Director of Finance

Hotel Equities; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Cell Phone Allowance

Associate Travel Discounts

Retail/Shopping Discounts

Career Development

Job summary

Hotel Equities is seeking a Director of Finance for the Mar Monte Hotel in Santa Barbara, CA, to lead all finance operations, drive profitability, and ensure strict adherence to GAAP and brand standards. You will direct budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting while partnering with leadership and ownership to deliver strategic guidance.

The role requires 5+ years in hospitality finance with leadership, familiarity with hotel systems (M3, Opera, BirchStreet), and an MBA/CMA/CPA preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive hospitality finance experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Previous experience as a Director of Finance, Assistant Director of Finance, or Hotel Controller in a full-service hotel preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting and finance operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll oversight, cash management, and financial reporting.
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly financial statements, forecasts, budgets, and variance analyses.
• Develop and manage the annual operating and capital budgets in partnership with hotel leadership.
• Monitor hotel performance and recommend strategies to maximize revenue, control expenses, and improve profitability.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, company policies, and federal, state, and local regulations.
• Manage month-end and year-end close processes and coordinate internal and external audits.
• Maintain effective cash management practices and oversee banking relationships.
• Partner with department leaders to analyze labor, purchasing, inventory, and operational costs while identifying opportunities for improved efficiencies.
• Provide financial analysis and strategic recommendations to the General Manager and ownership group.
• Recruit, mentor, develop, and lead the accounting team while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with Hyatt brand requirements and ownership reporting standards.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Hospitality finance knowledge

Accounting & financial analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred

Tools

M3

Opera

BirchStreet

Financial reporting software

Job description

Job Description

Pay Range

USD $160,000.00 - USD $165,000.00 /Yr.

Hotel Equities, a multi-award-winning hotel development and hospitality management company, is currently searching for a remarkable Director of Finance for the Mar Monte Hotel, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, in beautiful Santa Barbara, California.

The Director of Finance is a key member of the hotel's Executive Leadership Team and is responsible for directing the financial operations of the property while providing strategic guidance to the General Manager and ownership. This position ensures the integrity of financial reporting, protects company assets, drives profitability, and maintains compliance with Hotel Equities, brand, and regulatory standards.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting and finance operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll oversight, cash management, and financial reporting.
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly financial statements, forecasts, budgets, and variance analyses.
• Develop and manage the annual operating and capital budgets in partnership with hotel leadership.
• Monitor hotel performance and recommend strategies to maximize revenue, control expenses, and improve profitability.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), internal controls, company policies, and federal, state, and local regulations.
• Manage month-end and year-end close processes and coordinate internal and external audits.
• Maintain effective cash management practices and oversee banking relationships.
• Partner with department leaders to analyze labor, purchasing, inventory, and operational costs while identifying opportunities for improved efficiencies.
• Provide financial analysis and strategic recommendations to the General Manager and ownership group.
• Recruit, mentor, develop, and lead the accounting team while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with Hyatt brand requirements and ownership reporting standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive hospitality finance experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Previous experience as a Director of Finance, Assistant Director of Finance, or Hotel Controller in a full-service hotel preferred.
• Strong understanding of hotel accounting, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and financial analysis.
• Experience with hotel financial systems and property management systems such as M3, Opera, BirchStreet, or similar platforms.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with financial reporting software.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

What You'll Bring

• Strategic financial leadership and business acumen
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• A collaborative, service-oriented leadership style
• High ethical standards and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• A passion for developing teams and supporting operational excellence

Why Hotel Equities?

Hotel Equities is recognized as one of the industry's fastest-growing hotel ownership, development, and management companies. We believe in creating exceptional guest experiences by investing in exceptional people. Our associates enjoy opportunities for career advancement, ongoing professional development, and a culture built on integrity, accountability, and service excellence.

Hotel Operator Careers | Hotel Equities

What We Offer

• Competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Participation
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Cell Phone Allowance
• Associate Travel Discounts
• Retail, Entertainment, and Shopping Discount Programs
• Career Development and Leadership Growth Opportunities
• Access to Hotel Equities' Talent resources

Hotel Equities is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all associates are treated with dignity and respect. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Please note that this job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by associates in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. Responsibilities may change as business needs evolve.

Relocation

Relocation assistance available for the right candidate. Local candidates encouraged to apply