Income Auditor / Finance Assistant

The Stafford London is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Income Auditor / Finance Assistant to join its Finance team. This is a broad, hands-on role offering strong exposure across hotel finance operations. Approximately 50% of the role is dedicated to income audit, with the remainder covering accounts payable, month-end support, and ad-hoc finance tasks as directed by the Financial Controller / Group Finance Director. The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently in a fast-paced luxury hospitality environment, maintaining a high standard of accuracy, and serving as a reliable point of contact for operational departments on day-to-day finance matters.

WHAT ARE MY MAIN DUTIES?

• Income Audit (approx. 50%)
  • Reconcile and audit daily revenues across all hotel outlets - rooms, food & beverage, events, and ancillary income - against the Property Management System (PMS) and point-of-sale reports.
  • Review and ensure the Daily Revenue Report (DRR) is correct and updated.
  • Verify that all discounts, complimentaries, voids, and adjustments are properly authorised and documented in line with hotel policy.
  • Audit cashier readings, float counts, and till reconciliations; investigate and report variances promptly.
  • Review and reconcile guest ledger, city ledger, and advance deposit accounts, escalating aged items or discrepancies to the Financial Controller.
  • Monitor and audit no-shows, late cancellations, and early departure charges for correct posting.
  • Liaise with Front Office, Revenue Management, F&B, and Events teams to resolve posting queries and discrepancies.
  • Maintain audit files and supporting documentation to a standard suitable for external audit review.
• Accounts Payable (approx. 25%)
  • Process purchase invoices accurately and promptly in the accounting system, ensuring correct cost centre, nominal code, and VAT treatment.
  • Match invoices against purchase orders, investigate and resolve supplier queries and discrepancies.
  • Prepare and process payment runs in line with agreed supplier terms, obtaining appropriate authorisations.
  • Maintain the AP ledger, reconcile supplier statements, and keep the creditor listing current.
  • Assist with month-end AP close, including accruals for goods and services received but not yet invoiced.
• Ad Hoc Finance Support (approx. 25%)
  • Support the Financial Controller with month-end close activities, including journal preparation and balance sheet reconciliations.
  • Assist with preparation of schedules and analysis for monthly management accounts.
  • Maintain petty cash records and fixed asset schedules as required.
  • Support internal control processes, including periodic spot-checks on cash handling across the hotel.
  • Assist with collating information and schedules for the annual external audit.
  • Provide cover for other members of the Finance team during periods of absence.
  • Undertake additional ad-hoc projects and analysis as directed by the Financial Controller / Group Finance Director.

WHAT DO I NEED?

• Essential
  • Previous experience in a hotel finance or income audit role, ideally within a four- or five-star property.
  • Good understanding of hotel revenue streams and PMS systems (e.g. Opera, Micros, Merchant Services or similar).
  • Solid working knowledge of accounts payable processes, including invoice processing, payment runs and supplier reconciliations.
  • High degree of numerical accuracy and attention to detail, with the ability to identify and investigate anomalies.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel; comfortable working with data reconciliation and basic reporting.
  • Experience with hotel or hospitality accounting software (e.g. SunSystems, Sage, Xero or similar).
  • Ability to prioritise effectively and meet daily and monthly deadlines under pressure.
  • Discreet, professional and trustworthy – this role involves access to sensitive financial data.
  • Clear communicator with the confidence to liaise with non-finance colleagues across operational departments.
  • Eligible to work in the United Kingdom without restriction.
• Desirable
  • Studying towards AAT, CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent.
  • Previous experience in a luxury or independent hotel environment.
  • Understanding of UK VAT rules as they apply to the hospitality sector.

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

• A competitive salary
• Rewards, discounts, and cashback scheme
• Staff discount on food and accommodation
• Training and development
• Meals on duty
• Discounted rates at our properties and at the Preferred Hotels and resort properties
• Referral Scheme (Monetary value for each person you bring to work with us)
• EAP program
• Staff parties and long service awards

In line with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, we do require all applicants to have the eligibility to live and work in the United Kingdom. Documentation will be required at interview stage.