Financial Controller

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

Job summary

A seafront hotel group in the UK is seeking a Finance Controller to oversee the finance function across two properties. The ideal candidate will manage monthly accounts, forecasts, and budgeting, ensuring strong financial controls. Key responsibilities include revenue oversight and supporting department heads. Excellent communication skills and a solid background in hospitality finance are essential, along with the ability to train and develop staff. Competitive salary of £45,000 to £50,000 is offered.

Benefits

Discounted hotel room rates

An additional day off for your birthday

Course Sponsorship

30% F&B discount

Flexible working arrangements

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Free meals on duty

Qualifications

• Experience in hotel or hospitality finance required.
• Strong ability to interpret financial data.
• Attention to detail and deadline-driven.

Responsibilities

• Lead the hotel’s finance function day to day.
• Produce accurate monthly accounts, forecasts and budgets.
• Oversee revenue, cost control, banking, and reconciliations.
• Train and develop the finance team.

Skills

Finance reporting

Cost control

Forecasting

Problem-solving

Communication

Job description

About the Hotels

Mercure Paignton and ibis Styles Paignton are two modern, seafront hotels that have quickly become a standout part of the English Riviera. Although they are 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, creating a collaborative environment with a strong sense of shared responsibility. It is 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.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Finance Controller to lead the hotel’s finance function across both Mercure and ibis Styles Paignton. You will be responsible for accurate reporting, strong controls, and informed decision‑making, reporting to the General Manager and working closely with Heads of Department.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

About You

We’re looking for a hands‑on Financial Controller who knows how to run a hotel finance function properly. You must be confident, detail‑oriented, and experienced enough to spot issues before they become problems.

You should have solid experience in hotel or hospitality finance, with a strong understanding of revenue, labour control, forecasting and period‑end requirements. The role is not just about posting invoices or producing basic reports – you need to interpret numbers, challenge department heads, and guide the leadership team with clarity and confidence.

You will 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.

Excellent communication skills are required as you will 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.

Benefits

• 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 £1000 per year.
• Annual Salary of £45,000 to £50,000 depending on experience.

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].