Complex Staff Accountant

Staff AccountantHighgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value. With an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, Highgate is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands.Located in historic Old Town, Southernmost Beach Resort expands over 6 acres on a serene part of the island with Atlantic Ocean front views, gorgeous Key West architecture, and all the amenities you desire in a beach resort. Just a short walk or bike ride from Key West's boutique shops, art galleries, eclectic restaurants, and non-stop nightlife, the resort spans over two city blocks and offers guest rooms that are located within easy reach of both the beach and world-famous Duval Street.The Staff Accountant is responsible for assisting the Director of Finance and Assistant Director of Finance in maintaining accurate and timely financial reporting; ensuring acceptable levels of internal control; ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations and Highgate Hotels Standard Operating Procedures; and safeguarding owners/investors assets. For this role, the emphasis is placed on the management of Payroll, Income Audit and Accounts Receivable processing and collections.Responsibilities include:Monitor, prepare, and communicate financial reports in accordance with Highgate Hotels required due dates.Income Audit including entering information into the BiPortal on a daily basis.Utilize and maintain time and attendance system and process, daily, weekly, and bi-weekly payroll and related information to include verifying payroll information, recording earnings/deductions, etc.Prepare and input all required payroll journal entries.Maintain responsibility for the daily Accounts Receivable credit, billing, and collection process.Monitor payment requirements on groups or functions and process deposits.Approve or decline credit requests.Complete collection calls on each appropriate outstanding accounts and maintain collection files on each outstanding issue.Review and approve the City Ledger transfers daily and communicate to supervisor any deviation from established Accounting policies and procedures.Handle customer inquiries in a professional and timely manner, provide customers with accurate invoices, statements, and schedules.Process returned checks and credit card chargebacks.Conduct monthly credit meetings and maintain minutes (including returned checks/chargeback logs, credit trace reports, write-off, bad debt allowances, etc.)Partner with the Sales and Events Team by establishing customer credit, including but no limited to application processing, reference checks, credit limitation, direct billing list, and deposit requirements.Maintain an efficient collection process to include organized filing and tracing system, issuing letter, monitoring returned checks and charge backs, performing collection calls and preparing bad debt write-offs.Update daily revenue reports both for internal distribution and corporate distribution.Monitor guest ledger, advance deposit ledger and any other related ledgers to ensure proper internal control.Keep management aware of any unusual operation or financial occurrences and/or significant deviations.Reconcile invoices against ledgers or schedules to ensure accuracy of invoicing.Assist in the monthly close process by posting journal entries that are related to daily/monthly responsibilities.Ensure overall guest satisfaction by attentive listening and then immediately resolving guest issues or elevating to the Director of Finance or General Manager.Cross-Train in other areas within the Accounting Department including accounts payable.Ability to identify root causes of issues that may affect staff or guests and provide actionable and measurable solutions to improve efficiency, overall work environment, and/or guest experienceQualifications include:College courses in an associated or related field and/or related experience in an Hotel or Hospitality environmentMust be proficient in Windows, Microsoft Office (Intermediate Excel and Basic Word)Accounts Receivable and Payroll experience is preferredHotel PMS Opera is preferredFlexible and long hours sometimes required, especially during the last and first few days of the monthSedentary work - Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.Approach all encounters with guests and employees in a professional, attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner.Attend all hotel required meeting and trainings.Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotels Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming.Comply with Highgate Hotels Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.Must be able to understand complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.Must be able to show initiative, including anticipating guests or operational needs.Perform other duties as requested by management.Benefits include:Medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching contributionsPaid holidaysPaid vacationPaid sick leave (provided in accordance with applicable law)Employee assistance program (EAP)Educational opportunities / Tuition reimbursementPaid jury duty leave, personal leave, medical leave, and military leave in accordance with applicable lawFor Employees Based in Washington:8 paid holidays per yearUp to 20 days of paid vacation per year, based on classification and length of servicePaid Sick & Safe Time accrues at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, with up to 72 hours of unused time carried over from one anniversary year to the next.For Employees Based in Colorado:8 paid holidays per year; employees working in the City of Denver receive 64 hours of designated holiday time per calendar yearUp to 20 days of paid vacation per year, based on classification and length of service6 days or 48 hours of Paid Sick Leave per year, accrued at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.For Employees Based in California:8 paid holidays per yearUp to 20 days of paid vacation per year, based on classification and length of service, capped at 1.5x annual accrual rate; non-supervisory employees working in the City of Los Angeles accrue up to 22 days of Compensated Time Off, based on length of service capped at 192 hours of combined PST and CTO.Paid Sick Time accrues at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, unused time is carried over from one anniversary year to the next up to a maximum of 80 hours; employees working in the City of Los Angeles are provided 40 hours of Paid Sick Time annually on their anniversary, unused time is not carried over from one anniversary year to the next.Please note that certain benefits described above for associates in Washington, Colorado, and California may vary for associates covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement ("CBA"). For such associates, eligibility for and the terms and conditions of benefits