Assistant Director of Finance in Chicago, Illinois at The Blackstone Hotel

About the Property & Employer

The Blackstone, Autograph Collection is proudly owned and operated by Vinayaka Hospitality (VH). As the managing company, VH serves as the employer and is responsible for all employment-related decisions, including hiring, compensation, benefits, and workplace policies.

Vinayaka Hospitality was founded in 2008 on a foundation of innovation, intelligence, and compassion. With a passion for hospitality and a practical, results-driven approach to hotel management, VH collaborates with leading global brands—including Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and Wyndham—to successfully manage a growing portfolio of properties across diverse markets.

We are proud to welcome The Blackstone Hotel to our portfolio as part of our continued expansion. Located on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, The Blackstone is one of the city’s most iconic historic hotels. Originally opened in 1910, it has long been recognized as a landmark in Chicago hospitality, known for hosting presidents, dignitaries, and distinguished guests from around the world. Today, it offers a unique blend of timeless character and modern sophistication.

At VH, we are committed to growth—both for our properties and our people. We take a proactive and agile approach to sales, marketing, and revenue strategy, allowing us to adapt quickly to changing market conditions. Equally important, we invest in our associates by creating an environment where individuals can grow, succeed, and make a meaningful impact.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply—you may be a great fit for this or future opportunities within VH.

Benefits

Eligible team members may have access to a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

· Medical, dental, and vision insurance

· Paid time off (vacation, sick time, holidays)

· Six paid company holidays and one floating holiday

· 401(k) with company match (up to 4%)

· Life and disability insurance

· Employee assistance programs

· Employee discounts (hotel and travel discounts)

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on position, employment status, and tenure.

POSITION FOCUS

Supervise and coordinate the Accounting Operations in the hotel to ensure accurate, timely and consistent reporting in accordance with policies and procedures, Federal, State and local laws and regulations. Assist and support the Director of Finance in maintaining control over income, expenses and the assets and liabilities of the hotel. Position is responsible for the daily operation of Payroll, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Income Journal, General Cashiering, Taxes and internal controls. May recommend and implement operational changes.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

· Supervise the Payroll, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Cashier and Night Audit employees; interview, recommend hiring, train, develop, empower, schedule, coach and counsel, recommend and conduct performance and salary reviews, resolve problems, provide open communications and recommend discipline and termination, as appropriate.

· Supervise the daily accounting operations ensuring compliance with the SOPs and Federal, State and local laws and regulations.

· Analyze and reconcile all general ledger accounts and bank statements to ensure financial information is available and accurate.

· Prepare financial statements and reports to ensure accurate, timely information is available for management.

· Assist in the compilation and preparation of the annual budget, forecasts, taxes and other financial reports to provide support thus ensuring accurate, timely information is available for management and owners.

· Train, monitor and coordinate the implementation and maintenance of financial and cash controls and information flow throughout the other departments in the hotel to ensure compliance, accurate records and minimize liabilities, losses and expenses.

· Resolve problems and ensure maintenance of the accounting systems and equipment to ensure smooth operations.

· Analyze and be familiar with tenants, leases and rent reports and ensure hotel is in compliance with hotel leases and management contracts.

· Has a fiduciary responsibility to company and management.

· Assumes the responsibilities of the Director of Finance in his/her absence.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

· All other duties as assigned, requested or deemed necessary by management.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES

­One to Five associates.

Education/Formal Training

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

Experience

One to two years of employment in hospitality management or hospitality accounting

Knowledge/Skills

· Requires knowledge of all the functions performed by the subordinate reporting directly or indirectly to the Hotel Director of Finance.

· Requires advanced knowledge of the accounting, finance and hospitality professions. Requires experiential knowledge for management of people and complex problems.

· Requires ability to analyze activities or information involving some original data manipulation or interpretation to arrive at logical conclusions.

· Ability to make decisions guided by established policies and procedures.

· Ability to communicate so as to provide information and services, supervisory skills.

· In addition to these fundamental requirements, an Assistant Director of Finance must also be knowledgeable in the following areas: 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, Interviewing and evaluation of applicants as well as current employees

· Excellent hearing required to train and deal with management, employees.

· Excellent vision required to read reports, computer, etc.

· Excellent speech communication skills required to train and deal with management, employees.

· Excellent comprehension and literacy required for reports, computers, ledgers, etc.

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 or carrying up to 15-20 lbs. Generally boxes, computer equipment.

· Limited bending/kneeling required when arranging supplies or equipment.

· Mobility - limited, between offices and departments.

· Infrequent continuous standing, climbing or driving required.

Environment

Work inside 95% of work period.

This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the associated with the position. May perform other duties as assigned.