Group Financial Controller – Malta

The Opportunity

An ultra luxury expanding international hospitality group, based in Malta is seeking a Group Financial Controller to join the leadership team during an exciting period of growth and development.

This is a high-impact role where the successful candidate will take ownership of the group’s financial control, reporting, and governance while helping shape the finance function to support continued expansion. The position offers the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership, influence strategic decision-making, and play a key role in strengthening financial performance across the organisation.

This role is ideal for a hands-on, commercially minded finance professional who enjoys building robust financial structures within a fast-growing environment.

The Role

As Group Financial Controller, you will oversee the financial control framework across the group and ensure the delivery of high-quality financial reporting, strong governance, and clear financial insights to support business performance.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading the group financial reporting and consolidation process, ensuring accurate and timely management reporting.
  • Managing the month-end and year-end close processes across the organisation.
  • Owning the annual budgeting and forecasting cycles and supporting leadership with financial performance analysis.
  • Partnering with operational and executive teams to drive profitability, cost optimisation, and financial transparency.
  • Overseeing cash flow management, liquidity planning, and working capital optimisation.
  • Strengthening the financial control environment, including policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
  • Leading external audit processes and regulatory compliance.
  • Driving improvements in financial systems, reporting structures, and automation to support business growth.
  • Providing leadership, mentoring, and development to the finance team.
  • Supporting strategic projects, new developments, and expansion initiatives across the group.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a technically strong finance leader who combines strong financial reporting expertise with commercial awareness and a proactive mindset.

Key requirements include:

  • Professional accounting qualification (ACCA, ACA, or equivalent).
  • 5+ years’ experience in a senior finance or financial leadership role.
  • Previous experience within the hospitality sector is strongly preferred.
  • Candidates with Big Four training followed by industry experience will be particularly attractive.
  • Strong expertise in financial reporting, internal controls, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling.
  • Previous experience in Maltese accounting would be beneficial
  • Advanced proficiency in financial systems, reporting tools, and Excel.
  • Proven experience leading teams and working closely with executive leadership.
  • A hands-on, solutions-focused approach suited to a fast-growing organisation.
  • Candidates should possess an EU passport.

For more information or to apply, please contact Andrea at fm@fmrecruitment.co.uk or call on +44 20 8600 1161

Director of Human Resources – Italian Dolomites

Are you ready to shape the people strategy of one of Italy’s most prestigious luxury resorts?

We are seeking an exceptional Human Resources Director to join the leadership team of a world-renowned luxury destination in the Italian Alps. This is a rare opportunity to partner directly with the General Manager and senior leaders to drive a dynamic, forward-thinking HR strategy aligned with an ambitious global vision.

The Opportunity

As a strategic business partner, you will:

  • Lead and elevate all HR operations across the resort
  • Align local people initiatives with global business objectives
  • Drive innovative talent acquisition, performance management, and succession planning
  • Champion learning & development programmes that reflect world-class service standards
  • Oversee compensation & benefits aligned with the luxury hospitality market
  • Foster strong employee engagement, communication, and recognition initiatives
  • Ensure full compliance with local employment law and HR best practices
  • Manage HR systems, payroll accuracy, and reporting
  • Oversee employee accommodation and transport coordination

What We’re Looking For

  • Proven experience as a Director of Human Resources, ideally within luxury hospitality
  • Strong knowledge of Italian employment law
  • Strategic mindset with the confidence to challenge norms and improve processes
  • Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and stakeholder management skills
  • Financial acumen with a commercial approach to HR
  • Experience in Learning & Development and succession planning
  • Fluent English communication skills (written and spoken)
  • Candidates must be eligible to work in the EU

Why This Role?

This position offers the chance to:

  • Influence culture at one of Italy’s most iconic alpine resorts
  • Lead transformative people initiatives
  • Work within a high-performance, values-driven environment
  • Shape the future of luxury hospitality through talent and innovation

If you are a visionary HR leader who thrives in a refined, fast-paced hospitality environment and is ready to make a meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you.

For more information or to apply, please contact Tairona at fm@fmrecruitment.co.uk or call on +44 20 8600 1164

Director of Finance – French Riviera

We are seeking on behalf of a leading global hospitality owner and operator an accomplished Director of Finance to join one of its flagship luxury branded properties on the stunning French Riviera.

