Financial Controller

RBH; Paignton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A hospitality company based in Paignton is seeking a Finance Controller to lead the finance function of the Mercure and ibis Styles venues. This hands-on role requires expertise in financial controls and reporting, supporting department heads to maximize profitability. The ideal candidate will have experience in hotel finance and a strong ability to interpret financial data effectively. The company offers a competitive salary range of £45,000 to £50,000 and a variety of employee benefits including discounted rates and enhanced leave.

Benefits

Discounted hotel room rates

Enhanced maternity and parental leave

Flexible working arrangements

Wagestream - flexible payment options

Free meals on duty

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in managing hotel finance functions.
• Ability to independently manage the full month-end process.
• Strong understanding of revenue, labour control, and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily finance function ensuring strong financial controls.
• Produce accurate monthly accounts, forecasts, and budgets.
• Train and develop finance team and Night Auditors.

Skills

Financial analysis

Cost management

Leadership

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Solid experience in hotel or hospitality finance

Tools

Financial software systems

Job description

OUR HOTEL

Mercure Paignton and ibis Styles Paignton are two modern, seafront hotels that have quickly become a standout part of the English Riviera. Although we’re still relatively new, both hotels are already known for delivering warm, consistent service and a guest experience that feels polished and professional.

Our teams work across both properties, which creates a collaborative environment and a strong sense of shared responsibility. It’s a lively, fast-paced operation with high standards, a busy mix of leisure and business guests, and a leadership team that genuinely cares about getting things right.

If you’re looking to step into a hotel where the standards are high, the numbers matter, and your work genuinely shapes the success of the business, this is the place to do it.

At The Mercure and the Ibis Styles Paignton we are managed by RBH management. We believe our people are our biggest assets and understand the value in putting them first. Our approach to diversity in the workplace, health & wellbeing, sustainability, and individuality sets us apart from our competitors and is one of the reasons we are rated Top 30 Best Places to Work in Hospitality! We are passionate about the industry and always on the lookout for new talent to join us on our journey...

At our hotels, we believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. We provide ongoing training, career development opportunities, and a chance to work alongside a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional service.

In RBH Management, every member of our team must play their part in delivering ‘Exceptional Service by Exceptional People’.

We are looking for our next Finance Controller to lead the hotel’s finance function, ensuring accurate reporting, strong controls, and informed decision‑making across both Mercure and ibis Styles Paignton. If you thrive on analysing numbers, guiding department heads, and driving financial performance, this is your opportunity to make a real impact. Reporting to the General Manager and working closely with Heads of Department, you’ll play a pivotal role in controlling costs, maximising profitability, and supporting the ongoing growth and success of both hotels.

A day in the life of a finance controller in our hotels

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the hotel’s finance function day to day, ensuring strong financial controls are in place and followed
• Produce accurate monthly accounts, forecasts and budgets, working closely with the General Manager and Heads of Department
• Oversee revenue, cost control, banking, cash handling and all balance sheet reconciliations
• Ensure all financial deadlines are met, including period end, VAT returns, management accounts and group reporting
• Support and challenge HODs on cost management, labour control and budget performance
• Train and develop the finance team and Night Auditors to maintain high standards and accurate reporting
• Review all contracts, purchasing and supplier activity to ensure best value for the hotel
• Lead on year‑end audit preparation, VAT inspections and compliance requirements
• Provide clear financial insight and guidance to help the hotel maximise profitability
• Handle a broad range of finance tasks confidently, including accruals, prepayments, stock control, reconciliations and problem‑solving across the business

What Are We Looking For?

We’re looking for a hands‑on Financial Controller who knows how to run a hotel finance function properly. Someone who is confident taking ownership, comfortable with detail, and experienced enough to spot issues before they become problems.

You’ll need solid experience in hotel or hospitality finance, with a strong understanding of revenue, labour control, forecasting and period‑end requirements. This role isn’t just posting invoices or producing basic reports. You need to be able to interpret numbers, challenge department heads, and guide the leadership team with clarity and confidence.

You should be able to manage the full month‑end process independently, including reconciliations, accruals, prepayments, stock, VAT and management accounts. Strong systems knowledge, attention to detail and the ability to work to tight deadlines are essential.

We’re also looking for someone who communicates well. You’ll be working closely with the GM, HODs, auditors and Central Support, and you’ll be expected to explain financial information in a clear, practical way.

If you enjoy improving processes, strengthening controls and helping a hotel operate more efficiently, you’ll fit in well here.

Our Benefits

You will have access to a benefits package we believe truly works for our people.

• Discounted hotel room rates for you and your friends & family
• An additional day's leave for your birthday
• Enhanced Maternity, adoption & shared parental leave
• Course Sponsorship
• 30% F&B discount at RBH hotels
• Refer a Friend scheme (earn £250 for each referral up to 5 referrals)
• Flexible working arrangements
• Wagestream - choose how and when you get paid
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Social and wellness events and activities all year round
• Free meals on duty saving you over £1,000 per year
• Annual Salary of £45,000 to £50,000 depending on experience

And much much more!

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

RBH Hospitality Management is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people‑first culture. If at any point throughout our process you require reasonable adjustments, please contact [e-mail].