Director of Finance

Role overview

This leadership position is part of the finance function at a luxury hospitality property. It holds end-to-end responsibility for the site’s financial control, reporting, and governance framework, and reports to the Regional Vice President and Managing Director. The role covers all accounting and finance operations for the property.

Core responsibilities

• Steer the hotel’s budgeting and financial planning cycle so it supports the property’s strategy, and continuously track budget delivery to spot gaps and savings opportunities.
• Deliver precise and punctual financial statements and management reports, including profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow, and other critical performance measures for leadership and owners.
• Review financial information to identify business trends and provide actionable recommendations to senior stakeholders and ownership.
• Work closely with revenue management on room pricing and yield strategy while monitoring income from rooms, food and beverage, and other ancillary revenue sources.
• Put in place and monitor expenditure controls that keep costs in check without affecting service standards or guest experience.
• Examine and authorise spending, ensuring it aligns with approved budgets and procurement rules.
• Manage payroll and finance-team resource deployment, applying multi-skilling and flexible staffing principles.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant accounting rules, financial regulations, and local tax requirements.
• Partner with external auditors through the annual audit cycle.
• Oversee cash management, maintain sufficient liquidity, and enforce cash-handling processes that reduce the risk of fraud and theft.
• Support month-end close activities, including journal entries, ledger accuracy, and timely completion of financial statements.
• Confirm that invoices, petty cash items, and remittances are properly processed and recorded.
• Design, apply, and monitor internal controls that protect assets, lower financial risk, and surface irregularities.
• Own the monthly owner reporting pack in line with the Hotel Management Agreement, and keep ownership informed on profitability, performance, and investment-related matters.
• Track and manage the agreement’s terms, performance tests, and incentive-fee distribution requirements.
• Contribute financial input to key property decisions and participate at executive committee level.
• Lead and develop the finance team, including accountants and analysts, through coaching, training, supervision, and performance support.
• Ensure all required reports are filed accurately and on schedule, and maintain organised historical records with proper storage controls.
• Protect confidential and proprietary information at all times.

Skills and experience

• A degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline, plus a recognised professional accounting qualification.
• At least 5 years of experience in a senior or executive finance position within a hotel setting.
• Proven leadership ability, including experience guiding and motivating finance teams.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills for dealing with ownership, senior management, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical capability, a keen eye for detail, and a proactive approach to identifying and fixing financial issues.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate financial risk and introduce suitable mitigation measures.
• Experience with owner reporting and obligations under a Hotel Management Agreement is an advantage.

About the company

Senna is a career platform focused on finance professionals seeking stronger opportunities and more strategic guidance. It supports candidates in defining their goals, targeting suitable roles, and receiving expert support aligned with their ambitions across the MENA finance market.

Additional information

This role is based in Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates and is a full-time, onsite position.