An international group of high-quality hotels are looking for a Maltese speaking Financial Controller to undertake full accounting operations for their boutique hotel in Valletta. You will work alongside the General Manager and be responsible for the complete financial management of the hotel. The Financial Controller is responsible for the complete financial management of the hotel. This hands-on role combines daily accounting and control activities with budgeting, cash-flow management, commercial analysis and decision support. The role ensures that transactions are recorded accurately, revenue and expenditure are properly controlled, statutory obligations are met, and management and ownership receive clear, timely insight into the hotel's performance.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBITLIES
- Manage the hotel's daily accounting and financial activities.
- Review and post daily revenue from rooms, food and beverage, events and other hotel services.
- Reconcile the property management system, point-of-sale system, payment platforms, bank deposits and accounting records.
- Verify occupancy, room rates, discounts, complimentary stays, cancellations, no-shows, refunds and adjustments.
- Complete daily, weekly and monthly bank, cash, credit-card and guest-ledger reconciliations.
- Maintain the general ledger and ensure transactions are accurate, complete and supported by apprriate documentation.
- Control petty cash, reception floats and departmental cash holdings, investigating any discrepancies promptly.
- Complete month-end and year-end accounting procedures within agreed deadlines.
- Review, code, record and process supplier invoices, ensuring purchases are properly authorised.
- Match invoices to purchase orders, delivery records and agreed supplier terms before payment.
- Prepare supplier payment schedules, reconcile supplier statements and resolve discrepancies.
- Maintain accurate records of accruals, prepayments, deposits and outstanding liabilities.
- Monitor procurement against approved budgets and review supplier pricing and purchasing patterns for savings opportunities.
- Maintain appropriate segregation of duties and approval controls throughout the purchasing and payment cycle.
- Manage receivables for guests, corporate clients, travel agents, tour operators, event clients and other debtors.
- Issue invoices and statements accurately and on time, and follow up overdue balances.
- Reconcile deposits and advance payments against reservations and final invoices.
- Maintain appropriate credit limits and payment terms and prepare regular aged-debtor reports.
- Review commissions charged by online travel agencies, booking platforms, travel agents, tour operators and other third parties.
- Reconcile commission invoices against confirmed bookings, cancellations, no-shows, refunds and agreed contractual rates.
- Identify, challenge and recover incorrect, duplicate or excessive commission charges within applicable deadlines.
- Analyse commission cost by booking channel and assess the net profitability of direct and third-party bookings.
- Lead preparation of the annual operating budget with the General Manager and department heads.
- Prepare departmental budgets covering revenue, payroll, operating expenditure and capital expenditure.
- Produce rolling forecasts and update them for occupancy, pricing, seasonality and market conditions.
- Compare actual performance with budget, forecast and prior periods, explaining material variances and recommending corrective action.
- Prepare short- and medium-term cash-flow forecasts and ensure funds are available for payroll, suppliers, taxes, utilities and operations.
- Manage payment schedules, bank accounts, transfers and approval access, and provide early warning of potential cash shortages.
- Monitor loans, interest and repayment obligations where applicable.
- Profit and Loss Analysis
- Competitive-Set and Commercial Analysis
- Stock Control and Stocktaking
- Payroll and Staff-Cost Control
- Financial Reporting
- Internal Controls and Risk Management
- Statutory and Regulatory Compliance
CANDIDATE PROFILE
- Degree, diploma or recognised professional qualification in accounting, finance or a related field.
- Previous experience as a Financial Controller, Hotel Accountant, Chief Accountant or in a comparable finance position.
- Hotel or hospitality accounting experience is strongly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of budgeting, cash-flow forecasting, management accounting, financial reporting and internal controls.
- Experience with revenue reconciliation, commission review, stock control and departmental profit and loss analysis.
- Working knowledge of Maltese VAT, payroll, taxation and statutory reporting requirements is highly desirable.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software; experience with property management, point-of-sale, inventory and online booking systems is an advantage.
- Strong analytical ability, accuracy, integrity, confidentiality and professional judgement.
- Ability to work independently, manage competing deadlines and combine detailed daily accounting with strategic financial analysis.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with department heads, suppliers, advisers, management and ownership.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
- €45,000 - €55,000 Gross Per Annum
- Salary will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and skills. The advertised salary range is indicative, any offer will reflect the successful candidate’s suitability
Due to the high volume of applications, we receive at GRS Recruitment, only shortlisted candidates will be responded to.
To apply for this position, please email your CV to Michelle Cooper, michellec@grsrecruitment.com quoting the above job reference or call +356 99998272.