This beautiful, high-profile hotel represents excellence in contemporary hospitality, combining strong commercial performance with elevated guest experience. As part of a major international portfolio, the property offers the structure and support of a global group while maintaining the agility and ambition of a standalone asset.

As Director of Finance, you will sit on the Executive Committee and act as a key business partner to the General Manager, ownership, and senior leadership team. Your mission will be to safeguard assets, drive profitability, and provide the financial clarity that enables smart, confident decision-making.

Technical Expertise

  • Full mastery of hotel accounting (Rooms, F&B, purchasing, AR/AP, audit)
  • Strong financial analysis and controlling capabilities
  • Excellent command of Microsoft Office, BI systems, Opera (Sage is an advantage)

Leadership & Personal Attributes

  • Strategic mindset with operational understanding
  • Clear communicator able to influence at senior level
  • Organized, resilient, and solution-driven
  • High ethical standards and integrity
  • Calm and professional, even in high-pressure situations

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Management (minimum)
  • Professional accounting qualification preferred
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in hospitality
  • Professional English and fluency in French is required
  • Candidates must be eligible to work in the EU

For more information or to apply, please contact Tairona at fm@fmrecruitment.co.uk or call on +44 20 8600 1164

 

Hotel Asset Manager – London

Our client is a leading hotel investment and real estate group with a diverse portfolio of properties in Europe and the UK. They are committed to delivering strong financial performance, operational excellence, and long-term value for their assets.

They are now seeking an experienced Hotel Asset Manager to work closely with senior asset management and hotel operations teams. This hands-on role is perfect for an experienced professional with a strong background in hospitality or real estate finance, strategic asset management, and operational optimisation. You will gain exposure to key financial and operational decisions, work directly with hotel operators, and contribute to asset enhancement projects and long-term strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Analyse P&Ls, budgets, forecasts, and KPIs (RevPAR, ADR, GOP, NOI, occupancy).
  • Collaborate with hotel management to drive operational improvements and cost control.
  • Support capital expenditure projects, renovations, and strategic planning.
  • Conduct market and competitor analysis to inform revenue, pricing, and investment decisions.
  • Liaise with internal teams and hotel operators to ensure alignment with portfolio objectives.

Requirements:

  • Degree in Finance, Hospitality, Business, or related field.
  • 5+ years’ experience in hotel asset management, hospitality finance, or investment analysis in the UK.
  • Strong financial modelling, budgeting, and P&L management skills.
  • Knowledge of UK hospitality regulations, operational standards, and franchising models.
  • Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Willingness to travel regularly to UK hotels and occasionally to Europe.

For more information or to apply, please contact Tairona at fm@fmrecruitment.co.uk or call on +44 20 8600 1164

 

Head of Corporate Finance – Malta

We’re seeking a Head of Corporate Finance to lead a multi-country finance function within an international hospitality real estate environment.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading group accounting and financial control across multiple jurisdictions
  • Delivering IFRS-compliant monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting
  • Managing audits, budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning
  • Overseeing cash flow, treasury, payroll, and intercompany accounting
  • Providing financial analysis and strategic decision support
  • Leading and developing a geographically distributed finance team

About you:

  • Senior corporate finance or financial control experience in multi-entity environments
  • Background in hospitality, real estate, or asset-heavy operations preferred
  • Strong leadership, analytical, and stakeholder management skills
  • ACCA / ACA / CIMA qualified (or equivalent)
  • Candidates should have the necessary visa requirements to work in EU

Why apply:
A senior, high-impact role with international exposure and the opportunity to shape a growing finance function.

This position will be office based and candidates must have the right to work in the EU.

For more information or to apply, please contact Andrea at fm@fmrecruitment.co.uk or call on +44 07714 236469

Director of Finance – Milan

We are seeking an accomplished Director of Finance to join a prestigious 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of Milan. This is a key executive role, responsible for driving financial excellence while supporting the hotel’s commitment to world-class service and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and controls
  • Partner with the General Manager and executive team on strategic and commercial decisions
  • Ensure full compliance with Italian regulations, brand standards, and audit requirements
  • Optimise cash flow, cost control, and long-term financial performance

About You

  • Proven experience as Director of Finance (or similar) within luxury hospitality
  • Strong leadership, analytical, and stakeholder management skills
  • In-depth knowledge of hotel financial systems and controls
  • Fluent in English; Italian highly desirable
  • Candidates should have the necessary visa requirements to work in EU

This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in one of Milan’s most exclusive hospitality environments.

