The Cluster Assistant Financial Controller will support the Financial Controller in the effective management and operation of the finance functions across The Johnstown Estate and Trim Castle Hotel.
This is a hands-on role within a multi-property hotel finance environment, responsible for supporting day-to-day financial operations, maintaining strong financial controls, assisting with month-end and management reporting, forecasting, budgeting and audit preparation, while also providing guidance and supervision to the wider finance team.
The successful candidate will have strong commercial awareness, excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities across two properties.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Role:
Finance Operations & Financial Controls
Assist with the day-to-day running and management of the finance departments across both properties.
Support the Financial Controller in maintaining effective financial controls and ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
Supervise and support members of the finance team, providing guidance and ensuring deadlines and standards are maintained.
Complete daily bank reconciliations and investigate and resolve discrepancies promptly.
Review and approve miscellaneous supplier payments in line with agreed financial controls and approval procedures.
Assist with supplier and purchase ledger processes as required.
Monitor financial transactions and ensure accurate and timely processing across both properties.
Assist with ad-hoc financial projects, system implementations and process improvements as directed by the Financial Controller.
Month-End & Management Accounts
Assist with the month-end close process for both The Johnstown Estate and Trim Castle Hotel.
Set up and maintain month-end reporting schedules and processes.
Assist with the preparation of monthly management account templates and reporting packs. Provide accurate and timely financial information to the Financial Controller and senior management team.
Audit, Compliance & Reporting
Assist with the preparation of information and supporting documentation for internal audits.
Ensure financial records and supporting documentation are maintained accurately and in accordance with accounting standards and company procedures.
Assist in ensuring appropriate controls are maintained across both properties.
Support the Financial Controller with compliance, reporting and other finance-related requirements.
Systems & Technology
Support the effective use of finance and hotel operating systems across both properties.
Assist with finance-related IT hardware and software requirements and liaise with relevant internal or external support where necessary.
Identify opportunities to improve processes through better use of systems, automation and reporting.
Maintain a strong working knowledge of Excel, including formulas, PivotTables and financial analysis tools.
General
Work collaboratively with the finance, operational and management teams across both properties.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when dealing with financial and commercially sensitive information.
Ensure all work is completed accurately, efficiently and within agreed deadlines.
Undertake any other reasonable duties or projects assigned by the Financial Controller.
Person Specification
Essential
Qualified Accountant - ACA or ACCA.
Minimum 3 years' experience within a hotel finance/accounts department at a similar level.
Strong understanding of hotel finance operations, month-end procedures and management accounts.
Proven experience with financial controls, reconciliations, forecasting and financial reporting.
Strong commercial and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables, formulas, data analysis and reporting.
Experience supervising or supporting a finance team.
Ability to work independently, manage competing deadlines and prioritise effectively.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability and willingness to work across two hotel properties and collaborate with a range of stakeholders.
Desirable
Experience with the following systems would be advantageous:
Sage 50 Accounts
Procure Wizard
Alkimii
Oracle Hospitality OPERA PMS
Sage Micropay
Experience working within a multi-property hotel or hospitality finance environment would also be highly desirable.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
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Commercial awareness - understands the financial drivers of hotel operations and can translate financial information into meaningful business insight.
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Accuracy & attention to detail - maintains a high standard of accuracy across financial transactions, reconciliations and reporting.
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Leadership & teamwork - provides effective support and direction to the finance team and works collaboratively across both properties.
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Analytical thinking - able to identify trends, investigate variances and present clear financial information.
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Organisation & time management - capable of managing multiple month-end, reporting and operational deadlines.
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Problem solving - takes ownership of issues and works proactively to identify practical solutions.
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Confidentiality & integrity - handles sensitive financial and payroll information with the highest level of professionalism.
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Continuous improvement - proactively identifies opportunities to improve financial processes, controls and reporting.
Success in the Role
The Cluster Assistant Financial Controller will play a key role in ensuring that the finance functions across The Johnstown Estate and Trim Castle Hotel operate efficiently, accurately and in accordance with strong financial controls. Success in the role will be demonstrated through:
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Accurate and timely month-end reporting.
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Strong and consistent balance sheet reconciliations.
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Effective financial controls across both properties.
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Reliable forecasting and budget reporting.
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High-quality financial analysis and commercial insight.
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Effective supervision and support of the finance team.
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Timely completion of audit and compliance requirements.
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Continuous improvement of finance processes and reporting.
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Providing dependable financial support to the Financial Controller and wider management teams.
