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Job Title: Accountant – Resort & Construction Operations (Pondicherry) Location: Pondicherry, India (Supporting resort facilities and villa construction projects) Reporting To: Resort Owner/Management Job Summary: The organization is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Accountant with specialized experience in both the hospitality and construction sectors to manage the full spectrum of financial operations for its two resorts in Pondicherry and upcoming villa construction projects and resorts. The ideal candidate will be responsible for accurate financial record-keeping, comprehensive reporting, robust tax compliance (GST, TDS, Income Tax, local taxes, RERA), and strategic financial analysis, contributing directly to the profitability and compliance of the growing resort and construction businesses. This role requires a proactive individual capable of working independently across multiple locations and projects, leveraging technology to streamline financial processes. Key Responsibilities: Financial Operations & Bookkeeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records for both resort facilities and construction projects, ensuring all transactions (income, expenses, assets, liabilities) are properly recorded and categorized. Perform daily bank reconciliations and reconcile all accounts (guest ledger, city ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable) to ensure data integrity. Manage the full cycle of Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, including invoice processing, vendor payments, and timely collection of dues for both resort operations and construction activities. Oversee and process payroll accurately, including salaries, benefits, and statutory deductions for all staff across both locations and construction sites. Execute timely month-end and year-end closing procedures, preparing trial balances and necessary adjustments. Revenue & Cost Management (Resort Operations): Track and manage all resort revenue streams, including room rentals, food & beverage sales, amenities, and other ancillary services, ensuring accurate recognition. Monitor and control operational expenses for resorts, identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising service quality. Implement and maintain robust inventory management for F&B and operating supplies, ensuring accurate COGS calculation and minimizing waste. Conduct profitability analysis for various resort departments and services. Construction Project Accounting: Establish and manage detailed project budgets for villa construction, accounting for materials, labour, equipment, permits, and overhead costs. Track and report actual expenditures against construction budgets, identifying and analyzing variances. Manage accounts payable and receivable specific to construction, including processing invoices from contractors and suppliers, and ensuring timely payments and collections. Oversee revenue recognition for villa sales, applying appropriate accounting methods (e.g., percentage of completion) and ensuring compliance with relevant standards. Manage cash flow for construction projects, optimizing liquidity and financial stability. Financial Reporting & Analysis: Prepare and present comprehensive financial statements (Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement) on a regular basis for management review, encompassing both resort and construction activities. Develop, monitor, and analyse operating budgets for both business segments, providing variance analysis and strategic recommendations. Generate and analyse hospitality-specific KPIs such as ADR, Occupancy Rate, RevPAR, TRevPAR, GOPPAR, Food Cost Percentage, and Labor Cost Percentage. Provide financial insights and data-driven recommendations to management for strategic decision-making and revenue enhancement across all business units. Taxation & Regulatory Compliance (India & Pondicherry): Ensure strict compliance with all Goods and Services Tax (GST) regulations for both resort operations (tiered room rates, F&B, banquet services) and construction activities (services, materials), including accurate application of rates and timely filing of GST returns. Manage Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) obligations, including deductions under Section 194I for hotel accommodation (if applicable), employee salaries, and payments to vendors, ensuring timely deposit and return filing. Manage TDS on Works Contracts under Section 194C for payments to contractors and subcontractors involved in villa construction, ensuring correct rates and thresholds are applied. Prepare and file annual Income Tax returns for the resort and construction businesses, adhering to the Income Tax Act, 1961. Ensure compliance with and timely payment of local municipal taxes in Pondicherry, including Property Tax, Profession Tax, Entertainment Tax, Advertisement Tax, Vacant Land Tax, and Water Tax, for all existing and new properties. Ensure strict compliance with the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), including maintaining separate escrow accounts for project funds and assisting with mandatory project registrations and disclosures. Assist in maintaining all necessary business licenses and permits (e.g., Trade License, FSSAI) and ensure their timely renewal. System Management & Internal Controls: Utilize and optimize accounting software (e.g., Tally, Zoho Books) and Property Management Systems (PMS) for efficient financial operations. Familiarity with construction accounting software (e.g., Zoho Books, ProjectPro) and their integration capabilities. Ensure seamless data flow and integration between various systems (PMS, accounting software, construction management tools). Develop, implement, and monitor strong internal financial controls to safeguard assets, prevent fraud, and ensure the integrity of financial data across all business segments. Prepare for and support internal and external financial audits. Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Commerce, Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Semi-qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) is highly preferred. An Advanced Diploma in Accounting & Hospitality will be a significant advantage. Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in accounting, with at least 2 years in the hospitality industry (hotels, resorts, or F&B) and demonstrable experience in construction or real estate development accounting. Experience with multi-location accounting or managing financials for distinct business units is preferred. Skills & Competencies: Proficiency in accounting software, particularly Tally ERP 9 or Tally Prime or Zoho Books. Strong command of Microsoft Excel for financial analysis and reporting. Familiarity with Property Management Systems (PMS) and their accounting integrations. Familiarity with construction accounting software (e.g., ProjectPro, Zoho Books, Busy Accounting Software). In-depth knowledge of Indian taxation laws (GST, Income Tax, TDS, including Section 194C) and local Pondicherry tax regulations. Strong understanding of RERA compliance requirements for real estate developers. Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to confidentiality. Proactive approach to identifying and implementing process improvements. Why Join Us: This is an exciting opportunity to be a foundational member of a growing resort operation and new construction venture. The selected individual will play a critical role in shaping the financial future of the business, working closely with management, and contributing directly to its success in the dynamic hospitality and real estate sectors. Show more Show less
