Financial Controller

Wild Dreams Hospitality; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A hospitality-focused finance organization in Cape Town is seeking a Finance Manager to oversee financial operations and controls. The ideal candidate will have a background in hospitality finance, exceptional leadership abilities, and excellent analytical skills. Responsibilities include managing cash flow, driving the budget process, and ensuring compliance with internal controls. The role requires a B.Com degree and at least 5 years of finance experience, with 2 years in hospitality.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience in finance, with at least 2 years in the hospitality sector.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent attention to detail and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all property finance functions and ensure compliance.
• Drive the annual budget process at property level.
• Ensure robust internal controls are maintained.

Skills

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Time management

Education

B.Com degree in Finance or Accounting

Tools

MS Office

Sage Software (Intacct preferred)

Job description

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in hospitality finance, excellent leadership skills, and a hands-on approach to ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across all financial operations.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Operations & Controls

• Oversee all property finance functions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with group SOPs.
• Review and approve purchase orders, ensuring correct allocation and adherence to budgets.
• Manage cash flow, including petty cash and credit card reconciliations.
• Validate daily revenue submissions and ensure timely, accurate reporting.
• Maintain and reconcile the fixed asset register and operating equipment assets for both insurance and finance purposes.
• Oversee inventory management, including variance recounts, workbook validation, and final sign-off on control systems.

Budgeting, Reporting & Analysis

• Drive and own the annual budget process at property level, collaborating with department heads.
• Prepare and analyze management accounts, providing variance analysis and actionable insights.
• Produce flash and project reports to support business decision-making.
• Support the pricing of extras and ancillary services at property level.

Audit, Compliance & Internal Controls

• Ensure robust internal controls are in place and adhered to, in line with group standards.
• Assist with annual external audits and ensure all supporting documentation is accurate and available.
• Manage gate fees, coupons, and levies, ensuring proper allocation and reconciliation.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the key finance link between the property and the support office procurement team.
• Work closely with HR on gratuities, staff deductions, and payroll-related finance matters.
• Support operational teams with financial guidance and training as needed.

Requirements

• Education : B.Com degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• Experience : Minimum 5 years experience in finance, with at least 2 years in the hospitality sector.
• Systems : Advanced proficiency in MS Office; experience with Sage Software (Intacct preferred).
• Skills : Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Personal Attributes : Proactive, collaborative, and able to communicate financial concepts clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), practicing honest communication.
• Team player with positive attitude, enthusiasm, and emotional control.
• Excellent time management and self-discipline, interpersonal & solution seeking skills.
• Proactive, use initiative and creative flair when required.
• Committed and loyal, adaptable, and flexible.
• Must work accurately under pressure.
• People skills tolerance, patience, and care, ability to receive constructive feedback openly.