Accounting Specialist

The Accounting Specialist role will be crucial in ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of our company's financial operations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of accounting principles, excellent analytical skills, and a passion for the hospitality industry.   

Reports To: Assistant Controller or Director, Finance and Accounting

Essential Functions:

• Daily Revenue Audit: Review and reconcile daily revenue reports from all hotel departments (Front Office, Food & Beverage, Catering, etc.) to ensure accuracy and completeness. Investigate and resolve any discrepancies.
• Accounts Receivable Management: Process and track guest invoices, post payments, manage aging reports, and follow up on outstanding balances. Handle direct billing requests and maintain accurate customer records.
• Accounts Payable Processing: Process invoices, obtain necessary approvals, code expenses accurately, and prepare payments to vendors in a timely manner. Reconcile vendor statements and resolve any discrepancies.
• Cash Management: Prepare daily cash deposits, reconcile bank statements, and monitor cash flow. Ensure adherence to internal cash handling procedures.
• General Ledger Support: Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes, including preparing journal entries, account reconciliations (e.g., bank, credit card, prepaid expenses, accruals), and providing supporting documentation.
• Tax Compliance: Assist with the preparation and filing of sales and occupancy tax returns, ensuring compliance with local and state regulations.
• Internal Controls: Adhere to and support the implementation of internal controls to safeguard hotel assets and ensure the integrity of financial data.
• Financial Reporting: Assist in the preparation of various financial reports, including daily revenue reports, accounts receivable aging, accounts payable summaries, and other ad-hoc reports as needed.
• Communication: Communicate effectively with other hotel departments, guests, and vendors regarding accounting-related inquiries.
• Documentation: Maintain organized and accurate accounting records, ensuring compliance with record retention policies.

Other Tasks:

• Assist with budget preparation and monitoring.
• Participate in internal and external audits.
• Assist with the implementation of new accounting systems or procedures.
• Provide support to other members of the finance team as needed.
• Stay updated on relevant accounting regulations and industry best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Controller/Controller.

Core Competencies:

• Financial Acumen: Understanding of basic accounting principles (GAAP and USALI) and financial reporting.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze financial data, identify discrepancies, and propose solutions.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in reviewing and processing financial information.
• Organization and Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and maintain organized records.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and resolve accounting-related issues effectively.
• Communication Skills: Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills.
• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and other departments.
• Integrity and Ethics: Maintaining confidentiality and adhering to ethical accounting practices.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in using accounting software (e.g., PMS systems, general ledger systems, spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel).

Job Requirements:

• Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• One or more years of experience in an accounting role, preferably within the hospitality industry.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel (including formulas and data analysis).
• Familiarity with hotel Property Management Systems (PMS) such as Opera, Lightspeed, or similar is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of sales and occupancy tax regulations in Tennessee is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

We are committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. It starts with a culture of acceptance and continues with the hard work of going beyond lip service. It includes outreach and education, and most importantly action. You can feel proud to know you are joining a company which understands the importance of its responsibility and the decisions we make have been and will continue to be the greater environmental and societal impact in mind.