Financial Accountant

Job Advert Summary

The Financial Accountant is responsible for supporting the effective financial control and accounting operations of the hotel. The position is responsible for the accurate processing, reconciliation and reporting of hotel revenue, banking, cash, credit card, EFT and other financial transactions.

The role will ensure that transactions processed through the hotel's operational systems are accurately captured into the accounting system, that financial discrepancies are identified and investigated timeously, and that all financial records are complete, accurate and supported by appropriate documentation.

The position will also assist the Financial Manager with month-end accounting, balance sheet reconciliations, financial reporting, internal controls and other financial accounting requirements.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant recognised Accounting or Finance qualification, preferably Diploma/Degree in Accounting, Financial Management or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in a financial accounting or similar finance role.
• Previous hotel or hospitality finance experience is highly advantageous.
• Experience working with hotel PMS and accounting systems, preferably Opera and Sage.
• Experience with revenue reconciliation, banking, cash control and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Experience with month-end accounting processes is advantageous.
• Advanced or intermediate Excel proficiency is required.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Revenue Accounting & Reconciliation

• Process and run the daily revenue interface between Opera and Sage.
• Print and review the relevant Sage reports and trial balances and ensure that the two systems balance.
• Investigate and resolve any discrepancies between Opera and Sage.
• Perform daily and monthly revenue reconciliations to ensure completeness and accuracy of hotel revenue.
• Reconcile room revenue, food and beverage revenue, other operating revenue and applicable adjustments.
• Ensure that all revenue transactions are correctly allocated to the appropriate accounts and cost centres.
• Identify unusual revenue movements or variances and report these to the Financial Manager.

2. Cash & Banking

• Maintain accurate daily cash-up and banking records.
• Prepare and process daily cash, deposit and banking reports.
• Audit cash floats and investigate any shortages or overages.
• Process and reconcile the main bank account.
• Verify deposits and ensure that all banking is accurately recorded and supported by appropriate documentation.
• Monitor outstanding deposits and follow up on unreconciled items.
• Ensure that banking procedures and internal financial controls are consistently followed.

3. Credit Cards, EFT & Payment Controls

• Process and reconcile credit card transactions and payment gateway settlements.
• Reconcile PayGenius and Speedpoint transactions.
• Process and reconcile EFT payments and deposits.
• Ensure that all transactions are supported by the relevant documentation.
• Investigate unidentified, duplicated or incorrectly allocated transactions.
• Escalate material or recurring discrepancies to the Financial Manager.

4. House Accounts & Sundry Accounts

• Maintain accurate house account spreadsheets and supporting schedules.
• Reconcile and post house account transactions into Sage.
• Ensure that the hotel's house account procedures are strictly adhered to.
• Monitor outstanding house accounts and follow up on aged or unusual balances.
• Ensure that sundry creditor deposits and other suspense/control accounts are appropriately allocated and cleared.

5. Accounts Payable & Invoices

• Process invoices received from Head Office and service providers, including Newmark, CBA Printer, DSTV and other suppliers.
• Verify invoices against supporting documentation and ensure that transactions are correctly coded.
• Ensure invoices are processed within the required monthly deadlines.
• Assist with supplier reconciliations and investigation of outstanding or disputed items.
• Ensure compliance with the hotel's procurement and invoice approval procedures.

6. Refunds & Commissions

• Prepare and process approved commission payments.
• Prepare refund documentation and supporting schedules for Financial Manager approval.
• Verify that all refunds and commission payments comply with company procedures.
• Ensure that approved payments are accurately processed and recorded.

7. Month-End Accounting

• Assist with month-end close procedures and ensure that all relevant transactions are processed within the required deadlines.
• Prepare monthly revenue reconciliations to ensure that Opera agrees to Sage.
• Prepare and maintain monthly balance sheet reconciliations for review and approval by the Financial Manager, including:
• • Cash Control
    • PayGenius Control
    • EFT Deposits
    • Speedpoint Control
    • Sundry Creditors – Unallocated Deposits
    • Sundry Creditors – Deposits for Future Use
    • House Accounts
    • Other relevant control and suspense accounts
• Investigate and clear reconciling items timeously.
• Maintain complete supporting documentation for all reconciliations.
• Assist with month-end journals and accounting adjustments where required.