Director of Finance - The Ben Hotel

Why us?

The Ben Hotel and Sage Hospitality Group are seeking a strategic, hands-on Director of Finance to join the executive leadership team in West Palm Beach, Florida.

The Ben is a luxury waterfront hotel where every detail tells a story. Inspired by Birdie Dewey and her legendary Ben Trovato Estate, the hotel blends modern sophistication with creativity, individuality, and authentic hospitality. As part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, The Ben delivers an experience that is “Exactly Like Nothing Else.”

Overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach, The Ben is home to Proper Grit, a whisky and supper club-inspired restaurant, and Spruzzo, the city’s only water-facing rooftop lounge. With a rooftop heated saltwater pool, distinctive event spaces, and elevated food and beverage experiences, The Ben is a destination for guests who value luxury, style, and thoughtful service.

The Director of Finance serves as a key member of the hotel’s executive leadership team and is responsible for leading all financial operations of the property. This role partners closely with the General Manager and department leaders to drive financial performance, protect company assets, ensure compliance, and support sound business decisions across the hotel.

The ideal candidate is a strong hospitality finance leader with exceptional analytical skills, operational knowledge, and the ability to lead with confidence, integrity, and collaboration. They will oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, internal controls, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and financial analysis while helping shape the continued success of this distinctive luxury hotel.

Learn more about The Ben at www.thebenwestpalm.com.

Job Overview

The Director of Finance serves as the financial leader of The Ben Hotel, overseeing all areas of the hotel’s finance operation, including payroll, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and internal controls. This role provides strategic financial guidance to hotel leadership and Sage Hospitality, ensuring timely, accurate reporting and sound business decisions. The Director of Finance safeguards hotel and owner assets, maintains strong internal controls, and ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Partner with hotel leaders across all departments on daily operations and special projects. Identify financial risks, present practical solutions, and guide decisions that support the hotel’s financial objectives.
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget, business plan, and financial goals. Drive budgeted revenue, cost, and profit performance through disciplined accounting practices and strong expense controls.
• Establish clear quarterly priorities and key objectives for department heads, including action plans and completion dates. Follow up on progress, ensure accountability, and take corrective action when objectives are not met.
• Prepare monthly forecasts for staffing, operating expenses, and business performance. Partner with department heads to align staffing plans, expenses, and operational decisions with forecasted revenue and costs.
• Review monthly financial statements to identify trends, correct concerns, manage spending, and plan for future business needs. Review and approve applicable “other expense” categories and regularly evaluate significant expenditures to ensure responsible use of hotel resources.
• Maintain a visible, approachable presence throughout the hotel. Promote associate morale, engagement, retention, and development in alignment with Sage Hospitality’s open-door culture. Attend department meetings when possible.
• Lead performance reviews and development planning for finance management team members. Address performance concerns promptly through coaching, improvement plans, and corrective action when appropriate.
• Ensure finance team members have the experience, knowledge, and capability to meet their responsibilities. Provide ongoing training, mentorship, and support to strengthen the department.
• Establish, review, and enforce cost-control practices and internal controls that safeguard hotel and owner assets and support compliance with company standards and applicable regulations.
• Partner with the Sales and Revenue teams to review sales activity, room night productivity, group rates, market mix, and key account opportunities. Support strategic account engagement by reviewing contracts, participating in sales discussions, and meeting with key clients as needed.

Qualifications

Education/Formal Training

A four-year college degree (accounting preferred) or equivalent education/experience.

Experience

Experience required by position is five to ten years of employment in a related position with this company or other organization(s).

Knowledge/Skills

• Requires knowledge of all hotel accounting functions performed by the subordinate reporting directly or indirectly.
• Requires advanced knowledge of the accounting, finance and hospitality professions.
• Requires ability to analyze activities or information involving some original data manipulation or interpretation to arrive at logical conclusions.
• Office Management, Bank Reconciliations, Preparation of State and Federal Reports, Training of Accounting staff employees, Conducting or participating in meetings, Analysis of Balance Sheet Accounts, Preparation of Journal entries, closing the books and preparing the Balance, Sheet Package.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying -limited lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying up to 15-20 lbs. Generally boxes, computer equipment.
• Bending/kneeling -limited bending/kneeling required when arranging supplies or equipment.
• Mobility -limited mobility between offices and departments. No continuous standing, climbing or driving.
• Excellent hearing required to train and interact with management and associates.
• Excellent vision required to read reports, computer, etc.

Environment

Work inside 95% of work period.

Benefits

• Unlimited paid time off

• Eligible to participate in Sage bonus plan

• Eligible to enroll in medical insurance with employer covering up to 70% of premiums with wellness credit

• Eligible to enroll in dental insurance with employer contribution towards premiums & vision insurance

• Eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) program with employer match

• Eligible to enroll in Health savings accounts or Flexible Spending Accounts

• Company paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance coverage, with option to enroll in additional coverage

• Eligible to purchase Pet Insurance, Accidental Insurance, Critical Insurance and Hospital Indemnity Insurance

• Company-paid short-term disability

• WINFertility guidance for those enrolled in Sage medical plan

• Calm Health Application Subscription

• Tuition Reimbursement of up to $2,000 per calendar year

• Employee Assistance Program

• Great discounts on Hotels, Restaurants, and much more.

• Eligible to participate in the Employee Referral Bonus Program. Up to $1,000 per referral.

Salary