Contract Financial Planner Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO

Xanterra Travel Collection is a growing, exceptional group of travel and leisure businesses operating across the globe. Our properties/services combine dramatic settings and landmark buildings with exceptional service to deliver unforgettable experiences. We are inspired by our guests, our environment, and each other. Headquartered in our beautiful Greenwood Village, Colorado offices, we strive to create a collaborative experience and a transformational journey for our valued team members. We have a high commitment to sustainability, growth and are seeking driven, innovative individuals who value offerings in career development and professional advancement. Our Travel Collection includes lodging, food and beverage, Windstar Cruises, short-line railroad, and adventure travel companies. Please visit xanterra.com for more information on the company and its environmental initiatives.

The Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis is a high-impact contributor to the financial leadership of Xanterra Travel Collection®, a leading private hospitality and travel company operating iconic destinations across the United States. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of FP&A and Business Development, this role is central to the company’s financial planning cycle, ongoing reporting, forecasting, and management decision-support. This position is well-suited for a driven finance professional with a strong FP&A foundation who is eager to take on expanded ownership, develop toward a senior level, and grow alongside a high-performing team. Working closely with the Sr. Director, CFO, Corporate Controller, and cross-functional business partners, the Manager will have meaningful exposure to senior leadership and enterprise-wide financial processes from day one. The ideal candidate is analytically sharp, intellectually curious, and motivated to bring fresh thinking to modernize legacy reporting processes and build more scalable, insight-driven financial infrastructure.

Financial Planning & Budgeting

• Lead and manage key workstreams within the companywide annual financial planning process, including budget assumption development, unit-level submittal review and analysis, consolidation, and contribution to the final plan presentation.
• Own the corporate office budget in partnership with department heads; monitor costs through detailed monthly variance analysis and management commentary.
• Assist in managing the capital budgeting process and associated monthly reporting in coordination with the CFO and Project Administrator.
• Support the annual determination and year-end revaluation of intercompany transfer pricing for S-Corp entities, working with operational and department leadership to ensure accurate cost allocations.

Forecasting & Financial Analysis

• Prepare and coordinate monthly consolidated forecast updates, including variance analysis and executive summary presentations.
• Conduct financial analyses across operating cost structures, discounted cash flow, IRR, and other ad hoc analyses to support management decision-making and improve profitability.
• Complete annual pro forma vs. actual performance reviews to evaluate projection accuracy and surface operational insights.
• Build and maintain well-documented financial models to evaluate contract renewals, new business opportunities, and other strategic initiatives.

Reporting & Business Intelligence

• Prepare and manage distribution of weekly and monthly internal and external financial reports to management, ownership, lenders, and regulatory agencies.
• Develop budget-to-actual variance analyses for operating results and other special-purpose reports as required.
• Contribute to the preparation of quarterly Board of Directors presentations and other periodic financial presentations for senior leadership.
• Actively identify opportunities to modernize legacy reporting tools, enhance analytical depth, and increase reporting efficiency across the FP&A function.

Business Development & Lender/Financing Support

• Provide ad hoc analytical support to the Business Development function as needed, including financial modeling and return analysis for concession bids, acquisitions, or other strategic opportunities.
• Support financial due diligence efforts related to debt financing, refinancing, and lender reporting obligations, including preparation of lender packages, covenant compliance schedules, and financial representations related to asset acquisition or capitalization.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Identify and contribute to improvements in financial planning systems, reporting tools, and legacy spreadsheet-based processes.
• Partner with IT and operations on system upgrades or new software implementations as they relate to FP&A workflows (e.g., CloudSuite, Smartsheet, BI platforms).
• Support data integrity, process documentation, and scalability across the FP&A function.

People & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Supervise and develop one financial analyst, providing day-to-day guidance, workload direction, and coaching to support quality output and professional growth.
• Serve as a collaborative partner to the Sr. Director, CFO, Corporate Controller, and business unit leaders across the enterprise.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a closely related field required; MBA or Master’s degree a plus.
• 5–8 years of progressive FP&A or corporate finance experience, with demonstrated growth in scope and analytical responsibility.
• Prior experience in the hospitality, travel/leisure, recreation, or related industry preferred; multi-unit or portfolio company experience a strong plus.
• Experience supervising or mentoring an analyst or junior team member preferred.
• Strong quantitative, modeling, and analytical skills with a high attention to data accuracy and integrity.
• Experience in a private company or subsidiary environment is a plus.
• Candidates on a clear upward trajectory — with a track record of taking initiative, expanding scope, and driving results — are strongly encouraged to apply.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Highly analytical and detail-oriented with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the broader Microsoft Office suite; ability to build and maintain multi-variable financial models.
• Experience with or demonstrated aptitude for Smartsheet, CloudSuite ERP, and Business Intelligence/reporting platforms.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; able to translate financial data into clear, concise narratives for management audiences.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and operate effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Self-starter with strong initiative and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Continuous-improvement mindset — curious, proactive, and motivated to challenge legacy processes and build better solutions.
• Comfort operating with some independence while actively seeking guidance and development from senior leadership.

COMPENSATION: The salary range for this position is $120,000- $145,000 based on experience, plus possible annual incentive based on performance.

BENEFITS: For full-time employees, Xanterra offers a comprehensive benefits package including:  Medical, Dental & Vision; HSA & FSA; Life & Disability; Accident, Hospital & Critical Illness; Pet Insurance; PTO and paid Holidays; 401(k) with Company Match; Employee Assistance Plan; Education Assistance; RTD-Denver transit pass for in-office employees, and Employee Discounts & Travel Deals.

EEO: Xanterra is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.  We are an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a closely related field required; MBA or Master’s degree a plus.
• 5–8 years of progressive FP&A or corporate finance experience, with demonstrated growth in scope and analytical responsibility.
• Prior experience in the hospitality, travel/leisure, recreation, or related industry preferred; multi-unit or portfolio company experience a strong plus.
• Experience supervising or mentoring an analyst or junior team member preferred.
• Strong quantitative, modeling, and analytical skills with a high attention to data accuracy and integrity.
• Experience in a private company or subsidiary environment is a plus.
• Candidates on a clear upward trajectory — with a track record of taking initiative, expanding scope, and driving results — are strongly encouraged to apply.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Highly analytical and detail-oriented with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the broader Microsoft Office suite; ability to build and maintain multi-variable financial models.
• Experience with or demonstrated aptitude for Smartsheet, CloudSuite ERP, and Business Intelligence/reporting platforms.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; able to translate financial data into clear, concise narratives for management audiences.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and operate effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Self-starter with strong initiative and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Continuous-improvement mindset — curious, proactive, and motivated to challenge legacy processes and build better solutions.
• Comfort operating with some independence while actively seeking guidance and development from senior leadership.

COMPENSATION: The salary range for this position is $120,000- $145,000 based on experience, plus possible annual incentive based on performance.

BENEFITS: For full-time employees, Xanterra offers a comprehensive benefits package including:  Medical, Dental & Vision; HSA & FSA; Life & Disability; Accident, Hospital & Critical Illness; Pet Insurance; PTO and paid Holidays; 401(k) with Company Match; Employee Assistance Plan; Education Assistance; RTD-Denver transit pass for in-office employees, and Employee Discounts & Travel Deals.

EEO: Xanterra is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.  We are an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.