Why hotels are rethinking the cost of full-time finance teams—and how fractional, on-demand support is shaping the future of hospitality back-office operations.
In 2025, the hotel industry is facing another wave of operational and back-office transformation when it comes to staffing, not just in the front lines, but in the back office, too. Labor costs keep climbing, profit margins are tight and the traditional staffing models that once worked aren’t adding up anymore.
While hoteliers have already embraced leaner, outside partners or contract teams in areas like housekeeping, marketing and IT, accounting and finance are increasingly being added to the conversation.
More hotels are rethinking the way they staff their accounting and finance functions, trading full-time hires for fractional finance teams that deliver strategic expertise on a scalable, cost-effective basis. Here’s a look at what’s causing this shift and why it could be a win for hotels.
Rethinking the cost
In-house accounting teams have long been considered essential, but since the pandemic, the landscape has shifted. The explosion of secure cloud-based accounting systems, remote collaboration tools and AI-driven financial platforms has made it easier than ever to outsource or scale financial support without losing visibility or control. Rather than replacing the need for financial expertise, these technologies have expanded access to experienced professionals who can now deliver high-level support remotely, without the overhead of a full-time, on-site team. Furthermore, full labor cost includes salary, benefits and insurance, pushing the cost of just one full-time accounting role into six figures.
Adding to the challenge is a nationwide shortage of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). The U.S. now has 340,000 fewer accountants than it did a few years ago, with CPA exam participation at its lowest level since 2006. In response, states like South Carolina have passed legislation providing alternative paths to CPA licensure, aiming to address the workforce development push to fix the accounting shortage, according to Forbes.
Despite offering higher pay and broadened benefits, nearly two-thirds (65%) of hotels surveyed continue to report staffing shortages, according to a recent survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association. This ongoing labor shortage adds pressure to existing teams and underscores the need for more flexible staffing solutions.
The reality is that hotel finance needs are rarely consistent. Some months require deep strategic support, while others only need basic reporting. This gap between workload and staffing often ties up capital that could be better spent elsewhere. That’s why more hotels are rethinking not just who they hire, but how they access the financial expertise they need: without the cost or commitment of a full-time team.
The rise of fractional finance teams
In response to these challenges, more hotels are adopting fractional finance models. These on-demand, part-time teams can provide a variety of support levels depending on a particular hotel’s needs. While the term “fractional” may feel unfamiliar, the idea mirrors what many hoteliers already practice in other areas, such as outsourced IT support, contract marketing services or external revenue management.
Fractional finance teams offer more than basic bookkeeping. They provide strategic oversight, helping hotels manage budgets, forecast cash flow and analyze financial performance with greater precision. This flexible approach allows operators to scale support up or down based on business cycles, renovations or portfolio changes, ensuring they get the right expertise when they need it most—often with access to a broader remote team that can step in as needed to keep things running smoothly.
A leaner approach
This shift toward fractional finance models isn’t just about saving money; it’s about building a smarter, more reliable way to manage the financial side of the business. By working with experienced finance professionals on a flexible basis, hotels can tap into the kind of strategic oversight that’s often out of reach for smaller or independent properties.
It’s not just about having one person on call. Many fractional providers bring a full team behind the scenes, ready to step in when needed. That means operators don’t have to worry about coverage gaps if their usual contact is on vacation, out sick or on leave. This added layer of team-based support helps keep the financial engine running smoothly year-round, no matter what.
Just as important, this model takes the pressure off hiring, training and trying to keep specialized talent on staff, especially in today’s market, where more people expect remote flexibility. It helps managers avoid turnover headaches and the hidden costs of full-time staffing, while still getting reliable, high-level financial support when they need it.
Preparing for the shift
For hotel leaders wondering if fractional finance is the right fit, it starts with taking an honest look at what their business really needs. Beyond salaries, the true cost of full-time finance roles includes benefits, payroll taxes, recruiting and the disruption that comes with turnover. These roles are harder to fill than ever, especially as the industry demands more specialized skills to keep up with growing tech platforms and data management tools at the property level.
At the same time, market conditions remain unpredictable, with labor costs rising, fluctuating tariffs and business cycles continuing to shift. Hotels that build flexibility into their back-office operations now will be better positioned to adjust when the market changes again, whether that means scaling up for growth or scaling down during slower seasons. Fractional finance teams make this possible by offering on-demand expertise without adding permanent overhead.
The future of hospitality finance
The hospitality industry has long embraced external partners to support everything from marketing to room division roles. Finance is the next strategic step. As labor costs continue to rise and economic pressures remain unpredictable, hotels that shift to leaner, more flexible financial support models are already seeing the benefits, including better visibility, less turnover risk, and the ability to scale expertise up or down as needed.
The future isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about right-sizing support to fit the business you’re running today. Smarter, more strategic financial partnerships can help hotels navigate change with confidence, control costs without sacrificing expertise and position themselves for long-term success.
Story contributed by Jade Floyd, advisor, Breakaway Advising, which provides customized solutions in fractional CFO, bookkeeping and family office.
