Director of Finance - hospitality

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 traveller 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 Silenseas – 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.

About La Dolce Vita Orient Express

La Dolce Vita Orient Express is the first Italian luxury cruise on rail, offering a unique travel experience across the country. Inspired by the golden age of railway tourism, the train features itineraries connecting Italy's major cities and destinations, providing passengers with top-class service, exceptional comfort, gourmet cuisine, and a refined atmosphere. The project aims to celebrate the charm and beauty of Italy, making each journey an unforgettable experience.

Reporting to the General Manager and working closely with the Orient Express management company and the asset Owner Finance teams, the Director of Finance is part of the Executive Committee. He/She supports the decisions, choices, search for quality, and results of the executive and operational departments by always maintaining a respectful approach to the Orient Express procedures.

The Director of Finance will assist the Executive Team in delivering business plans and integrating the business wherever possible. To do so, they will be optimizing operating costs and capitalizing on cross pollination of business opportunities. The Director of Finance will also provide strategic support to their team as well as to the Leadership Team, to ensure the delivery of Orient Express La Dolce Vita’s (LDV) service standards, guest experiences excellence, and maximum operating results.

Roles and responsibilities

Accounting and Controlling Activities

• Management of the Finance functions (Income Audit, Payroll, Cash/Bank Control, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable), Purchasing functions and other teams.
• Develop and implement scalable financial processes and controls, ensuring strong financial governance as the company grows.
• Preparation of departmental strategies and establishment effective goals
• Preparation of the Finance Departments’ measures and action plans related to: Colleague Engagement, Guest Experience, Revenue, Financial reporting, ALL Loyalty Program, Purchasing goal, IT key metrics, etc...
• Preparation of monthly management accounts including USALI Profit and Loss Account, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow, Inventory, and weekly financial reports including forecasting of profits, cash and payroll.
• Preparation for the audits, VAT, and payroll taxes, including compliance with payment deadlines.
• Supervision of the year end financial closing as per local requirements.
• Working closely with the wider team to ensure a functional understanding of departmental financial reporting and other metrics including hospitality KPIs and P&Ls.

Business Strategy

• Actively participating in the development of business strategies aligned with the La Dolce Vita Orient Express vision, mission, and business objectives.
• Actively participating in the development of a growth strategy.

Business Plans & Budgets

• Responsible of the preparation and follow-up of the annual budget
• Monitor progress and present financial metrics internally and externally.

Commercial insight

• In collaboration with the Commercial and Revenue Management functions, analyzing commercial operations and competitive trends to establish short-, medium-, long-term strategies and tactical recommendations.
• Providing the management, Brand and Owner with business objectives, analyses of business performance, and highlights of the key issues together and opportunities.
• Constantly monitoring the latest industry trends, innovative products, and service opportunities.
• Presenting implementation plans to the Senior Leadership when applicable.
• Ensuring a good communication of the finance information and maintain excellent relationship / partnership with all the different hospitality stakeholders (Orient Express, Owners and third parties).

Specific Business Proposals

• Assessing the benefits of all prospective spends and contracts and advising the General Manager, Orient Express and Owners on program design and implementation matters. Such proposals may involve CAPEX activity, legal, financial, and other advisors if needed.
• Implement and maintain financial systems and automation tools (ERP software) to streamline reporting, payments, and compliance, ensuring efficiency at scale

People Management

• Overseeing the selection and recruitment of LDV Finance positions in line with Orient Express’ Leadership Capability Framework, Recruitment Charter, and related processes.
• Developing a strong team through consistent effective leadership, training, operational management, and succession planning.
• Fostering a winning, solution-oriented work environment, motivating and engaging colleagues to continuously deliver the best possible standards of work.
• Promoting an open environment, thanks to ongoing feedback and coaching for better performance.
• Coaching and mentoring finance colleagues.
• Identifying key financial drivers to enhance the value creation capability of the trains.
• Having an entrepreneurial approach by continuously looking for areas for improvement with innovative solutions, initiating and leading change, and looking for opportunities to generate revenue across the trains.

Knowledge and experience

• A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related field is required (an advanced degree such as an MBA is highly recommended) together with professional accounting qualifications e.g., ACCA, CPA, and a strategic knowledge of the hospitality business and financial management.
• Minimum of 5-years’ experience as Hospitality Director of Finance with:
  • Proven extensive experience in a similar financial leadership role within the hospitality industry, in an ultra-luxury hotel / train setting.
  • In-depth knowledge of the ultra-luxury hospitality market, including a strong understanding of industry trends, market dynamics, and competitive landscape.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of financial management systems, procedures, and reporting standards specific to the hospitality industry (USALI).
• Experience in managing financial audits, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and maintaining accurate financial records.
• Knowledge of Hospitality IT systems.
• Fluent in Italian and English (French is a plus).

Competencies

• Proven ability to lead and develop a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and collaboration.
• Good presentational and influencing skills.
• Ability to work in international contexts, matrix environments, and to deal with ambiguity.
• Strong organizational/project management skills with high attention to detail.
• Strong team-working skills and ability to work efficiently.
• Proven ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and meeting tight deadlines and high level of quality.
• Ability and self-motivation to work autonomously.
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards and confidentiality when handling financial information.