An Icon Returns – Grand Hotel Locarno on Lake Maggiore
Located in the heart of Locarno, overlooking Lake Maggiore and just a few steps from the lakeshore, the Grand Hotel Locarno will reopen in the spring of 2027. Since its opening in 1876, the hotel has been closely linked to the history of the town. It hosted the 1925 European Peace Conference and served as the venue for the first Locarno Film Festival in 1946.
Nestled in alpine landscapes and surrounded by the hotel’s expansive grounds, the property offers a blend of historic character and contemporary comfort following a comprehensive renovation. The 110 rooms and suites—many of which feature a private terrace or balcony with lake views—reflect this harmony, as do the indoor pool in the historic vaulted cellar, the outdoor pool, and the wellness and fitness areas. The culinary offerings range from Mediterranean to Asian cuisine and are complemented by a lobby bar set beneath historic frescoes. Elegant event rooms and an event space with access to the 4,000-square-meter park make the Grand Hotel Locarno both a retreat and a stage.
We are seeking an experienced, entrepreneurial, and hands-on Director of Finance (m/f/d) to join our Executive Committee during the pre-opening phase. Unlike many finance leadership positions, this role offers the rare opportunity to help shape not only the operational finance processes and infrastructure but also the organizational design, culture and operating model of a luxury landmark hotel from the very beginning.
The Director of Finance is responsible for leading the financial strategy, governance and performance of the Grand Hotel Locarno, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa, Lake Maggiore, supporting both its successful pre-opening and long-term operational success. As a key member of the Executive Committee and trusted business partner to the General Manager, you will provide strategic financial leadership, ensure robust financial controls and support informed decision-making across the business.
Working closely with hotel leadership, ownership and corporate stakeholders, you will oversee all aspects of financial planning, reporting, compliance and business performance. You will play a key role in establishing the hotel's financial infrastructure, building a high-performing Finance team and contributing to the successful launch and sustainable growth of one of Switzerland's most exciting luxury hospitality projects.
Establish and lead the Finance Department from pre-opening through stabilization and long-term operations.
Design and implement financial processes, systems, reporting frameworks, and internal controls.
Build, develop, and mentor the Finance team.
Actively contribute to the overall organizational design and operational setup of the hotel.
Partner closely with the General Manager and Ownership in strategic and operational decision-making.
Develop a culture of accountability, transparency, performance, and continuous improvement.
Support the successful opening and long-term financial sustainability of one of Switzerland’s most exciting luxury hospitality projects.
While the role is a key leadership position within the hotel, we are seeking a finance
professional who enjoys remaining closely involved in the day-to-day finance operation.
Your Responsibilities include:
Pre-Opening Administration & Regulatory Setup
Support the administrative and regulatory setup required for the successful opening of the hotel.
Coordinate and monitor the application process for all required hotel and food & beverage operating licenses and permits.
Liaise with local authorities, advisors, auditors, legal counsel, and regulatory bodies.
Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, fiscal, and hospitality-specific requirements.
Support the establishment of the hotel's administrative, financial, and legal framework during the pre-opening phase.
Contribute to the development of policies, procedures, and governance structures required for a successful launch.
Finance Operations & Financial Leadership
Leading all accounting, budgeting, forecasting, treasury, cash flow management, and financial reporting activities.
Maintaining direct oversight of core hotel finance processes, including Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Income Audit, cash handling and banking activities, month-end closing, balance sheet reconciliations, and statutory reporting in close collaboration with a Shared Service Center and headquarter functions.
Preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports.
Developing annual budgets, rolling forecasts, and long-term business plans.
Monitoring financial performance and key business indicators while providing actionable insights to management.
Contribute to robust liquidity and working capital management.
Driving operational excellence and financial discipline across all departments.
Business Partnering & Performance Management
Support commercial and operational decision-making through financial analysis and business recommendations.
Partner with department heads to improve profitability, productivity, and cost efficiency.
Evaluate investment opportunities, business cases, and CapEx projects.
Promote financial awareness and accountability throughout the organization.
Governance, Compliance & Risk Management
Establish robust financial controls, governance structures, and reporting standards.
Ensure compliance with Swiss statutory requirements, tax legislation, and company policies.
Manage relationships with auditors, tax advisors, banks, and regulatory authorities.
Coordinate audit processes and maintain effective risk management procedures.
Team Development
Build, develop and lead a lean finance team while driving a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Support operational leaders in building financially aware and commercially focused teams.
Contribute to leadership development across the hotel.
Professional Experience & Education
Minimum 8 years of progressive finance experience, including several years in a senior hotel finance leadership role.
Strong understanding of hotel accounting, financial controls, and operational finance processes.
Demonstrated experience with USALI reporting standards and hotel financial performance planning and analysis.
Previous experience in luxury hospitality or international hotel operations strongly preferred.
Experience in a hotel opening project is highly desirable.
Experience in seasonal hospitality operations is considered a strong advantage. The successful candidate understands the financial and organizational challenges associated with fluctuating demand, seasonal staffing models, employee turnover, and the ongoing training and development needs of operational teams. While the hotel operates seasonally, this is a permanent, year-round leadership position.
Fluent English required; Italian and German advantageous
Swiss Regulatory Expertise
Strong knowledge of:
Swiss statutory accounting requirements (Swiss Code of Obligations / OR)
Swiss VAT (MWST / TVA)
Regulatory setup required for opening and operating of a hotel
Swiss payroll processes and the hospitality collective labour agreement (L-GAV)
Leadership Profile
Entrepreneurial, pragmatic, and solution-oriented.
Equally capable of strategic planning and hands-on execution.
Comfortable navigating complex regulatory environments and coordinating multiple external stakeholders during a pre-opening phase.
Comfortable operating in a lean finance organization and personally taking ownership of key elements of the hotel's day-to-day finance operation.
A trusted advisor and business partner to operational leaders.
Passionate about building teams, structures, and sustainable organizations.
Able to influence stakeholders across all levels of the business.
Motivated by the opportunity to create something new rather than simply manage existing processes.
Have we piqued your interest? Then please send your detailed application materials, including your salary expectations and notice period, to:
Verena Heller, Human Resources Executive: verena.heller@arabella.com
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