Assistant Accountant - Hotel Finance

Assistant Accountant - Hotel Finance

Full-Time 33000 - 33000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Old Course Hotel

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support financial health by preparing journals, reconciliations, and assisting with reporting.
  • Company: Join the iconic Old Course Hotel, a 5-star resort in St Andrews.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free meals, discounts, wellness perks, and a competitive salary up to £33,000.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values personal development and celebrates success.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your finance career in a dynamic hospitality environment with growth opportunities.
  • Qualifications: Experience in finance or accounting preferred; strong attention to detail and Excel skills required.

The predicted salary is between 33000 - 33000 £ per year.

About Us

At the heart of the world’s greatest golfing destination, the Old Course Hotel is an AA 5 Red star, award‑winning resort centred around active wellbeing and indulgent good times. Part of Kohler Company, the Old Course Hotel is a privately owned resort, priding ourselves on delivering personalised guest experiences to create lasting memories.

Why Join Our Team?

With a reputation as an employer of choice, we are committed to ensuring our associates are our number one priority. St Andrews is the home of golf and we are the home of great guest service. People are our passion and we believe each associate plays a vital role in providing memorable memories to our guests. We are a forward‑thinking employer committed to the Hoteliers Charter and developing our people, which is why we employ based on personality. We believe all skills can be taught!

Throughout your career with us, you’ll have access to a wide range of different training opportunities providing routes to progress from within, allowing you to reach your full potential whilst supported by our committed leadership team. We love celebrating our associate’s success and do so through our employee reward recognition schemes which encompass our ‘HOME’ ethos including Associate of the Month.

Whilst working for one of the most iconic hotels in Scotland, you will be rewarded with a competitive salary, company pension scheme, free onsite car parking, meals whilst on duty, 24/7 access to our employee assistance programme and free fitness access. Our benefits don’t end there, in your spare time, we also offer superb discounts in our restaurants, shops, spa and room rates. Giving you the opportunity to enjoy the many luxuries Old Course Hotel has to offer and experience the 5* service for yourself. A career at Old Course Hotel, what’s not to love?

About The Role

An exciting opportunity has become available for an Assistant Accountant to join our Finance department. As Assistant Accountant – Hotel Finance, you will play a critical role in supporting the financial health and performance of the hotel. Positioned between transactional finance operations and financial analysis, this is a fantastic opportunity to build your expertise while contributing to a fast paced, luxury hospitality environment.

Working closely with the Finance Manager and wider team, you’ll support month‑end processes, including journal preparation, reconciliations, and maintaining key accounting schedules. You will also contribute to financial reporting through variance analysis and assist with forecasting, helping to deliver accurate and insightful information across departments. You’ll also work with operational teams to resolve queries, support billing and payroll checks, and help strengthen financial controls and processes. This is an exciting development role, offering exposure to wider finance activities and a clear pathway towards a Finance Analyst position for the right candidate. If you’re detail‑oriented, proactive and eager to grow within a dynamic hospitality environment, this could be the perfect next step in your career.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare and post routine journals in line with the month‑end close timetable
  • Complete first‑level balance sheet reconciliations, with supporting documentation
  • Maintain and update accounting schedules (accruals, prepayments, payroll‑related)
  • Support the completion of month‑end close (WD1–WD5) activities
  • Assist in preparation of audit evidence packs and documentation (PBC support)
  • Prepare standard variance analysis reports to support financial reporting
  • Support monthly and periodic forecast processes through data collation and template updates
  • Assist in preparation of departmental performance information
  • Support payroll pre‑check processes and data validation
  • Assist in preparing labour reporting (standards vs actuals)
  • Assist in reducing manual and duplicate work through standardisation and better use of systems
  • Contribute to maintaining a structured and well‑documented finance environment

