Hotel Accounting Department Organization Chart
The hotel accounting department plays a crucial role in the financial management of a hotel. To ensure that all financial transactions are accurately recorded and reported, the department typically has a well-structured organization chart.
At the top of the chart is the director of finance or chief financial officer, who oversees the entire department. They are responsible for setting financial goals and objectives for the hotel and ensuring that these are met.
Reporting to the director of finance are several key positions, including the controller, who manages the day-to-day accounting operations of the hotel. The controller is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, preparing financial statements and reports, and ensuring compliance with accounting principles and regulations.
Other important positions within the hotel accounting department include accounts payable and accounts receivable clerks, who are responsible for managing incoming and outgoing payments. There may also be a payroll specialist who manages employee payroll and benefits.
Overall, the hotel accounting department organization chart is designed to ensure that financial operations are well-managed and that the hotel’s financial goals are met. With a strong team in place, the department can help the hotel to stay financially healthy and successful for years to come.
Financial ControllerThe financial Controller�manager is in charge of all accounting functions of a hotel. Duties inclu...: The Financial Controller (FC) will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the accounts department, like preparation and management of the hotel financial budgets, implementing and overseeing all activities relating to the financial aspects of the hotel in compliance with the local tax laws and also by the hotel’s SOP’s.
Accounts PayableAccounts Payable is a key area in accounting; accounts payable ensures that all bills are paid on ti...: A key area in accounting, accounts payable ensures that all bills are paid on time and all discounts are taken minimizing the costs of the hotel. Accounts payable clerks work closely with the purchasing department to verify that all invoices to be paid are indeed invoices of the hotel.
Assistant ControllerAssistant Controller in a big hotel; you may see one; or a few. In smaller hotels; there may not be ...: In a big hotel, you may see one, or a few, assistant controllers. In smaller hotels, there may not be any. The controller divides the various functions to be performed so that the workload will be even. For example, one assistant might be responsible for daily transactions while another works on special projects, budgets, analyses, and the like.
Guest and City LedgersGuest and City Ledgers .A hotel keeps two ledgers: the guest ledger is associated with the guests st...: A hotel keeps two ledgers: the guest ledger is associated with the guests staying at the hotel while the city ledger contains all other billings. The accounting department must have a person in accounts receivable working with the city ledger so the hotel can bill and collect revenues due.
Night Audit / Income Auditor / Accounts CoordinatorNight Auditors�get their name because of the hours they work. At the end of the day after most hot...: Night auditors get their name because of the hours they work. At the end of the day, after most hotel guests have retired, these auditors begin recording charges to guests’ accounts and verifying the revenue for the hotel. However, with computers and various technologies, the hotel industry can post charges instantaneously. Some hotels have changed the night auditors to day auditors.
Banquet AuditorBesides revenues charged to guest rooms; a large hotel earns the bulk of its food and beverage reven...: Besides revenues charged to guest rooms, a large hotel earns the bulk of its food and beverage revenues through banquets. The banquet auditor’s function is to verify the correct revenue for billing. This individual works closely with the banquet staff, the sales office staff, and the accounts receivable clerks.
CreditCredit is a decrease in an asset or an increase in a liability; or an amount of money the hotel owes...: A big hotel may have its credit manager whose function is to check and grant credit. In today’s business world, many transactions are done on credit rather than cash or cashier checks. It is, therefore, the credit manager’s responsibility to conduct such investigations to be sure that a person or company is creditworthy.
Food and Beverage ControllerFood and Beverage Controller�is a fun and challenging position; as it has both accounting and food...: This is a fun and challenging position, as it has both accounting and food and beverage components. While performing all analyses of food cost percentage, yields on meat, and menu costings, the food and beverage controller also works with the chef to design new menu items, taste new products, and even be a mystery diner to taste-test the menus in other food service establishments.
Front-Office CashiersThe duties of a front-office cashier are often incorporated with the front-office personnel. When gu...: The duties of a front-office cashier are often incorporated with the front-office personnel. When guests check out, these cashiers must charge the guests the correct amount and secure a form of payment.
General CashierPause for a minute and think how many cash banks there are in a large hotel: a few at the front offi...: Pause for a minute and think how many cash banks there are in a large hotel: a few at the front office, at least one in the restaurant, at least one in the gift shop, and so on. The general cashier is the person who is in charge of all the cash banks in the hotel. They also makes all deposits of checks and credit card receipts.
Operations Analyst: This is a nice position to have in a hotel. An operation analyst performs analyses to help managers operate the hotel more effectively. From guests’ statistics to revenue trends, the operations analyst does it all. However, not all hotels can afford an analyst on the payroll. If this is the case, an assistant controller often performs these duties. For smaller hotels where there is not an accounting office on the property, this function is done at the regional level.
PayrollPayroll employees calculate the pay rate with the hours worked to do the payroll so paychecks are re...: Payroll employees calculate the pay rate with the hours worked to do the payroll so paychecks are released on time. Payroll functions also include filing all payroll taxes and tip credits for tipped employees, as well as keeping track of vacation, sick pay, and other payroll-related deductions.
Systems ManagerA systems manager is not depicted in Illustration above. Since the various accounting functions cove...: A systems manager is not depicted in the Illustration above. Since the various accounting functions cover the entire hotel operation, the systems manager or systems analyst, whose job is to take care of all technical issues, is normally found within the accounting department. In a smaller hotel, the controller or an assistant controller may take on this responsibility. Normally, this position is found at a regional or corporate level and systems analysts will be dispatched to assist the property when needed.
