There are many services that are around for customers 24/7. Hotels, for example, need to provide assistance to customers at any hour, from checking people into or out of rooms, helping with complaints or needs, and answering calls.
Night auditors handle the front desk duties of a hotel. They review billing and invoices, balance accounts, answer inquiries and calls, book rooms, and more. Aside from administrative tasks, customer service is another important component of this role.
In order to be an effective night auditor, you’ll need to have basic computer operating skills alongside great attention to detail. Multitasking and time management are excellent skills to bring to the table alongside strong customer service and communication skills. Occasionally, you may be expected to diffuse situations and talk with frustrated or upset customers.
Sample job description
[Your company name] is looking for a responsible, organized individual with the managerial capability to fill the role of night auditor at our establishment. Our night auditors are expected to provide excellent customer service to our customers whether it be wake-up calls, checking them in, or helping them find a toothbrush when they forgot theirs at home. Night auditors are also expected to invoice our customers and third-party vendors, write checks for products we receive, and work closely with other hotel staff to accommodate guest needs like room service requests and/or cleaning service requests.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Handle and verify guest payments
- Write checks to suppliers and ensure they are paid accurately
- Oversee all staff and operations during the night shift
- Provide excellent customer service to help guests feel at home
- Print reports for upper management
- Ensure that all day shift tasks have been completed satisfactorily
- Maintain a calm environment and bring resolve to customer complaints
Education and experience
- High school diploma required
- Experience in the hospitality space is a plus
- Higher education in business, hospitality or administration is a plus
- Certification in areas like data entry, word processing, accounting and bookkeeping, office management, and customer service are all a plus
Required skills and qualifications
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to remain organized and level-headed in a fast-paced environment
- Experience with computers and applicable programs and software
- Capable of “managing” other employees to ensure responsibilities are being handled satisfactorily to ensure establishment runs as smoothly as possible
- Comfortable handling third party suppliers and making payments towards supplies
- Excellent de-escalation skills in case of an emergency situation
- Attention to detail to ensure guest safety, i.e fires or other emergencies
Preferred qualifications
- Experience working in a hospitality environment
- Certifications in computer programs and applications
- Higher education in business, hospitality, or administration
Typical work environment
The typical work environment for a night auditor varies by location. In more rural places, it is likely to be a slower paced environment, whereas in the more densely populated areas, especially those in tourist locations, it is highly likely a much more fast-paced environment. Working in the hospitality industry, they will deal with all types of people, some which might be upset or disgruntled, which makes it incredibly important that night auditors know how to de-escalate a situation for the best possible outcomes.
Typical hours
Night auditors typically work nighttime hours from 11 PM to 7 AM, but those hours can vary depending on which establishment you work for. Some hotels might have shifts that run from 10 PM to 6 AM, or more commonly, midnight to 8 AM.
Available certifications
There are a number of certifications that could prove helpful to the role of night auditor. Here a couple for consideration:
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA). The CMA is an advanced certification assessing accounting and financial management skills that are key in a business role. You will need two-plus years of training or education after high school along with two-plus years of work experience. There will be an oral or written exam you will be expected to pass. Recertification is required every 12 months.
- International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA). The IABA wants to ensure candidates have a thorough knowledge of the subject matter which is why they require three years of related work experience (two of which may be satisfied through college credit) before receiving the accreditation. If candidates pass their ACAT (Comprehensive Examination for International Accredited Business Accountant), they are free to market themselves as having passed the exam, but are not entitled to use the IABA designation. No recertification is required.
- Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP). The CITP requires two-plus years of training or education after high school along with three years of work experience in a related field. Candidates will have to pass an oral or written exam and recertification is required every three years.
Career path
Night auditors perform duties that are extremely effective for maximizing the efficiency of a hotel. To become a night auditor, you only need a high school diploma. Those who are interested in this position should start working at a hotel or other hospitality establishment after high school. They can also receive other certifications in finance or technology, as they will be dealing with this on a daily basis.
US, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook
SOC Code: 43-4081
2020 Employment | 222,550 |
Projected Employment in 2030 | 257,400 |
Projected 2020-2030 Percentage Shift | 15.66% increase |
Projected 2020-2030 Numeric Shift | 34,850 increase |
Position trends
With people continuing to travel increasingly over the coming years, night auditors will be extremely necessary to ensure the best financial outcomes at hospitality establishments. The need for night auditors continues to increase and will surely continue to climb. The night auditor performs the daily audit process, reconciles, and closes out the financial activities for the day. This is a necessary daily procedure in order to keep the establishment organized and financially successful. This will remain in the future, and therefore, so will the need for night auditors. There is no computer software or robot that could fulfill all of a night auditor’s responsibilities. Plus, there is nothing quite like seeing a friendly smile and a warm welcome when you’ve been traveling all day and finally reach your destination. That person-to-person interaction just can’t be beaten.