Chief Accountant - 4-Star Beach Hotel

About the role

An established 4-star beach hotel in Negombo, Sri Lanka, is recruiting a Chief Accountant through ArchipelagoHR on behalf of a confidential client. The role reports to the General Manager and sits on the hotel's management team, overseeing accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, treasury, taxation, internal controls and compliance. It ensures accurate financial records, timely reporting and effective cost control.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the daily operations of the Finance and Accounts department and mentor its team
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements and management accounts
• Lead annual budgeting and periodic forecasts, investigating variances
• Manage cash flow, working capital and banking relationships, including foreign currency transactions
• Control hotel revenue across Rooms, Food & Beverage, Banquets and Events, including daily revenue reconciliation, discounts, refunds and complimentary transactions
• Review occupancy, average room rate (ARR) and RevPAR reporting
• Ensure statutory compliance (VAT, APIT, PAYE, income tax) and liaise with the Inland Revenue Department and auditors
• Set up and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and prevent fraud
• Monitor purchasing procedures, supplier agreements and inventory controls, driving cost efficiency

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field, with a full or part professional qualification (CA Sri Lanka, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or equivalent)
• 15-25 years of progressive accounting and finance experience
• At least 5 years in a senior finance role in the hospitality industry; Sri Lankan hotel experience is essential
• Strong knowledge of Sri Lankan taxation, labour regulations and financial reporting standards

Required skills

• Hotel accounting systems, property management systems and QuickBooks
• Advanced Excel and strong financial modelling

What we offer

• A key management-team role at an established 4-star Negombo beach property
• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
• Service charge per month
• Meals whilst on duty
• Accommodation if residence is over 30 km away
• Personal health insurance after 6 months
• F&B discounts on the premises