Director of Finance

Job Description

Director of Finance (HOT0CA44)

Waldorf Astoria Admiralty Arch, London SW1A2WH
, The Mall, London

Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch is forming part of the pre‑opening and leadership team for a brand‑new luxury hotel opening in 2026. The hotel will feature 112 rooms and suites, a 320‑cover ballroom, a spa and world‑class dining.

• Competitive salary + bonus
• Private healthcare allowance
• Free, healthy and high quality meals when on duty
• Grow your career – personal development programmes
• Corporate responsibility programmes
• Team member travel programme – discounted hotel nights and 50% off food and beverages
• Discounted dental and health cover
• High street discounts – perks at work
• Holiday – 33 days including bank holidays, increasing yearly up to 38 days
• Modern and inclusive team member areas

The Director of Finance plays a critical role in overseeing and enhancing the financial performance of the hotel. The position serves as a key business partner to the General Manager, senior hotel management teams and business stakeholders, contributing to strategic decision‑making and ensuring alignment with business objectives.

• Pre‑opening activities: develop budgets, financial forecasts, set up accounting system, establish internal controls, approve pre‑opening expenses, provide regular updates.
• Financial strategy: develop medium‑ and long‑term strategies, collaborate on annual budgets, oversee year‑end forecasting.
• Performance monitoring: track and analyse KPIs, conduct variance analysis, benchmark against competitors, evaluate financial performance using tools like Hotstats.
• Compliance and contract oversight: ensure compliance with Hilton policies, manage vendor and operator contracts.
• Reporting and presentations: prepare detailed financial reports for ownership and leadership, facilitate monthly P&L reviews and forecasting meetings.
• Stakeholder collaboration: act as trusted partner to General Managers, collaborate with FP&A, Accounting & Control and Centres of Excellence.
• Capital expenditure and ROI initiatives: lead capital budgeting, support ROI projects, maintain capital expenditure tracker.
• Financial modelling and insights: develop advanced analysis tools, educate non‑finance teams.
• Cash flow management: update cash flow forecasts and support working capital discussions.
• Team development: provide finance training, coach operational heads.
• Project management: participate in key revenue and cost optimisation projects.
• Additional support: review month‑end P&L results, assist during audits.

• At least 5 years of progressive senior leadership experience in hotel operations, preferably luxury.
• Degree in Accounting, Finance or Tourism Administration.
• Advanced qualifications such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA or MBA highly desirable.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem‑solving, negotiation, stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Proficiency in financial modelling, reporting systems and performance tracking tools.
• Hands‑on, result‑oriented, capable of delivering impactful outcomes.

• Unconventional thinking, willingness to challenge status quo.
• Passion for finance or hospitality sector.
• Intellectual curiosity, empathy and collaborative attitude.
• Enthusiasm for technology and openness to new challenges.

The operating model consists of:

• Shared Service Centre – transaction processing and accounting.
• Centre of Excellence – specialised expertise and ownership of accounting workflows.
• Operations Finance – strategic, high‑value activities to drive business performance.