Hotel Chief Finance Officer

Position Title: Regional Finance Director

Department: Finance

Reporting To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or equivalent

Location: Kenya (with frequent regional travel)

Position Summary

The Regional Finance Director is a senior leadership role based in Kenya, responsible for overseeing the financial operations, performance, and compliance of a portfolio of 6-7 hotels across multiple regions. The incumbent will work closely with hotel General Managers, finance teams, and corporate leadership to drive financial performance, ensure regulatory compliance, and align financial strategies with the organization's objectives.

Key Responsibilities1. Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Provide strategic financial leadership to hotel operations in Kenya and other assigned regions.
• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the organization's goals to drive sustainable growth and profitability.
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes across the portfolio of hotels.

2. Performance Monitoring & Analysis

• Monitor and analyse financial performance metrics, ensuring hotels meet financial targets.
• Deliver data-driven insights and actionable recommendations to improve revenue, control costs, and enhance profitability.
• Regularly review financial results with hotel and corporate leadership to assess performance against budgets and strategic goals.

3. Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to local Kenyan financial regulations, tax laws, and corporate policies.
• Oversee audits and ensure timely, accurate submission of statutory and corporate financial reports.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks, ensuring operational resilience and compliance.

4. Team Management & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop finance teams across the hotels to achieve operational excellence.
• Provide training and support to hotel management teams to enhance financial decision-making.
• Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement within the finance function.

5. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the key financial liaison between the corporate office, hotel General Managers, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with functional leaders in sales, marketing, and operations to support business growth and strategic initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with external stakeholders, including auditors, regulatory authorities, and banking partners.

6. Systems & Process Improvement

• Drive the implementation and optimization of financial systems, tools, and processes for improved efficiency and accuracy.
• Identify opportunities for cost-saving measures and operational improvements across the region.

Qualifications & ExperienceEducation

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
• MBA or professional certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CMA) is highly desirable.

Experience

• Minimum 8-10 years of progressive financial management experience, including 3-5 years as a Regional Finance Director or similar role.
• Proven experience managing the financial operations of multiple hotels (4-5 properties or more).
• Strong understanding of financial regulations and taxation in Kenya and the East Africa region.
• Extensive experience in the hospitality industry is essential.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong financial planning, reporting, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in financial systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP) and hotel management software (e.g., Opera, Micros).
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, multicultural environment and adapt to regional complexities.
• Strong business acumen and a strategic mindset.