Financial Controller

Tipp Focus (Pty) Ltd; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality firm in Limpopo is seeking a Hotel Financial Controller to oversee all financial activities. Responsibilities include financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance with tax regulations. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance and have 5-7 years of hotel accounting experience. Proficiency in hotel accounting software and strong analytical skills are essential. This position offers an initial one-year term with the potential for permanency based on performance.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in hotel accounting or related industry.
• Strong understanding of hospitality accounting principles and practices.
• Proven experience in financial statement preparation, analysis, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee preparation of accurate and timely financial statements.
• Lead the budgeting process and monitor budget variances.
• Implement strategies to optimize cash flow and minimize idle cash.
• Ensure compliance with tax regulations and prepare returns.
• Participate in strategic planning and provide financial insights.

Skills

Accounting principles

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Excel proficiency

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree/Diploma in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Hotel accounting software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Summary

The Hotel FC is the anchor of the hotel's financial department. They oversee all aspects of the hotel's financial activities, from managing budgets and forecasting to ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance. They are the financial confidante of the General Manager (GM) and a key partner in driving profitability and achieving the hotel's strategic goals.

Job Location

This position will be a blended site based at Shekinah Lion and Game Lodge, in Vaalwater, a small town 60km from Modimolle local Municipality in the Limpopo Province and victual working from home. It is desired that the incumbent have own car to travel to and from site as an when required and on a designated date.

Contract Duration

This position is an initial one year fixed term position with a three months probation and a prospect of being a permanent position after the expiry at the anniversary date subject to an operational requirements and good performance. This position will report directly to the General Manager at the lodge and the contract will be signed under the appointed Hospitality Management company called Best Eagle Pty Ltd.

Qualifications And Skills For a Hotel Financial Controller

• Bachelor's degree/Diploma in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA designation a plus).
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in hotel accounting or a related industry.
• Proven experience in financial statement preparation, analysis, and reporting.
• Strong understanding of hospitality accounting principles and practices.
• Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling.
• Proficiency in accounting software, such as popular hotel accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex financial information in a clear and concise manner.
• Leadership and management skills to effectively supervise and mentor accounting staff.
• Attention to detail and accuracy, ensuring meticulous record‑keeping and financial reporting.
• Time management and organizational skills to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong work ethic and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills, working effectively with department heads, management, and other staff.
• Proficiency in a second language (especially in multilingual tourist destinations) is a valuable asset.

Desired Skills

• Excellent analytical problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in popular hotel accounting software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with financial statement preparation.

Desired Work Experience

• 2 to 5 years.

Desired Qualification Level

• Diploma.

Key Responsibilities of a Hotel Financial Controller

• Financial Statement Preparation and Analysis: Oversee preparation of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including the Balance Sheet, Income Statement (P&L), and Cash Flow. Conduct detailed analysis of financial statements to identify trends, variances, and areas for improvement. Present financial data and insights to the GM, department heads, and ownership in a clear and concise manner.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Lead the budgeting process, collaborate with department heads to develop realistic and achievable financial plans, create financial forecasts that predict future revenue, expenses, and profitability based on market trends, historical data, and upcoming events, and monitor budget variances with corrective action when necessary.
• Accounting Operations Management: Oversee day‑to‑day operations of the accounting department, ensuring smooth workflow and adherence to accounting principles, supervise and mentor accounting staff, and implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard the hotel's assets and ensure data integrity.
• Cash Flow Management: Develop and implement strategies to optimize cash flow, minimize idle cash and ensure sufficient funds for operational needs and debt obligations, manage bank relationships, negotiate favourable loan terms, and secure financing when needed, while monitoring accounts receivable and payable for timely collections and payments.
• Cost Control and Analysis: Analyse departmental expenses to identify areas for cost savings and efficiency improvements, work with department heads to implement cost‑control measures while maintaining guest satisfaction, and monitor labour costs, ensuring optimal staffing levels and adherence to labour budgets.
• Tax Compliance and Reporting: Ensure the hotel's compliance with all applicable tax regulations, work with external auditors during the annual audit process, and prepare and file all necessary tax returns accurately and on time.
• Financial Risk Management: Identify and assess financial risks associated with the hotel's operations, develop and implement strategies to mitigate these risks, and maintain adequate insurance coverage to safeguard against unforeseen events.
• Strategic Planning and Analysis: Participate in the hotel's strategic planning process, provide financial insights and projections, evaluate the financial feasibility of proposed investments and new ventures, and analyse the impact of market trends and competitor activity on the hotel's financial performance.
• Technology and Automation: Stay current with the latest advancements in hospitality accounting software, implement and utilise technology to streamline accounting processes, improve efficiency, and generate reports and data visualisations that provide valuable financial insights.
• Other Responsibilities: Maintain strong relationships with external auditors, banks, and other financial institutions, represent the financial department in meetings and presentations, stay informed about industry trends and best practices in hotel accounting.