For more information or to apply, please contact Andrea at fm@fmrecruitment.co.uk or call on +44 7714 236 469

Financial Controller, London – Filled

This position has now been filled. Please check our latest job opportunities here

Our client, a renowned luxury hotel group, is seeking a talented Financial Controller to join their team. This is a hands-on role, working closely with the General Manager, Regional Financial Controller, and hotel leadership.

Responsibilities:

  • Drive profitability and deliver accurate management accounts
  • Maintain robust financial controls across all hotel operations
  • Provide insightful analysis to support key business decisions

Key Duties:

  • Oversee daily and monthly financial operations
  • Support budgeting and payroll processes
  • Manage accounts payable and assist during audits
  • Ensure compliance with the highest financial and operational standards

This is an exceptional opportunity for a strong Assistant Financial Controller ready to step up into a senior finance role, gaining exposure to strategic decision-making and operational management in a prestigious hospitality environment.

All candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.

 

Director of Finance, Italian Dolomites – Position Filled

This position has now been filled. Please check our latest job opportunities here

Step into a world where timeless Alpine elegance meets refined hospitality. Our client is seeking an experienced Director of Finance to guide all financial operations as they prepare for an exciting new chapter.

In this pivotal leadership role, you will oversee financial strategy, reporting, compliance, budgeting, and forecasting, while building the hotel’s financial infrastructure from the ground up. You will partner closely with the General Manager and executive team to drive profitability, ensure operational readiness, and support all pre-opening initiatives.

We’re looking for a finance leader with 5+ years of luxury hotel experience, strong expertise in new openings or transitional environments, and advanced knowledge of hospitality financial systems, controls, and compliance. Exceptional analytical skills, team leadership ability, and proficiency in Italian GAAP, USALI, taxation, and core hotel systems (Opera, Micros/Simphony, Birchstreet, SunSystems) are essential.

In this key leadership role, you will oversee all financial operations, guide budgeting and forecasting, ensure regulatory compliance, and partner closely with the executive team to drive sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead all financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes.
  • Oversee daily accounting operations, cash flow management, and financial reporting.
  • Ensure full compliance with local regulations, tax requirements, and internal controls.
  • Provide strategic financial insights to support business expansion and operational excellence.
  • Manage and mentor the finance team, fostering a culture of accuracy, integrity, and collaboration.
  • Partner with department heads to optimize revenue, control costs, and enhance profitability.

If you’re ready to shape the financial future of one of Italy’s most exceptional luxury retreats, we invite you to apply today and help our client to elevate serenity, service, and success in the heart of the Dolomites.

Contact Andrea Shaw at fm@fmrecruitment.co.uk or call on +44 208 600 1161

Commercial Finance & Projects Manager, London – Position Filled

This position has now been filled. Please check our latest job opportunities here

We are seeking a Commercial Finance & Projects Manager to join our client’s central finance team in London. Reporting to the VP of Finance, you’ll play a key role in driving financial performance and strategic growth across the group. This is a high-impact role combining financial analysis, commercial insight and project management. This interesting and varied role will suit a candidate that has a love of hotels and all they can offer.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead group-wide finance projects to improve efficiency and profitability
  • Deliver deep-dive analysis to identify opportunities for revenue growth and cost savings
  • Partner with key teams—including Development, Design and F&B Operations—on investment proposals, ROI analysis and performance reviews
  • Track and report on marketing campaigns, pricing strategies and revenue management
  • Support hotel finance teams with best practice processes and strategic insights
  • Collaborate with senior stakeholders on cross-functional initiatives and ad-hoc projects for the CFO and VP of Finance

What We’re Looking For

  • Qualified accountant with at least 3 years’ experience, including commercial or business partnering roles
  • Strong analytical and financial modelling skills with up-to-date IFRS knowledge
  • Proven ability to identify opportunities, drive initiatives and present confidently at Board level
  • Adaptable, collaborative and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Excellent communicator—fluent English essential; Italian is a plus

Why Join

This is an opportunity to contribute to a culture of excellence and innovation while shaping the financial future of a leading luxury brand.

