Finance Operations Director

About Orient Express:

Artisan of Travel since 1883 Orient Express is a legendary brand, steeped in history and loved by past, present and future generations. Representing the pinnacle of ultra-luxury hospitality within Accor Group, this brand is currently going through exciting phases of rebirth and expansion. 

Orient Express embodies the refined nomadic spirit of travel, inviting each traveler to a place where the journey is the destination. Bringing awe-inspiring travel experiences to a new generation of adventurers, its exceptional portfolio includes The Orient Express, with its original carriages reimagined as the new embassy of French luxury; Orient Express La Dolce Vita, a train embodying the 'Made in Italy' way; Orient Express Corinthian - the world’s largest sailing ship; and hotels coming to Rome and Venice. 

Progressively shaping the future of luxury hospitality, Orient Express is focusing on employee journey and growth.

JOB PURPOSE

Reporting to the CFO Orient Express, the Finance Operations Director is the strategic finance business partner to the Head of Operations and hotels & trains’s Director of Finance (DOF). The main mission of this role is to contribute to review business plans with CFO Orient Express and business developers; contribute to preopening projects on finance matters and bring methodology to support the DOF;  people management of DOF, review asset performance and budgets with GM, DOF  and Commercial, support preparation of asset’s budget guidelines (annual), instruct and follow-up on invoicing (monthly) and cash collection.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Business partnering and performance management

• Develop financial acumen across all levels of finance leadership, ensuring understanding of business impacts and application of the hotel management agreements by key personnel (GM & DOF).

• Identify opportunities to increase profits and create value by challenging existing strategies, processes and driving necessary change. 

• Promote, drive and maximize GOP flow through for hotels and trains assets.

• Together with the Orient Express Head of Operations, participate in meetings with operation teams and respond proactively to owner requests and initiatives within the boundaries of the applicable contracts (HMA or HFA).

• Provides finance leadership and support to integrate new openings, transitions and take over. 

• Provide leadership in rolling out company initiatives and projects as required.

2. Financial planning, reporting & analysis

• Attend monthly performance review of assets (trains & hotels)
• Challenge DOF analysis and interpretation of financial data for assets, as per HMAs.
• Support development of actionable initiatives to increase financial performance.
• Enable assets’ DOF (training notably) in reporting financial information in Group reporting systems.

3. Compliance, risk management, control, procedures & policies 

• Support DOF in its fiduciary responsibility to ensure the properties are reporting in compliance with the Uniform Chart of Accounts, Group Policies & Procedures, ownership and bank documents and hotel management or other contractual agreements with respect to accounting matters.
• Act as the champion to drive best practice and support hotels & trains to comply required policies and procedures (SOPs).
• Partnering with Internal Audit, to ensure roll-out of control systems and monitoring in assets.

4. Development & pre-opening 

• Play a central role on the development phase by reviewing the business plans Orient Express  CFO and business developers.
• Contribute to pre-opening project on finance matters, bring methodological support to DOF and follow up on preopening budget. 

• Advanced degree in Accounting Designation, Hotel Management, Business, Finance, or a relevant field of work, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience.
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience within hospitality finance and accounting in a multi-unit, multi-brand hotel environment. Previous focus on accounting, audit, internal controls and portfolio management, as well as experience in managing multiple Regional/Hotel Director of Finance locations and corporate and regional accounting staff as required.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and understand a variety of internal and external economic and financial issues which impact the business, to analyze data and forecast future business trends, and to develop effective financial plans based on businesses assessments in multiple locations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of finance, budgeting and accounting processes and regulations with demonstrated knowledge of capital project management, standards and techniques, and accounting regulations and procedures.
• Demonstrated experience with accounting system or similar financial software for the purpose of financial reporting, analysis and presentation.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written to address all levels within the organization and ability to gain consensus and influence others.
• Excellent organization, negotiation and strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel in the areas where the assets are located.

What benefits can Accor offer its employees?

A real Work life balance

• Work from Everywhere: Personal access provided to over 500 coworking spaces, many of which are within our hotels.
• ALL - Heartist® Program: Unforgettable stays and experiences at all Accor locations and partner venues worldwide.
• And at our Issy les Moulineaux site: Collaborative workspaces, an employee restaurant, unlimited coffee, gaming and sports areas, a concierge service, and a park just across the street.
• The position is based in Issy-les-Moulineaux, with the possibility of working remotely part of the week.

Attractive Finance benefits

• Sustainable Mobility Package up to €700 for the use of "green" transportation, or 75% coverage of Pass Navigo (public transportation pass). 

Learning & development

• Talent Management at the earth our of HR Accor strategy.
• We want you to feel free to dare and free to grow, by opening new doors to continuous learning and skills development. Challenge yourself and switch between jobs, brands, and career paths

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.