Marriott International

Area Director of Finance

Marriott International • $150K — $175K *
Chicago, IL 60629In-Person
Hospitality & Recreation
5 - 7 years of experience
1 week ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
  • 7-10 years of progressive hotel accounting and finance experience.
  • 3-5 years in a Director of Finance, Area Director of Finance, Controller, or similar senior leadership role in full-service hotels.
  • Required experience with both Marriott and Hilton hotel brands.
  • Strong knowledge of hotel accounting, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic financial leadership and oversight for all accounting and finance functions across the portfolio.
  • Partner with General Managers and executive leadership to develop strategies that improve financial performance.
  • Lead the annual budgeting process, long-range business plans, and monthly forecasting for each property.
  • Analyze financial performance and identify opportunities for improvement within the hotel portfolio.
  • Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly financial statements and management reports.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to oversee financial operations for three prestigious hotels in downtown Chicago.
  • Role allows for direct impact on financial performance and asset value of the portfolio.
  • Collaborative work environment alongside executive leadership and ownership.
  • Develop and mentor high-performing finance teams across properties.
Full Job Description
Vinayaka Hospitality is seeking an experienced and strategic Area Director of Finance to oversee the financial operations of three premier downtown Chicago hotels: The Blackstone Hotel (Marriott), Hampton Inn/Homewood Suites (Hilton), and The Westin Michigan Avenue (Marriott).

The Area Director of Finance will provide financial leadership, operational support, and strategic guidance across the portfolio while ensuring compliance with Marriott and Hilton brand standards, ownership objectives, accounting principles, and internal control requirements. This position serves as a key business partner to General Managers, corporate leadership, and ownership, driving financial performance, maximizing profitability, and developing high-performing finance teams.

The ideal candidate will possess significant hotel finance leadership experience, including multi-property oversight within Marriott and Hilton branded hotels, strong analytical capabilities, and a proven track record of driving operational and financial excellence.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Leadership & Strategy
  • Provide strategic financial leadership and oversight for all accounting and finance functions across the three-hotel portfolio.
  • Partner with General Managers and executive leadership to develop strategies that improve revenue, profitability, cash flow, and asset value.
  • Lead the annual budgeting process, long-range business plans, and monthly forecasting for each property.
  • Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reviews to ownership and executive leadership.
  • Analyze financial performance, market trends, labor costs, operating expenses, and profitability metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Participate in owner meetings and provide actionable recommendations to achieve financial goals.
Financial Reporting & Analysis
  • Ensure the timely and accurate preparation of monthly financial statements and management reports.
  • Oversee all month-end and year-end closing activities across the portfolio.
  • Review general ledger activity, account reconciliations, journal entries, and financial analyses for accuracy and completeness.
  • Maintain compliance with US GAAP, company accounting policies, and brand reporting requirements.
  • Produce variance analyses comparing actual performance to budget, forecast, and prior-year results.
  • Prepare quarterly owner reporting packages and cash flow projections.
Internal Controls & Compliance
  • Establish, monitor, and maintain effective internal controls across all hotel operations.
  • Ensure compliance with Marriott and Hilton financial standards, policies, and reporting requirements.
  • Lead internal and external audits and coordinate implementation of audit recommendations.
  • Monitor adherence to corporate policies, safeguarding company assets and minimizing risk exposure.
  • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local tax reporting requirements.
Treasury & Cash Management
  • Oversee cash management, banking relationships, and treasury operations for the portfolio.
  • Monitor daily cash positions and forecast cash flow requirements.
  • Ensure timely completion of bank reconciliations and balance sheet reconciliations.
  • Oversee cash handling procedures, credit card reconciliations, merchant processing, and fraud prevention controls.
  • Manage debt service requirements, capital expenditures, and owner distributions as applicable.
Operational Finance Support
  • Partner with hotel operations leaders to manage labor productivity, departmental expenses, and profitability.
  • Review and approve major contracts, capital expenditures, and purchasing initiatives.
  • Oversee inventory controls and ensure accuracy of physical inventory counts.
  • Evaluate financial impact of operational initiatives and provide recommendations to improve performance.
  • Support revenue management efforts through analysis of occupancy, ADR, RevPAR, and market trends.
Accounting Oversight
  • Oversee Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Income Audit, Payroll, General Ledger, and Cash Management functions across all properties.
  • Ensure timely and accurate billing, collections, aging review, and cash application processes.
  • Review significant AP invoices, capital expenditures, and intercompany transactions.
  • Ensure proper accounting treatment and documentation for all financial transactions.
  • Maintain strong balance sheet integrity through detailed account reconciliation reviews.
Team Leadership & Development
  • Lead, mentor, develop, and evaluate property-level finance teams.
  • Recruit, train, and retain top accounting talent across the portfolio.
  • Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
  • Provide financial education and operational support to hotel department leaders.
  • Drive standardization of processes and best practices throughout the portfolio.


Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
  • Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive hotel accounting and finance experience.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years in a Director of Finance, Area Director of Finance, Controller, or Assistant Director of Finance leadership role within full-service hotels.
  • Required experience with both Marriott and Hilton hotel brands.
  • Strong knowledge of hotel accounting, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, treasury management, and financial reporting.
  • Comprehensive understanding of US GAAP and hospitality accounting practices.
  • Proven experience managing multi-property finance operations.
  • Strong leadership, communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
  • Advanced proficiency with Excel and hotel financial systems.
Preferred
  • Experience with full-service, lifestyle, and convention hotel operations.
  • Knowledge of M3, ProfitSword, or similar hospitality systems.
  • Experience working directly with hotel ownership groups and asset managers.


AVAILABILITY

This company operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Generally, the position works Monday through Friday with hours varied based on business demand. At times it may be necessary to move you from your accustomed work day, to include Saturdays and Sundays, or time of work if business or task assignments demand. In addition, it should be understood that business needs determines the amount of hours that you work.

COMPETENCIES
  • Strategic Financial Planning
  • Multi-Property Financial Management
  • Hospitality Industry Expertise
  • Forecasting & Budgeting
  • Financial Analysis
  • Internal Controls & Risk Management
  • Leadership & Team Development
  • Cash Flow Management
  • Owner Relations
  • Business Partnership & Influence
  • Problem Solving & Decision Making


Salary Description

150,000 - 175,000

About Marriott International

Marriott International is a hospitality company with more than 3,900 properties around the world. Marriot International opened its first hotel in 1957 and operates franchises worldwide. The company’s headquarters is based in Maryland and employees nearly 200,000 people worldwide.   The company was founded by J. Willard and Alice Marriott in 1927 by opening a root beer stand in Washington D.C.

Marriott International Careers

Join the vibrant team at Marriott International, the global leader in hospitality, where career opportunities abound and the potential for growth is limitless. As part of our commitment to innovation and leadership in the industry, we are continuously seeking passionate, creative, and driven individuals to join our diverse team. Work You’ll Do At Marriott International, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, leadership, and professional development. Engage in meaningful work that enhances the travel experience of each guest while fostering a positive environment where all team members can thrive. Our team at Marriott International leads the way in delivering exceptional service and innovative hospitality solutions. With a variety of job opportunities ranging from front-line roles to executive positions, you can find the perfect match for your skills and career ambitions. Marriott International’s commitment to growth and innovation means we are always on the lookout for dynamic professionals to join our team. Whether you are seeking your first job, looking for a challenging leadership role, or aiming to specialize in hospitality management, Marriott offers unparalleled employment opportunities. Internship and Training Programs Kickstart your career with Marriott International’s internship programs. These opportunities provide invaluable industry experience and a chance to develop essential skills in a real-world setting. Interns at Marriott are treated as integral members of the team and are involved in projects that make a tangible impact on the company. In addition to internships, we offer comprehensive diversity training and professional development programs that prepare you for future leadership roles within the company. Our training programs are designed to enhance your capabilities and ensure you are equipped to meet the challenges of the evolving hospitality landscape. Benefits and Career Growth Marriott International believes in rewarding our employees for their dedication and hard work. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes health, vision, and dental insurance, employee discounts, and more. Moreover, we are committed to the professional growth of our employees. Career advancement at Marriott is not just a possibility—it is a priority. Join Our Team Explore the wide range of job opportunities at Marriott International. We are hiring across various departments, including management, customer service, culinary arts, and more. Bring your unique skills and perspective to our team, and help us continue to innovate and lead in the hospitality industry. Networking and Professional Development Stay connected and advance your career through Marriott’s extensive networking opportunities. Our professional community is designed to foster connections that can lead to career advancement and personal growth. Engage with leaders, gain industry insights, and build relationships that will support your career aspirations. Apply Now Ready to take the next step in your career? Search open positions that match your skills and interests on the Marriott Careers page. We look for individuals who are curious, team-oriented, and committed to excellence. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and join one of the most respected names in the global hospitality industry. Stay Up to Date Keep informed with the latest career tips, company news, and industry insights from Marriott International. Join our community and discover how you can contribute to the world of hospitality and beyond. Explore job opportunities, embrace professional growth, and become part of a company that values innovation and leadership. At Marriott International, your career journey is just beginning.
Learn more about Marriott International
Size
120,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.5 billion
Industry
Hospitality & Recreation
Net Income
-$267 million
Founded
1927
5 Year Trend
-2.1%
Revenue
$10.5 billion
NASDAQ
MAR
* Ladders Estimates

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