Finance Assistant

Hyde; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality group in Johannesburg is seeking a Finance Assistant to support the Financial Controller with accounting and financial reporting activities. The ideal candidate will have a recognized accounting qualification and at least 2 years of experience in a Luxury hotel brand. Proficiency in accounting software and a strong understanding of South African accounting standards is essential. This role offers opportunities for development and a competitive compensation package.

Benefits

Competitive package

Development opportunities

Qualifications

• 2 years of previous experience in assisting in a Luxury / Lifestyle hotel brand.
• Vast knowledge of South African Accounting standards.
• Committed to creating environments and systems that enable the delivery of exceptional and personalised services.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Financial Controller by overseeing accounting and financial reporting activities.
• Manage daily cash usage and ensure suppliers are paid promptly.
• Provide financial counsel to senior management on revenue generation and cost control.

Skills

Proficient user of Accounting Software packages – SAGE 300, Opera Cloud

Ability to effectively communicate with others in English (written and spoken)

High degree of confidentiality and protection of sensitive information

Proficient user of Microsoft Office software applications

Education

A recognized qualification in Accounting

Job description

Job Description

Job Purpose

Assists the Financial Controller by overseeing, coordinating and directing the accounting and financial reporting activities of the Department Team.

The Finance Assistant assists in the coordination of the financial management system and the hotel budgets. He / she assists in setting up and effective managing of the Accounting, Budgeting, and Financial Control systems and assists in managing daily cash usage.

This role works closely with the relevant Department Teams to achieve sound financial accountability across the operation. The role also ensures that suppliers are paid within agreed specification to ensure consistency of supply thereby making sure that guests receive exceptional levels of personalised service always.

The role reports on weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual financial performance and recommends operational actions to improve the financial position of the business.

Primary Responsibilities

General Responsibilities

• Effectively utilises software applications and communication tools that are used to facilitate the accurate accounting of all financial transactions of the Department Teams
• Effectively utilises accounting software and tools to report on financial matters
• Provides financial counsel to the senior management on all aspects of revenue generation, cash and cost control
• Responsibilities include but are not limited to Debtors, Creditors, Procurement, assisting with stocktakes and ensuring accuracy before capturing
• Manage the finance department in the absence of the Financial Manager, whilst away on leave or off days

Finance Specific Responsibilities

Accounts Payable (AP)

• Receive, verify, and process supplier invoices and staff expense claims.
• Ensure proper approval and coding of all invoices in line with company policies.
• Reconcile supplier statements and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Prepare weekly or monthly payment runs and ensure timely payments.
• Maintain accurate supplier records and ensure all documentation is properly filed.
• Monitor aged creditors and prepare AP reports as required.

Accounts Receivable (AR) :

• Generate and issue customer invoices in line with agreed timelines.
• Record customer receipts and allocate payments correctly.
• Follow up on overdue accounts and communicate with customers to resolve payment issues.
• Prepare AR aging analysis and report on outstanding balances.
• Support month-end closing by reconciling AR balances and revenue accounts.

General Finance Support :

• Assist with bank reconciliations and cashbook entries.
• Support month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Maintain proper documentation and assist with internal / external audits.
• Assist with financial reporting and analysis as required by management.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, company policies, and accounting standards.
• Monitors the usage of equipment and consumption of stock, keeps an up to date asset register
• Coordinates financial requirements of the Hotel with the General Manager and Shareholders

Customer Specific Responsibilities

• Ensure world‑class accounting service is delivered to the Department Teams, by collaborating with the Department Teams on all matters impacting the financial position of the Hotel
• Together with the relevant teams and specialists, ensures that finance polices, processes and standards directly affecting the Department Teams are competently maintained
• Compiles monthly and quarterly financial reports and provides these, with analysis, to the Financial Manager for submission
• Ensures that cash is on hand for emergency local purchases

Process

• Set up and maintenance of the Hotel Accounting System
• Adherence to financial controls across the Team
• Completeness of policies, processes and standards to govern the financial activities of the Hotel
• Ensures that all statutory returns are completed and submitted on deadline
• Effectively manages the Hotel Asset Register
• Cash Control

Qualifications

Knowledge and Experience

• A recognized qualification in Accounting
• 2 years of previous experience in assisting in a Luxury / Lifestyle hotel brand
• Proficient user of Accounting Software packages – SAGE 300, Opera Cloud
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office software applications
• Vast knowledge of South African Accounting standards
• High degree of confidentiality and protection of sensitive information
• Committed to creating environments and systems that enable the delivery of exceptional and personalised services
• Ability to effectively communicate with others in English (written and spoken)
• Ability to anticipate future circumstances, conditions and requests and to use these scenarios to plan for the future
• Ability to comprehend and develop and communicate abstract financial concepts

Additional Information

What awaits you...

• The opportunity to join an international and innovative and fast‑growing group.
• The ability to challenge the norm and work in an environment that is both creative and rewarding.
• Be part of a team that is very passionate about creating great hospitality experiences and exploring new locations with every opportunity.
• A competitive package and plenty of development opportunities.