Assistant Accountant (Hospitality)

SUMMARY:
The Assistant Accountant supports the Finance Manager and Financial Accountant with the day-to-day financial operations of a group of hotels and lodges. The role ensures accurate financial records, reconciliations, reporting, and compliance while assisting with month-end processes across multiple properties. The position plays a key role in maintaining financial controls and supporting operational decision-making. Hospitality finance experience is highly advantageous due to the complexity of revenue streams, stock management, and multi-property reporting.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Accounting

• Assist with the preparation of monthly management accounts.
• Process general ledger journals, accruals, prepayments, and provisions.
• Maintain accurate financial records for multiple hotels and lodges.
• Perform balance sheet reconciliations.
• Ensure the integrity of the general ledger.
• Assist with fixed asset register maintenance and depreciation calculations.

• Verify supplier invoices and supporting documentation.
• Prepare supplier reconciliations.
• Process supplier payments according to company policies.
• Resolve supplier account queries.
• Monitor outstanding supplier balances.

• Assist with guest ledger and debtor reconciliations.
• Monitor outstanding customer accounts.
• Allocate customer receipts.
• Follow up on overdue accounts where required.
• Reconcile OTA and corporate account payments.

• Perform daily and monthly bank reconciliations.
• Reconcile petty cash and cash float balances.
• Investigate and resolve reconciling items promptly.

• Assist with month-end closing procedures.
• Prepare schedules supporting management accounts.
• Assist with audit preparations.
• Provide supporting documentation for external auditors.
• Assist with year-end financial reporting.

• Assist with VAT reconciliations and submissions.
• Ensure compliance with SARS requirements.
• Assist with statutory returns.
• Maintain supporting documentation for compliance purposes.

• Assist in preparing annual operating budgets.
• Update financial forecasts.
• Analyse budget variances.
• Prepare financial reports for management.

• Monitor revenue reconciliations from hotel PMS systems.
• Assist with food & beverage cost reconciliations.
• Verify stock movements and inventory reports.
• Support internal financial control procedures.
• Ensure compliance with company financial policies and SOPs.

• Prepare weekly and monthly financial reports.
• Analyse expenditure trends.
• Report financial variances.
• Provide financial information to operational managers.

• Maintain accurate filing systems.
• Ensure all financial documentation is properly archived.
• Assist with finance department administration.
• Support ad hoc finance projects.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum Qualifications Grade 12 (Matric). Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Financial Management. SAIPA, CIMA, ACCA, or SAICA articles (completed or in progress) will be advantageous. Valid driver's licence and own reliable transport. Experience 2-4 years' accounting experience. Previous experience within a hotel, lodge, hospitality group, or tourism environment is highly advantageous. Experience working with multiple business entities or branches. Experience with month-end accounting processes. Knowledge of VAT and South African accounting regulations. Technical Skills Advanced Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP\/XLOOKUP, formulas). Experience with accounting software such as Sage Pastel, Sage 300, Xero, or similar. Experience with hospitality PMS systems such as Opera, Protel, Apex, or PlusPoint is advantageous. Understanding of accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, reconciliations, and financial reporting. Knowledge of IFRS principles is advantageous. Personal Attributes Excellent attention to detail. High level of integrity and confidentiality. Strong numerical and analytical ability. Excellent organisational and planning skills. Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Problem-solving ability. Team player with a proactive attitude. Self-motivated and dependable. Strong time management skills. Professional and service-oriented approach. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Accuracy and timeliness of month-end reporting. Number of unreconciled balance sheet items. Timely supplier payments. Accuracy of bank reconciliations. VAT compliance and submission deadlines met. Reduction in outstanding debtor balances. Audit findings and compliance results. Accuracy of financial reporting. Adherence to finance department deadlines. Support provided to hotel and lodge operational teams.