For more information or to apply, please contact Tairona at fm@fmrecruitment.co.uk or call on +44 20 8600 1164

 

When to Engage a Specialist Recruiter: Advice for Hotel Owners, Operators and Investors

Recruitment within the hospitality industry has always required a careful balance between commercial acumen, guest experience, and a strong cultural fit. Now more than ever, hotel investors, operators and owners are navigating a fast-evolving landscape — from digital transformation and shifting guest expectations to sustainability imperatives and global talent shortages. In this environment, knowing when to engage a specialist recruiter is not just useful, but essential.

At FM Recruitment, part of the Hospitality People Group, we’ve spent decades helping clients attract top-tier talent across finance, operations, and executive leadership. Here’s our advice on when and how to involve a specialist recruiter to get the best outcomes.

1.  When You’re Planning, Not Just Hiring

One of the most common misconceptions is that recruiters should only be contacted when a vacancy arises. In reality, the most successful partnerships are formed earlier — during business planning, budgeting and organisational design.

Whether you’re developing a new property, repositioning an asset, or reviewing your back-office structure, engaging a recruiter at the start of these conversations can be a game-changer. We’ve often helped clients design more commercially viable team structures, advised on realistic salary bandings for local and international markets, and provided insight into where talent pools are most active.

This proactive approach often results in faster hiring, better retention, and stronger alignment between commercial goals and team capabilities.

2. When You’re Entering a New Market

Hotel owners and operators expanding into new regions often underestimate the complexity of local talent dynamics. Labour laws, salary expectations, cultural nuances, and even job title norms can vary significantly from one market to another.

Working with a recruiter who not only knows hospitality but also understands the regional context, helping prevent costly missteps. At FM Recruitment, we’ve advised clients entering markets from the Middle East to the Caribbean, helping them establish realistic hiring timelines, choose the right search strategies, and avoid pitfalls that could delay their openings or destabilise early operations.

3. When You Need Confidentiality or Discretion

Not all hiring processes are created equal. At times, businesses may be replacing a senior leader, planning a discreet restructure, or exploring acquisition opportunities that are not yet public. In these situations, a specialist recruiter can act as a trusted intermediary, managing sensitive outreach with professionalism and discretion.

Because we speak your language — whether that’s balance sheets or brand strategy — we’re able to assess candidates with a critical eye and represent your business in a way that aligns with your values and long-term vision.

4. When Hiring for Specialist or Leadership Roles

Roles that are commercially pivotal or require rare expertise are best handled by recruiters who live and breathe the sector. For finance roles in particular — from Financial Controllers to CFOs — understanding both the numbers and the nuances of hospitality operations is vital.

We once worked with a client who had been unsuccessfully searching for a Director of Finance for nearly four months. By revisiting the brief, adjusting the salary expectations based on market data, and targeting candidates from our global network, we filled the role within six weeks. More importantly, the individual we placed went on to help drive a successful refinancing project for the property within their first year.

5. When Retention and Culture Matter

It’s easy to see recruitment as a transactional activity: fill the vacancy, move on. But in hospitality, where culture drives guest experience and team cohesion impacts profitability, long-term fit matters.

Partnering with a recruiter who understands your brand, values and vision makes a tangible difference. At Hospitality People Group, we work with clients over many years — advising on succession planning, future-proofing team structures, and building employer brands that attract and retain the right talent. 

Engaging a specialist recruiter should not be seen as a last resort. It’s a strategic decision that can influence everything from P&L performance to brand reputation. At FM Recruitment and across the Hospitality People Group, we advocate for partnership over transactions, insight over assumptions, and long-term success over short-term fixes.

Whether you’re investing in a new venture, scaling your portfolio, or simply want to make better-informed hiring decisions, now might be the perfect time to talk.

Chris Denison Smith
E: chrisdensionsmith@fmrecruitment.co.uk
T: +44 20 8600 1160

 

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