WORK EXPERIENCE: finance

Learn about business & finance

A hotel is a big business with a large staff and needs a smart and detailed-orientated accounts team to keep an eye on all numbers – from revenue to expenditure, including purchasing and payroll.

The Finance Director or Financial Controller is the second most senior role in hotel, reporting to the General Manager, and they are responsible for ensuring that the business stays profitable. All department heads report to the Finance Director on financial matters, including the Executive Chef, Accommodation Manager, Reservations Manager, Food & Beverage Manager, Spa & Leisure Manager and others.

 

What are the opportunities for progression?

You must be a qualified accountant to be a Finance Director or Financial Controller and many have either studied accountancy full-time in college or worked their way up through the accounts department, earning their qualifications along the way. They are supported by an accounts team, which may include the Revenue Manager, Purchasing Manager, Credit Controller, and Accounts Assistants.

You do not have to have financial qualifications to join the accounts department but you should have an aptitude for numbers and a sharp attention to detail. Many hotels will support you if you choose to study accounting part-time or at night while you are working in the department. From Finance Director, the sky is the limit – you could go on to become General Manager or continue into senior roles within a hotel group. Good Finance Directors are always in demand.

 

What can you expect during your work experience?

During your work experience in the finance department you will learn how the team work together to manage all financial aspects of the business. This may include an introduction to the accounts system, how to prepare invoices and statements, how to input and analyse data, and what to consider when dealing with suppliers.

If this interests you then try your local hotel to see if they are offering work experience in the accounts department. You will find the list of hotels participating in the Transition Year Work Experience Programme here.

What’s It really like working in the finance Department?

Accounts Assistant Helen Lacey shares her story here.