Lodge Finance Administrator

Job Description

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the financial and administrative office of the lodge, ensuring that all financial processes, reporting, budgeting, compliance, and internal controls are maintained in line with company standards and operating procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Administration and Reporting

• Prepare month-end worksheets and monthly operating expense metrics.

• Review supplier invoices to ensure accuracy and consistency.

• Review the final General Ledger and report discrepancies to the Financial Controller.

• Prepare budget forecasts and cash flow analysis.

• Conduct budget versus actual analysis and investigate variances.

• Prepare and supervise daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.

• Summarise weekly expenditure and facilitate finance meetings with management.

• Analyse year-to-date budget figures and provide explanations for variances to Head Office.

• Forecast expenditure accurately.

Cash Management and Revenue Control

• Manage petty cash and foreign exchange float on a weekly basis.

• Collect and process receipts accurately.

• Ensure all revenue is recorded and collected from guests, staff, and travel agents.

• Complete revenue and occupancy spreadsheets.

• Coordinate gratuities and gross profit reports at month-end.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Assist with internal and external audits.

• Ensure compliance with tax legislation, including VAT, PAYE, and Corporate Income Tax.

• Identify and manage fraud risks.

• Implement controls to minimise financial variances.

• Maintain compliance with finance processes and procedures.

Stakeholder and Supplier Management

• Maintain relationships with suppliers, agents, and government institutions.

• Coordinate CAPEX expenditure and ensure all documentation is completed and submitted correctly.

General Administration

• Coordinate HOD month-end reports for Head Office.

• Arrange monthly management meetings.

• Perform ad hoc duties as required by management.

• Support and communicate the company’s conservation values.

Minimum Requirements / Skills and Experience

• Financial or hospitality qualification.

• 4–5 years’ experience in a similar finance or lodge administration role.

• Strong understanding of accounting principles.

• Knowledge of procurement systems.

• Experience in financial management system implementation.

• Sound knowledge of VAT, PAYE, and Corporate Income Tax.

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.

• Good project management skills, advantageous.

• Strong computer literacy and knowledge of Property Management Systems.

• Strong leadership and people management skills.

• Inventory management knowledge, advantageous.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

• High attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Strong interpersonal and emotional intelligence skills.

• Passion for hospitality and conservation.

• Valid work permit or South African citizenship.

• Clear criminal record.

Core Competencies

• Financial analysis

• Budgeting and forecasting

• Problem-solving

• Attention to detail

• Leadership

• Communication

• Integrity and confidentiality

• Time management

• Team collaboration