Chief Accountant

The Chief Accountant is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day accounting operations of the hotel, ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining strong internal controls, and supporting compliance with Hilton policies, local regulations, and accounting standards. The role assists the Director of Finance in safeguarding hotel assets, maximizing profitability, and delivering timely and accurate financial information to management.

The Chief Accountant leads the accounting team and ensures the efficient management of general ledger activities, month-end closing, balance sheet reconciliations, tax compliance, audits, cash management, and financial controls.

Financial Reporting & Accounting

• Manage and supervise all accounting activities within the hotel.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records and accounting transactions.
• Prepare and review monthly financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Coordinate month-end and year-end closing processes according to Hilton standards and reporting timelines.
• Review journal entries, accruals, prepayments, and account reconciliations.
• Maintain the General Ledger and ensure all transactions are properly recorded.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Hilton policies, corporate accounting procedures, and local statutory requirements.
• Maintain a strong internal control environment to safeguard company assets.
• Monitor compliance with financial policies, delegation of authority, and approval processes.
• Lead balance sheet reviews and ensure timely resolution of outstanding items.
• Support implementation and continuous improvement of financial controls.

Audit & Tax Management

• Coordinate internal, external, and corporate audits.
• Prepare audit schedules and ensure timely resolution of audit findings.
• Lead the preparation and review of monthly financial statements, ensuring accuracy in cash receipt coding and supporting internal audits for transparency and compliance.
• Ensure compliance with local tax regulations, including VAT, withholding tax, payroll taxes, and other statutory filings.
• Liaise with external auditors, tax consultants, and government authorities as required.

Cash & Treasury Management

• Oversee cash management processes and hotel banking activities.
• Monitor cash flow and ensure adequate working capital availability.
• Review bank reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
• Ensure proper controls over cash handling and payment processes.

Accounts Management

• Supervise Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, General Cashier, and Income Audit functions.
• Monitor aging reports and ensure timely collection of receivables.
• Review supplier payments and maintain positive vendor relationships.
• Ensure accurate revenue recording and reconciliation of operational systems.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop the accounting team to achieve departmental objectives.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support employee development plans.
• Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure cross-training and succession planning within the finance department.

Business Partnership

• Support the Director of Finance in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to operational departments.
• Participate in management meetings and contribute to business decision-making.
• Assist in identifying opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiency.

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Commerce, or a related field.

Experience

Minimum 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience.

At least 2-3 years in a supervisory or managerial accounting role within the hospitality industry.

Previous experience with Hilton systems and procedures is an advantage.

Technical Skills

Strong knowledge of hospitality accounting principles and financial controls.

Experience with hotel financial systems (Oracle, SunSystems, SAP, PeopleSoft, or similar).

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools.

Knowledge of local tax regulations and statutory reporting requirements.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.