Qualifications

  • Experience in a finance or accounting role (hotel or hospitality preferred, but not essential)
  • Strong understanding of basic accounting principles (journals, reconciliations, month‑end)
  • High attention to detail and strong organisational skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines
  • Strong Excel skills
  • Structured and methodical approach to work
  • Proactive and willing to take ownership of defined areas
  • Strong communication skills and confidence working with non‑finance colleagues
  • Ability to work in a fast‑paced, operational environment with competing priorities
  • Studying or qualified AAT (or equivalent)
  • Experience with ERP systems (e.g. SAP) and/or financial systems
  • Exposure to month‑end close processes
  • Experience working with operational stakeholders

Hours

Full time, 40 hours per week over 5 days

Salary

Up to £33,000 per annum

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

  • Dine On Us – Enjoy free meals and refreshments every day in our complimentary staff canteen, including hot meals, salad bar, tea, coffee & soft drinks.
  • Exclusive Resort Perks – Treat yourself to generous discounts across the resort from award‑winning restaurants, luxury room stays and in our Pro Shop (St Andrews only PGA approved pro shop)
  • Kohler Group Benefits – Unlock even more savings with our wider discounts across the Kohler family.
  • Wellness, Your Way – Enjoy free access to our on‑site Kohler Waters Fitness Centre, featuring a fully equipped gym, 20‑metre pool, sauna and hot tub. Relax, recharge, repeat.
  • Plan Your Future – We’ll help you get access to the right information through complimentary mortgage consultations.
  • Cycle2Work – Stay active and save money with our Cycle2Work programme, good for you and the planet.
  • Perkbox – Enjoy exclusive discounts, rewards and monthly treats all in one easy app.
  • Get Rewarded – Earn fantastic rewards on our Global Recognition Platform and introduce great talent to our team through our generous Refer a Friend scheme.
  • 24/7 Wellbeing Support – Our Employee Assistance Programme is available around the clock, offering confidential guidance whenever you need it.

The Old Course Hotel is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to ensure that no job applicant, employee, or worker is discriminated against on the grounds of protected characteristics.

Assistant Accountant - Hotel Finance employer: Old Course Hotel

At the Old Course Hotel, we pride ourselves on being an employer of choice, dedicated to the growth and wellbeing of our associates. Located in the historic St Andrews, our team enjoys a vibrant work culture that celebrates success and offers extensive training opportunities for career advancement. With competitive salaries, generous benefits, and unique perks like free meals and wellness access, we ensure that every associate feels valued and empowered to create memorable experiences for our guests.

Old Course Hotel

Contact Details:

Old Course Hotel Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant - Hotel Finance

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Old Course Hotel on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research the hotel’s values and recent achievements. Show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their mission and culture.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on common questions for finance roles and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to the team’s success.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a nice touch that can set you apart!

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Accountant - Hotel Finance

Accounting Principles
Journal Preparation
Balance Sheet Reconciliations
Financial Reporting
Variance Analysis
Forecasting
Data Validation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Assistant Accountant role. Highlight any relevant finance or accounting experience, especially in hospitality, to show us you’re a great fit!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about working in hotel finance and how your personality aligns with our values at the Old Course Hotel.

Show Off Your Attention to Detail:As an Assistant Accountant, attention to detail is key. Make sure your application is free from typos and errors. This will demonstrate your commitment to quality and accuracy right from the start!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!

How to prepare for a job interview at Old Course Hotel

Know Your Numbers

As an Assistant Accountant, it's crucial to brush up on your accounting principles. Be prepared to discuss basic concepts like journals and reconciliations. Familiarise yourself with the month-end close processes, as this will show your understanding of the role's requirements.

Showcase Your Attention to Detail

In a finance role, attention to detail is key. Bring examples of how you've maintained accuracy in previous positions. You might even want to prepare a few scenarios where your meticulousness helped resolve issues or improve processes.

Communicate with Confidence

You'll be working closely with non-finance colleagues, so practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms. During the interview, demonstrate your strong communication skills by engaging with the interviewer and asking insightful questions about the team and their operations.

Be Proactive and Prepared

Show your eagerness to take ownership of tasks. Research the Old Course Hotel and its financial operations beforehand. Think about how you can contribute to their goals and be ready to discuss how you can help strengthen financial controls and processes.