An established luxury lodge and hotel group in Southern Africa is seeking a meticulous and motivated Accounts Assistant to join its dynamic finance team based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Renowned for its iconic safari lodges and boutique properties that attract a discerning international clientele, the group upholds the highest standards of excellence in hospitality. As an Accounts Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting the financial operations of the business. Key Responsibilities Financial Record Keeping: As an Accounts Assistant, you play a key role in maintaining accurate and well-organized financial records. This includes recording and categorizing daily financial transactions such as income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Your attention to detail ensures that all entries are precise and compliant with accounting standards. Proficiency in accounting software is essential, as you will be responsible for updating ledgers, reconciling accounts, and supporting the finance team in preparing reports and audits. Financial Reporting: You support the preparation of key financial reports, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow summaries. These documents offer valuable insights into the organization’s financial position and performance. Your role involves gathering and verifying financial data, ensuring accuracy and consistency across reports. These reports are essential tools for management decision-making and help meet the requirements of investors and regulatory authorities. Budgeting & Forecasting: As an Accounts Assistant, you play a supportive role in the budgeting and forecasting process. Working closely with the finance team and management, you help compile budget data, track actual performance against budgets, and identify variances. Your responsibilities may include gathering financial information, updating spreadsheets, and assisting in the preparation of forecasts. Your attention to detail and analytical support contribute to informed financial planning and effective resource allocation across the organization. Risk Management: As an Accounts Assistant, you contribute to the identification and monitoring of financial risks by ensuring accurate record-keeping and supporting compliance with financial procedures. Your role includes assisting in the review of financial data to help identify irregularities or potential risks related to expenditures, payments, and reconciliations. By maintaining reliable financial records and supporting internal controls, you help the finance team implement strategies that mitigate financial risk and promote sound financial practices. Communication: As an Accounts Assistant, strong communication skills are essential for conveying financial information clearly and effectively to non-financial stakeholders. You will regularly collaborate with various departments, management, and external partners to support financial objectives. Whether you’re clarifying invoice details, assisting with budget inputs, or responding to queries, your ability to communicate accurately and professionally ensures smooth financial operations and fosters cross-functional teamwork. Minimum Experience & Requirements

• Process supplier invoices and liaise with suppliers to resolve queries.
• Manage accruals, prepayments, and petty cash reconciliations.
• Verify F&B receiving against purchases, POs, and receipts.
• Ensure Aged Accounts Payable reports align with the General Ledger.
• Reconcile and balance cash, floats, and dockets daily.
• Complete monthly payroll and third-party statutory payments.
• Prepare monthly payroll journals.
• Handle debtor processing, reconciliation, and collections.
• Assist with stocktaking and ensure accurate processing of stock figures.
• Maintain systematic records of petty cash and financial documentation.
• Support internal control systems and report any discrepancies to management.
• 1–3 years’ experience in a similar role within the hospitality industry.
• Matric (minimum); a relevant tertiary qualification is advantageous.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel (intermediate to advanced).
• Experience with ACCPAC/SAGE300 and VIP Payroll.
• Familiarity with hospitality PMS systems (OPERA is a bonus).
• Valid RSA ID.

  Salary

• Position is based in Bryanston, Johannesburg
• Salary R18K COST TO COMPANY MAX
• 5% provident fund is available (compulsory)
• Access to reliable transport
• Valid RSA ID is required
• Clear Criminal Record
• Proven track record within a luxury hotel/lodge environment as per attached spec
• NOTE: Company Retirement Age is 60
• Candidates must be available for interview in person

  Apply To apply send a comprehensive CV and all supporting documentation to ronel@cedar-wood.co.za by close of business on the 8^th  of September 2025. If you don’t get feedback within 7 working days, please regard your CV as not shortlisted.    

Description

• Develop and maintain precise costings for all food and beverage offerings, encompassing à la carte, buffets, banquets, room service, and special promotions.
• Collaborate closely with Culinary and Food & Beverage leadership to optimize recipes, portion controls, and yields for maximum profitability.
• Provide in-depth cost analysis for banquets and events, ensuring profitability targets are consistently met or exceeded.
• Proactively update cost databases to reflect current market prices and supplier changes, ensuring financial data integrity.

• Oversee all facets of inventory control, from receiving through to issuing, for food, beverage, and essential hotel supplies (e.g., linen, cleaning materials, guest amenities).
• Conduct regular, thorough stock takes (both scheduled monthly and surprise counts) across all relevant hotel departments and storage areas.
• Implement and enforce stringent stock control procedures, including the strict adherence to FIFO (First-In, First-Out) principles, to significantly minimize waste, pilferage, and overstocking.
• Maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date cost database for all inventory items, including historical supplier pricing.

