and we are committed to non-discrimination on any basis protected by applicable law.

Job Summary

Functions as the property's strategic financial business leader for The Chedi Hegra. The role champions, develops and implements property-wide strategies that deliver products and services to meet or exceed the needs and expectations of the hotel's guests, owners and employees. The Director of Finance provides the financial expertise to enable successful execution of the property's business strategy while maximizing return on investment, and creates and executes a business plan aligned with the property's strategic direction, focusing on the execution of financial activities and the delivery of strong, transparent financial results.

Candidate Profile

Education and Experience

4-year bachelor's degree in Finance and Accounting or a related field, with at least 3 years of experience in finance and accounting or a related professional area.

OR a Master's degree in Finance and Accounting or a related field, with at least 1 year of experience in finance and accounting or a related professional area.

Prior experience in luxury hospitality is highly preferred; familiarity with Saudi financial, tax and regulatory requirements is an advantage.

Core Work Activities

Engaging in Strategic Planning and Decision Making

• Develops means to improve profit, including estimating cost and benefit and exploring new business opportunities.
• Analyzes information, forecasts sales against expenses, and creates annual budget plans.
• Compiles information, analyzes and monitors actual sales against projected sales.
• Analyzes differences between actual and forecasted wages for more efficient budget planning.
• Breaks down financial data to identify underlying principles, reasons and drivers.
• Thinks creatively and practically to develop, execute and implement new business plans.
• Creates the annual operating budget for the property.
• Provides analytical support during budget reviews to identify cost-saving and productivity opportunities for property managers.
• Implements a system of appropriate controls to manage business risk.
• Ensures a strong accounting and operational control environment to safeguard assets and improve operations and profitability.
• Analyzes financial data and market trends.
• Leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive annual business plan aligned with the property's and owner's strategic direction.
• Provides ongoing analytical support by monitoring operating departments' actual and projected sales.
• Produces accurate forecasts that enable operations to react to changes in the business.

Leading the Finance Team

• Utilizes interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence and encourage others; advocates sound financial and business decision‑making; demonstrates honesty and integrity; leads by example.
• Communicates strategic goals, priorities and owner expectations to the team in a clear and precise manner.
• Leverages strong functional leadership and communication skills to influence the executive committee and the property's strategy while leading the finance team.
• Oversees internal, external and regulatory audit processes.
• Assigns team members and department managers clear accountability backed by appropriate authority.
• Conducts annual performance appraisals with direct reports according to standard operating procedures.

Anticipating and Delivering on the Needs of Key Stakeholders

• Attends meetings and communicates with owners, understanding their priorities and strategic focus.
• Understands and meets the needs of key stakeholders (owners, corporate, guests, etc.).
• Advises the General Manager and executive committee on existing and evolving operating and financial issues.
• Communicates financial concepts clearly and persuasively in a way that is easy to understand and drives desired behaviors.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of cash flow and owner priorities.
• Manages communication with owners in an effective and transparent manner.
• Manages property working capital and cash flow in accordance with brand standard operating procedures and owner requirements.
• Facilitates critique meetings to review financial and operational performance with the management team.

Developing and Maintaining Finance Goals

• Ensures profits and losses are documented accurately.
• Monitors all applicable taxes, ensuring they are current, collected and/or accrued in line with Saudi regulations.
• Submits reports in a timely manner, ensuring delivery deadlines are met.
• Develops and supports achievement of performance goals, budget goals and team goals.
• Drives profit growth across operating departments.
• Reviews audit issues to ensure accuracy and timely resolution.
• Monitors the purchasing process as applicable.

Managing Projects and Policies

• Generates and provides accurate and timely results in the form of reports, presentations, etc.
• Reconciles the balance sheet to ensure account balances are supported by appropriate documentation in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Ensures the P&L is accurate (e.g., costs are properly matched to revenue and recorded in the proper accounts).
• Ensures compliance with the management contract and owner reporting requirements.
• Ensures compliance with company, brand and local standard operating procedures.
• Ensures compliance with applicable Saudi laws, tax regulations and government platform requirements.

Managing and Conducting Human Resource Activities

• Ensures finance team members are cross-trained to support successful daily operations.
• Ensures property policies are administered fairly and consistently.
• Ensures new hires participate in the department's orientation program.
• Ensures new hires receive the appropriate training to successfully perform their role.
• Creates development plans that grow team members based on their individual strengths, development needs, career aspirations and abilities.
• Conducts the performance review process for finance team members.
• Participates in hiring activities as appropriate.