Highgate
Overview
Accountant at Highgate is a key member of the finance team supporting the Director of Finance and Assistant Director of Finance. The role focuses on payroll, income audit, accounts receivable processing and collections, ensuring internal controls and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and safeguarding owners' assets. Location: Manhattan, New York, NY.
Responsibilities
- Monitor, prepare, and communicate financial reports in accordance with Highgate Hotels required due dates.
- Payroll: process and maintain time and attendance, verify payroll information, and input payroll journal entries.
- Income Audit: enter information into the BiPortal on a daily basis and support related processes.
- Manage accounts receivable: daily credit, billing, collection activities, and related procedures.
- Process deposits and monitor payment requirements for groups/functions; approve or decline credit requests as appropriate.
- Conduct collections calls and maintain collection files for outstanding balances.
- Review and approve City Ledger transfers and report deviations from accounting policies to supervision.
- Handle customer inquiries with accurate invoices, statements, and schedules; process returned checks and chargebacks.
- Maintain monthly credit meeting records and related logs (returned checks, chargebacks, write-offs, etc.).
- Collaborate with Sales and Events teams on credit-related processes, including application processing, reference checks, credit limits, direct billing lists, and deposits.
- Maintain efficient collection processes and documentation, tracing systems, and bad debt write-offs when necessary.
- Update daily revenue and guest/other ledgers for internal and corporate reporting while ensuring internal control.
- Assist in the monthly close by posting journal entries related to daily/monthly responsibilities.
- Maintain high levels of guest and stakeholder satisfaction by resolving issues promptly or escalating to the Director of Finance or General Manager as needed.
- Cross-train in other areas of the Accounting Department, including accounts payable.
- Identify root causes of issues affecting staff or guests and implement actionable, measurable solutions to improve efficiency and service quality.
- Perform other duties as requested by management.
Qualifications
- College coursework in accounting/related field or related experience in a hotel or hospitality environment.
- Proficiency in Windows and Microsoft Office (intermediate Excel, basic Word).
- Accounts Receivable and Payroll experience is preferred.
- Opera Hotel PMS is preferred.
- Willingness to work flexible and long hours, especially during month-end periods.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with all levels of staff and guests.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines; strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Maintains a warm, friendly, professional, and service-oriented demeanor.
- Maintain regular attendance in accordance with Highgate Hotels standards.
- Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming and comply with safety/regulatory requirements.
Seniority level
- Entry level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Accounting/Auditing and Finance
Industries
- Hospitality