Accountants are an integral part of the resort staff. They are commonly called upon to keep track of a resort's financial situation, including books, payroll, inventories, tax issues, checks, and other important financial matters.

Jobs in this field almost always require considerable training or experience, and it is common for resorts to hire through accounting firms rather than to using an individual to handle accounting. This is especially true for larger hotel and resort chains that either hire through firms or have their own accounting departments. There are however, individual accounting positions available for day-to-day accounting and full-time positions at smaller resorts. This is mainly because the financial aspects of one hotel or building aren't as complex and can be handled by one or two people. The accounting positions will vary from place to place, and some research on your part regarding what is available at a specific hotel will turn up that information readily.

Most accountants have a specific education or training in accounting. Most commonly they have achieved an undergraduate degree in business or accounting and have gone on to become licensed as a Certified Public Accountant. State qualifications for the CPA exam vary, and most graduates take additional course work to prepare for the task of under going certification. This commonly takes an additional year of study.

There are other degrees that can help you get an accounting job with a hotel or resort. A lot of book keepers start out getting an AA or Associate in Arts degree in accounting. These degrees focus only on basic accounting and can be achieved through online programs, or through two-year universities. This is a more affordable and time conscious way to work your way toward an accounting career. Keep in mind however, that CPA's will generally make more money than bookkeepers with an AA degree since their skill set is greater and their knowledge of accounting more developed.

Salary for accountants will vary extensively but most CPA's who work for resorts will make anywhere from $42,500-$62,500 within their first three years. After this period of time salaries can extend to as much as $80,000 a year.

Full charge bookkeepers with an AA degree will make an average of $40,000 a year, but senior AA accountants can make as much as $60,000 annually.

Although most accountants will be formally educated, there are scenarios in which people with a limited background in accounting can break into the market. By working at hotels in a "night audit" position some of the foundations of accounting can be learned. Night auditors work graveyard shifts to tabulate daily debits and credits. Their tasks are very specific, and they usually are supervised closely by more experienced staff. Night auditors, in addition to their other duties, often act as reception or front desk personnel for the overnight needs of guests. The average night auditor salary is $21,000 a year.

Resort Food Service Jobs >>>