Job Overview
The Night Auditor is responsible for the overnight operation of the front desk and for completing the hotel's nightly audit, balancing and reconciling the day's transactions, posting room and tax charges, and preparing the daily reports package. This position also checks in late arrivals, responds to overnight guest needs, and helps safeguard the property and its guests during the night shift, frequently as the primary team member on duty. Success in this role requires strong numerical accuracy, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently with limited on-site support.
Job Responsibilities
Night Audit & End-of-Day Processing
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Perform the nightly audit process, including running end-of-day, verifying the date roll, and confirming that the system is in balance.
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Post room charges, taxes, fees, and package charges, and verify accuracy against rate and reservation agreements.
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Balance and reconcile guest ledger, city ledger, and advance deposit accounts.
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Reconcile credit card settlements and batch transactions, and resolve or document discrepancies for follow-up.
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Audit daily revenue from Food and Beverage, parking, and other outlets against supporting documentation.
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Verify and correct room status, rate variances, and no-show reservations, applying charges in accordance with company policy.
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Prepare, print, and distribute the daily reports package, including occupancy, revenue, and manager reports.
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Complete required audit checklists and document all adjustments, corrections, and out-of-balance items with supporting explanations.
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Process late check-outs, charge back-outs, and rebates within established approval limits.
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Prepare cash deposits, close cashier drawers, and complete end-of-shift financial paperwork.
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Escalate unresolved out-of-balance items, system failures, and audit exceptions to the Front Office Supervisor or manager on duty.
Overnight Front Desk Operations
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Serve as the primary front desk contact during the overnight shift, checking in late arrivals and processing early departures.
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Answer incoming calls, respond to guest inquiries, and set and deliver wake-up calls.
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Assign rooms to late arrivals and walk-in guests based on availability, guest preferences, and room readiness.
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Monitor lobby and entrance activity and control access to the property in accordance with overnight security procedures.
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Prepare arrival, departure, and group activity information for the morning shift, including keys and registration materials.
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Report equipment, system, or facility issues to the manager on duty or Engineering promptly.
Guest Service & Service Recovery
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Listen attentively to guest concerns and complaints and resolve routine issues within established guidelines.
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Escalate guest complaints, service issues, and requests that fall outside established guidelines to the manager on duty.
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Respond to overnight guest requests such as amenities, luggage assistance, and room moves, coordinating with available staff.
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Handle noise complaints and after-hours disturbances calmly and professionally, involving Security or the manager on duty as needed.
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Provide attentive, responsive, and personalized service throughout every guest interaction.
Reservations & Systems
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Process reservations, cancellations, and modifications received overnight by phone, email, or walk-in.
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Quote room rates and availability accurately and in accordance with company selling guidelines.
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Use the hotel property management system to maintain accurate guest profiles, preferences, and room status.
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Verify that rates, packages, and billing instructions match reservation and group agreements before the date roll.
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Maintain the confidentiality of guest information and comply with data privacy and payment card handling requirements.
Cash Handling & Financial Controls
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Operate an assigned cash drawer, process cash, credit card, and alternate payment transactions, and balance the drawer at the end of each shift.
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Prepare and submit shift deposits and required paperwork in accordance with internal control procedures.
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Ensure the accuracy of guest accounts, billing transactions, and payment processing.
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Support internal control and audit requirements by maintaining complete and accurate supporting documentation.
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Maintain front desk and night audit records, logs, and reports accurately and completely.
Communication & Shift Handover
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Review the prior shift's pass-on log and communicate outstanding guest and operational items at shift handover.
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Communicate guest needs, service issues, room status changes, and audit exceptions clearly to the Front Office Supervisor and other departments.
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Coordinate with Housekeeping, Engineering, Security, and Food and Beverage to support overnight guest needs.
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Support fellow team members and contribute to a positive, professional, and collaborative work environment.
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Complete all required company, brand, and safety training within assigned timeframes.
Safety & Security
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Follow all company safety policies, emergency procedures, and brand standards, and complete all assigned safety and workplace training.
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Immediately report guest or workplace incidents, injuries, safety hazards, suspicious activity, and any violent or threatening conduct to the manager on duty, Security, or emergency services as appropriate.
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Follow key control, guest privacy, after-hours access, and overnight security procedures at all times, including property walk-throughs as assigned.
Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local workplace, safety, and employment requirements.
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Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Hospitality coursework, certificate, or degree preferred.
Experience: Prior hotel front desk, night audit, accounting, or bookkeeping experience preferred; entry-level candidates with strong numerical aptitude will be considered. Experience with hotel property management systems, night audit procedures, and cash handling preferred. Experience using StayNTouch is a plus.
Travel required: No travel required; position is fully property-based.
Physical Requirements:
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Frequent standing and walking throughout the shift, including property walk-throughs.
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Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 25 pounds.
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Extended periods of computer and keyboard use requiring close attention to detail.
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Ability to remain alert and work independently during overnight hours with limited on-site support.
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Ability to work overnight shifts, including weekends and holidays.
Skills and Abilities:
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Strong numerical accuracy and the ability to balance and reconcile accounts.
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High attention to detail with posting, cash handling, and guest account information.
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Excellent customer service and guest relations skills.
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Ability to work independently with limited supervision during overnight hours.
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Clear verbal and written communication skills.
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Effective problem-solving skills within established guidelines, and sound judgment about when to escalate.
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Ability to follow direction, established procedures, and internal control requirements.
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Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
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Ability to remain calm and professional when handling after-hours guest issues alone.
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Strong understanding of hotel property management systems and night audit reporting.
Certifications: None required (hospitality certifications preferred).
Compensation Disclosure: The posted pay range reflects the actual compensation for this position and is provided in accordance with applicable pay transparency laws. For positions with a fixed rate of pay, the posted range represents the advertised rate for the role.
Equal Employment Opportunity: Hotel Clark is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment practices are administered in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Job Description Disclaimer: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Management reserves the right to revise, modify, add, or remove job duties and responsibilities as business needs dictate.