Assistant Director of Finance

Your mission:

Should you decide to accept it...

If you love crunching numbers and making sure everything is in its place, then this job is for you.

As the Assistant Director of Finance, you will oversee the day-to-day operations of the accounting team, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timeliness in all financial reporting and accounting functions. You’ll work closely with and provide essential support to the Director of Finance, and act as their deputy in their absence.

This role also requires strong communication and coordination skills, as you'll be resolving financial matters and collaborating effectively with teammates, department heads, stakeholders, managers, and guests alike.

Who we are:

At Virgin Hotels, we do things differently. We believe in redefining what it means to work in hospitality, empowering our people, delighting our guests, and having a whole lot of fun along the way.

Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch is the eighth Virgin Hotels Property, and second in the UK, nestled in the vibrant Shoreditch neighbourhood. Blending heartfelt service, exceptional value and unique hospitality, the hotel brings a playful yet luxurious vibe to the vibrant heart of London’s East End.

The hotel operates as a fully self-accounting property, with no third-party or shared accounting services support. The Finance team currently consists of a Director of Finance, and your two direct reports: one Finance Assistant, and one Accounts Payable Supervisor.

The Details:

What exactly you will be doing...

1. Operational

• Champion daily finance operations, ensuring accurate income audits, bank reconciliations, and timely deposits.
• Monitor hotel revenues and expenses in line with our standards.
• Lead month-end closures, ensuring all transactions are recorded in the correct periods with full backup.
• Ensure internal controls are strong across purchasing, disbursements, inventories, payroll, and cash handling.
• Support compliance with all permits, licenses, legal agreements, and tax obligations.

1. Forecasting and Financial Controls

• Analyse financial data to guide operational decisions and support business objectives.
• Monitor budgets, investigate variances, and work with management to recommend and implement improvements.
• Ensure financial reporting meets Virgin Hotels’ standards and deadlines.
• Assist in preparing accurate forecasts and strategic plans alongside the Director of Finance.
• Ensure all balance sheet accounts are reconciled regularly and accurately.

1. Business Partnering and Leadership

• Be a trusted advisor to department heads by translating financial insight into strategic action.
• Participate in key meetings (Sales & Service, Credit, etc.) to keep financial performance aligned with operational goals.
• Foster a collaborative, solutions-driven relationship with all hotel departments.
• Lead by example in all guest and team interactions, friendly, courteous, and service-oriented at all times.

1. Projects and Systems Management

• Ensure all finance-related systems (POS – Micros, PMS – HMS, Payroll – Fourth, Finance – Sage X3) are fully functional and up to date.
• Oversee the proper use and maintenance of EDP equipment.
• Implement continuous improvements in financial systems and workflows to increase efficiency.
• Support ad hoc business and finance projects as needed.
• Support the Director of Finance with the CAPEX projects

1. People and Talent

• Support the Director of Finance in hiring, coaching, and developing the finance team.
• Lead performance management, training, and growth plans for accounting associates.
• Actively contribute to Virgin Hotels’ talent pipeline by mentoring future finance leaders.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning, empowerment, and high performance.

Background must-have:

To be successful in this role, you’ll ideally bring:

• Legal right to work in the United Kingdom (current, unrestricted).
• A minimum of 5 years’ progressive experience in hotel accounting or finance roles.
• A 4-year degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field plus
• Proven track record in month-end closing, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Previous experience in a supervisory or management capacity within hotel finance teams.

Familiarity with hospitality and financial systems, such as:

• Micros (POS)
• HMS (PMS)
• Fourth (Payroll/Workforce Management)
• Sage X3 (Finance)
• SEI (Reporting and Analysis)
• ProfitSword (BI tool)
• Adaco (Purchasing)

• Strong understanding of internal controls, cash handling, and compliance processes.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to lead, influence and partner across departments.
• Experience in working within UK accounting standards and regulatory frameworks relevant to the hospitality sector.
• Ideally experience within London Market or at least UK hospitality market
• A collaborative spirit, passion for hospitality, and an appetite for continuous learning and growth.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with limited supervision, while effectively organizing and overseeing the work of the Finance Assistant and Accounts Payable Supervisor.

*Virgin Hotels celebrates diversity and welcomes teammates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be an inclusive and Equal Opportunity Employer*