Finance Operations Manager (Hotel Pre-Opening)

As a Finance Operations Manager in this Pre-Opening Hotel, you’re not just overseeing all hotel financial operations – you’re spreading the light and warmth of hospitality by delivering memorable experiences that make the stay for every guest.

Here’s what you’ll do during a typical day:

• Drive financial strategy: Oversee all financial operations, ensuring alignment with the hotel’s strategic goals to optimize profitability and efficiency

• Oversee financial planning and analysis: Direct the preparation of annual plans, projections, and budgets, providing financial insights to support business decisions

• Advise hotel leadership: Serve as the primary financial advisor to hotel management, ownership, and department heads, offering data-driven recommendations to enhance financial performance

• Ensure financial compliance: Uphold adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and safeguard hotel assets through strong financial controls

• Optimize financial reporting: Oversee systems and processes to drive accuracy, efficiency, and transparency in financial reporting.

• Monitor and approve financial transactions: Oversee and authorize hotel sales, purchases, salaries, and expenses to maintain fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency

• Cultivate a high-performing team: Drive engagement and retention through performance management, professional development, and recognition programs

Key Responsibilities for Hotel Pre-Opening Leaders

• Project Management: Oversee timelines, budgets, and resources; manage construction, procurement, and vendor coordination; ensure compliance with deadlines and regulations.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and execute pre-opening plans; set priorities, anticipate challenges, and establish operational workflows.
• Operational Readiness: Ensure all departments (front office, housekeeping, F&B, engineering) are prepared; coordinate training and brand standards implementation.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, onboard, and train staff; foster collaboration and maintain team focus under pressure.
• Financial Management: Manage pre-opening budgets; monitor forecasts; negotiate vendor contracts and control costs.
• Brand Standards: Ensure consistency in design, service, and operations aligned with brand guidelines.
• Problem-Solving: Address unexpected issues quickly; manage risks and maintain safety compliance.
• Attention to Detail: Oversee final construction, design, and furnishing; ensure operational processes meet quality standards.
• Communication: Maintain transparent updates with owners, investors, and stakeholders; represent the project in pre-opening events.
• Adaptability: Adjust plans as needed; stay resilient under fast-paced, high-pressure conditions.

• Customer Focus: Ensure guest experience remains the top priority from day one.

What are we looking for?

Successful candidates have the

• Ability to analyze large volume of complex financial information from many sources and create reports, forecasts, and projections
• Strong problem solving skills, including the ability to effectively address any issue in collaboration with others as appropriate
• Ability to proactively identify and prevent potential problems
• Ability to help develop problem solving skills among direct reports and other team members as appropriate
• Ability to take initiative to identify, prioritize and implement all elements required for team to fulfil responsibilities
• Ability to manage and develop staff
• Detail oriented and organized
• Ability to develop presentations and effectively present to all levels of company, hotels & owners
• Strong communication and negotiation skills (all levels of management and external customers)

• Proficient in MS Excel, Word and Outlook with the ability to quickly learn new programs when required

What will it be like to work for Hilton?

Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For nearly a century, Hilton has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Our vision “to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality” unites us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day. And, our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all!