Area Director of Finance
23 days ago
New York
Job Description Happier Job Description Area Director of Finance Location: New York, NY (Multi-Property Oversight – Manhattan and Brooklyn Portfolio; (Local Travel Required) Reporting to: Head of Finanace (Gordon White) Employment Type: Full Time Compensation Range $185k - $225k Position Overview We’re seeking a driven Area Director of Finance to oversee the financial operations of select hospitality venues throughout the Manhattan and Brooklyn markets. This leader will offer strategic financial guidance, ensure uniform reporting and accounting practices, and support profitability across the portfolio. You’ll work closely with property leadership and our corporate team, driving performance while balancing daily management with big-picture strategy. You’ll also champion continuous process improvement, leverage technology for efficiency, and proactively mitigate financial risks. Key Responsibilities Financial Operations & Oversight • Ensure timely and accurate execution of all finance functions (daily and month-end reporting, payroll, income audit, AP/AR, and cash/credit management, bank reconciliations, intercompany) across assigned properties., • Lead and support property finance teams through comprehensive month-end close processes, including journal entries, accruals, cost of sales, balance sheet reconciliations, and tax reporting., • Implement and maintain robust accounting and operational controls to safeguard assets and maximize profit., • Standardize financial procedures across hospitality venues to ensure consistency and compliance., • Oversee cash flow management, including forecasting and optimizing working capital., • Lead the preparation of accurate monthly financial forecasts to guide proactive business decisions., • Ensure property P&Ls reflect accurate revenues, expenses, and cost of sales., • Facilitate monthly P&L reviews with leadership to surface challenges, opportunities, and trends., • Implement performance dashboards and regular reporting to monitor financial health., • Collaborate with department heads to optimize labor costs and productivity., • Ensure accurate collection, posting, and reconciliation of applicable taxes e.g. occupancy taxes and sales taxes, and reports e.g. 1099s, • Liaise with accountants for corporate tax submissions, • Monitor monthly balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring all accounts are properly documented., • Develop and deliver compliance training to finance and operational teams., • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations affecting hospitality finance., • Partner with General Managers and Executive Committees to set and achieve financial goals for each property., • Guide hospitality venues in developing annual operating plans aligned with Happier’s strategic direction., • Provide analytical tools and direct support during budget and forecasting cycles., • Consolidate and analyze variances in actual, forecasted, and budgeted performance., • Advise regional and property leaders on financial and operational issues and opportunities for improvement., • Analyze financial and market data to identify portfolio-wide improvements., • Monitor and manage capital expense budgets, reconciling expenditures monthly., • Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure financial and operational success., • Lead or participate in business case development for new projects, renovations, and capital investments., • Coach, train, and conduct annual reviews for property finance leaders to drive professional growth and accountability., • Cross-train and mentor finance professionals to ensure operational consistency and strong bench strength., • Foster strong, collaborative relationships with property leadership, providing feedback to sharpen financial acumen and performance., • Set high standards for performance and hold teams accountable for results., • Develop succession planning and talent pipelines for key finance roles., • Facilitate regular team meetings and knowledge-sharing sessions to drive continuous improvement., • Support and embody Happier’s values and service culture at all hospitality venues., • Champion a sales and experience driven culture through effective business practices., • Bachelor’s degree in finance/accounting; minimum 10 years of progressive finance leadership, including multi-property oversight in hospitality or a related industry., • Demonstrated experience in budgeting, forecasting, P&L reporting, and balance sheet management across multiple hotels., • Strong analytical skills: able to assess data, spot trends, and develop solutions at both property and portfolio levels., • Proven ability to define problems, gather information, and draw sound conclusions for diverse and unfamiliar situations., • Track record of developing high-performing finance leaders and cross-trained accounting teams., • Excellent communication skills—able to clearly present financial results and complex topics to property teams and senior executives., • Advanced proficiency in Sage Intacct, Microsoft Office, especially Excel; experience with POS/PMS systems and multi-property reporting tools. Experience with MRI a plus, • Capable of balancing multiple priorities across geographically dispersed hotels, with keen attention to detail and accuracy., • Willingness and flexibility to travel frequently between Manhattan and Brooklyn properties, including some weekends and extended hours., • Strong leadership, coaching, and interpersonal skills to influence and support diverse teams., • Demonstrated integrity, accountability, and sound judgment in all business and personnel decisions., • Ability to maintain peak performance under pressure in a fast-paced, multi-property environment., • Experience with process automation and financial technology tools., • Strong project management skills for multi-site initiatives., • Active membership in relevant professional associations (e.g., HFTP, AAHOA) preferred.