Assistant Financial Controller

Company Description

MAMA?

Founded in 2008 by Serge Trigano and his sons Jérémie and Benjamin (co-founders of Club Med), Mama Shelter is a creator of living spaces and a daily director!

These are atypical places, where everyone feels at home, places born of a blend of influences, freedoms, sensations and emotions. Each Mama tells the story of the city in which it is located, and all influences blend together. We offer our guests a joyful atmosphere and exceptional service at an affordable price. 

More than just rooms and restaurants, Mama Shelter is a dynamic, a vibe: they are true urban refuges, not only aesthetically pleasing and modern but also popular, welcoming and sexy.

Whatever your role, we're all here to make the customer experience as unforgettable as possible. 

Our mission: to bring little moments of happiness to people.

Our growth has enabled us to offer our teams great career paths through internal development and international mobility, and it's not a question of diplomas or years of experience.

Mama Shelter is part of Ennismore, a creative hotel group rooted in cultures and destinations, with a global portfolio of brands. Ennismore is a joint venture with Accor, founded in 2021.

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Our commitment to diversity and inclusion: 

Mama is an inclusive company, and our ambition is to recruit and promote diverse talent. 

Job Description

🌟 THE MISSION 

You are the backbone of Mama’s financial rhythm 🛡️💖 — keeping the numbers accurate, the processes smooth, and the team supported from day one.

As our Assistant Financial Controller, you’ll play a key role in building the financial foundations of Mama Shelter Cape Town during its exciting pre-opening journey. Working closely with the Financial Controller and hotel leadership, you’ll support accounting operations, reporting, controls, and compliance — helping Mama launch strong, efficient, and ready for success.

Here’s what you’ll be responsible for:

• Guardian of Daily Finance 🧐 Support all accounting activities including reconciliations, journal entries, income control, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and month-end processes.
• Master of Financial Accuracy 📊 Assist in preparing accurate financial reports, balance sheet reconciliations, P&L reviews, and supporting documentation to ensure strong financial controls.
• Pre-Opening Finance Support 🏨✨Support the Financial Controller during the pre-opening phase with finance setup, systems implementation, opening procedures, and ensuring processes are aligned with Mama and Ennismore standards.
• Numbers Detective 🔍 Monitor revenues, expenses, and financial transactions, identifying discrepancies and supporting corrective actions to maintain accuracy.
• Reporting Partner 🤝 Collaborate with operational teams, Finance leadership, and Ennismore support functions to ensure timely reporting and smooth financial communication.
• Cash Flow Support 💰 Assist with cash management, payment processes, banking activities, and follow-up on receivables to support healthy financial operations.
• Compliance Champion 🛡️ Ensure adherence to financial policies, internal controls, local regulations, tax requirements, and audit standards.
• Systems & Process Pro 💻 Support the effective use of finance systems, ensuring accurate data entry, reporting, and efficient financial processes.
• Team Player with Passion 🙏 Work closely with the Finance team and wider hotel departments, bringing energy, curiosity, and a proactive mindset to help Mama succeed.

Mama Shelter Cape Town is looking for someone who loves numbers but also loves people - someone who brings structure, curiosity, and positive energy to help create a finance function as vibrant as Mama herself. 💖 

Qualifications

MADE FOR YOU… ONLY IF ✨

• You have 3+ years’ experience in finance roles within hospitality 🏨
• You have experience in luxury, lifestyle hotels, restaurants, or high-volume hospitality environments
• You understand core accounting principles including reconciliations, reporting, AP, AR, and month-end closing 📑
• You have strong attention to detail and take pride in accuracy and organisation 👀
• You are confident working with numbers, systems, and financial data 💻
• You enjoy collaborating with operational teams and building strong relationships 🤝
• You are proactive, solutions-focused, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment ⚡
• You maintain confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism at all times 🔒
• You are proficient in Excel and comfortable with reporting tools 📊
• You bring positive energy, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and grow with Mama 💖

YOUR LITTLE EXTRAS 🎯

• You have supported a hotel or restaurant opening and understand the excitement and challenges of launching operations 🏨
• Experience with Opera, Sun Systems, or hospitality finance systems is an advantage 💻
• You have exposure to audits, compliance, and internal controls ✅
• You are adaptable, hands-on, and ready to be part of building something special from the beginning 🌍
• International hospitality experience is a plus ✈️

WORK AUTHORISATION 🌍

• Applicants must already hold valid work rights/work authorisation for South Africa. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the country where the role is based.

Additional Information

Next, we're sure you know the tune 🎶:

• First melody: “At Mama, no AI! We review your application in person and take the time to understand your background. 🎧
• First verse: We organise an initial telephone interview with our People & Culture Team to see if your application fits in with our rhythm. 🤳
• Chorus: Once you've passed the phone interview, we'll arrange a remote meeting 💻 or a meeting at Mama 🤝 to meet the Gang! 
• Last verse: Naturally, you'll receive a response from us within two to three weeks at the latest, whether it's a ✔️ or a ✖️.