• Prepare comprehensive daily, weekly, and monthly cost reports, detailing food and beverage cost percentages, variance analysis, and detailed waste/loss reports.
• Analyze actual consumption against theoretical usage, identifying key areas for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Actively contribute to the development and ongoing monitoring of departmental budgets.

• Develop, implement, and refine robust internal controls and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all inventory-related processes.
• Support internal audit functions and ensure strict compliance with all hotel financial policies and procedures.

• Proven experience as a Cost Controller or in a similar financial management role within the hospitality sector (experience in 4 or 5-star hotels is highly preferred).
• A deep understanding of Food & Beverage operations, including menu engineering, costing methodologies, and effective inventory management.
• Proficiency in hotel management software, Point of Sale (POS) systems, and advanced Microsoft Excel skills (including complex formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis).
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving abilities, and an unwavering attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster strong working relationships across diverse hotel departments.
• A degree in Hotel Management, Finance, Accounting, or a related field is advantageous.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant, progressive experience.

• A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• The opportunity to be an integral part of a prestigious hotel operation in Gauteng.
• A challenging, rewarding, and impactful role with clear opportunities for professional growth and development.

Exec Chef Botswana

Location: Okavango Delta, Botswana Type: Full-time Salary: Competitive (Dependent on Experience) + Accommodation Provided

Position Overview:

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Exec Chef to lead and inspire our culinary team. This is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our staff while delivering world-class dining experiences for our guests.

Key Responsibilities:

• Menu Development: Create innovative and seasonal menus that showcase local ingredients and flavors, while catering to diverse dietary needs.
• Training & Upliftment: Develop and implement comprehensive training programs for all kitchen staff, focusing on skills development, hygiene standards, and food safety.
• Team Leadership: Motivate, mentor, and inspire a team of chefs and kitchen staff across multiple lodges, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Quality Control: Ensure consistent high standards of food preparation and presentation across all lodges.
• Inventory Management: Manage food inventory, minimize waste, and optimize costs.
• Collaboration: Work closely with lodge management teams to ensure smooth operations and guest satisfaction.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Head Chef in a high-end hospitality setting.
• Proven ability to train and develop culinary teams.
• Excellent culinary skills, with a passion for fresh, local ingredients.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to food safety and hygiene standards.
• Ability to adapt to a remote and challenging environment.

What They Offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Accommodation and meals provided.
• Opportunity to work in a stunning natural environment.
• A chance to make a significant impact on the lives of our staff and guests.

• Warm Welcome & Check-in: Provide an efficient and friendly welcome to arriving guests, assist with check-in procedures, and offer essential information about lodge facilities, activities, and the surrounding reserve.
• Activity & Meal Hosting: Demonstrate flexibility and a proactive attitude by assisting in hosting various guest activities, such as guided walks, sundowners, and communal dining experiences. Your involvement will be key to ensuring these moments are enjoyable and well-managed.
• Guest Assistance & Concierge: Serve as a knowledgeable resource for guests, answering queries about game drives, lodge services, local attractions, and making necessary bookings or arrangements.
• Service Excellence: Consistently maintain the highest standards of guest service, proactively identifying and addressing guest needs, and resolving any issues promptly and professionally.
• Lodge Representation: Embody the lodge's brand and values, presenting a positive, welcoming, and professional image at all times.

• Competitive Salary: A monthly salary ranging from R7000 to R8000, negotiable based on your experience and qualifications.
• Live-In Position: Enjoy comfortable, private accommodation provided on-site, allowing for full immersion in the lodge lifestyle.
• Exceptional Staff Facilities: Benefit from access to outstanding amenities including high-speed WiFi, a fully equipped Gym, a refreshing Swimming Pool, and a Recreational Building complete with a pool table, braai facilities, and BOMA for social gatherings.
• Balanced Work Schedule: A well-structured rotation of 3 weeks on duty followed by 1 week off, ensuring a healthy work-life balance.
• Complimentary Meals: Delicious meals are provided while you are on duty.
• Immediate Start: The position is available for an immediate start for the right candidate.

• Computer Proficiency: Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and possess general computer literacy.
• Guest Relations Expertise: Proven ability to deliver outstanding guest service, coupled with excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Prior Hospitality Experience: Essential experience in a similar guest-facing role, preferably within the hospitality or tourism sector.
• Hospitality Software Familiarity: Essential experience or strong familiarity with hospitality management software (e.g., Property Management Systems) is required.

• Software Advantage: Experience with Benson or Tall Order software is a significant advantage.
• Driver's License & Own Transport: A valid driver's license and personal vehicle are highly beneficial due to the lodge's remote location. While company transport is provided to the main gate where public transport is available, personal transport offers greater flexibility.
• Wildlife & Safari Knowledge: An understanding of or a passion for wildlife and the safari experience would be a valuable asset.
• First Aid Certification: A valid First Aid certificate is advantageous.