Finance Manager

Mantis is a leading, conservation-focused hotel group with eco-lodges, waterways and eco-escapes located all over the world. Sustainable travellers have been enjoying eco-tourism, safaris and adventure travel with Mantis since 2000. Rooted in conservation, Mantis pursues sustainable business practices and develops tourism products that are respectful of the environment and communities in which they operate. 

Whether small and intimate or vast and complex, on a sweeping African plain, beach-side escape or bustling city, each is an exceptional place for guests to find themselves. While uniquely different in the experiences they offer, all are linked through a collective obsession to be extraordinary, to be rare in a world that mass-produces sameness. 

As Financial Manager, you will be the financial steward of our lodge operations, ensuring accurate reporting, sound controls, and strategic oversight. This hybrid role offers flexibility in working remotely, while requiring on-site presence approximately twice a week to support local teams, ensure compliance, and stay close to operations.

The ideal candidate is technically strong, detail-oriented, and capable of leading a small finance function. Experience in the hospitality or luxury tourism sector is advantageous, but a passion for working with purpose — supporting conservation, local empowerment, and sustainable tourism — is essential.

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Strategy & Reporting

• Support the General Manager and Group Finance team with financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting aligned with business goals.
• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with GAAP and group reporting standards.
• Conduct financial analysis to support decision-making, identify cost-saving opportunities, and track key performance indicators.
• Oversee and participate in the month-end closing process to ensure accuracy and timeliness of reporting.
• Run financial reports for management, ownership, and auditors as required.

Operational Finance & On-Site Support

• Travel to the lodge (approx. 2x per week) to review on-the-ground financial processes and provide guidance to operational teams.
• Collaborate with department heads to provide financial insights and align budget usage with strategic priorities.
• Supervise payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable functions, ensuring accuracy and timely processing.
• Monitor stock control, procurement processes, and expenditure tracking.

Compliance, Controls & Risk Management

• Implement and maintain strong internal controls and risk mitigation procedures.
• Ensure financial practices comply with all regulatory requirements, fiscal policies, and lodge standards.
• Liaise with auditors, legal advisors, and external consultants as necessary.
• Maintain a high standard of data integrity and ethical financial practices.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and develop a high-performing finance and admin team, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
• Promote financial literacy across lodge departments to support a culture of responsible resource management.

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; professional qualification (e.g., CA(SA), CIMA, ACCA, or CPA) preferred.
• Minimum 5–10 years' financial management experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and hospitality-related accounting practices.
• Skilled in MS Office (especially Excel) and accounting systems (e.g., Pastel, Xero, Sage, VIP Payroll).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance analysis.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing small finance/admin teams.
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel.
• Stable employment history and contactable references required.

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: We are an inclusive company, and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.

Why work for Mantis/Accor? We are far more than a worldwide leader. We welcome you as you are, and you can find a job and brand that matches your personality. We support you to grow and learn every day, making sure that work brings purpose to your life, so that during your journey with us, you can continue to explore Accor’s limitless possibilities.

About the Mantis Collection: Mantis is a boutique hospitality group that was founded by conservationist Adrian Gardiner in 2000, with its main focus predominantly in Africa and the Middle East. Mantis grew from Adrian’s vision to restore and rewild degraded farmland which he developed into a widely acclaimed Private Game Reserve. This was the first private game reserve in the Eastern Cape and the beginning of eco-tourism in a poverty-stricken province that had few opportunities outside of commercial farming. Adrian and the Mantis team successfully created a place where man and nature could co-exist sustainably. From this initial success, the Mantis model was then developed worldwide, understanding that consumers could use the Mantis portfolio as a mark of quality, consistency and character. Today the diverse portfolio of handpicked properties links up to create travel journeys, which offer guests the opportunity to experience the essence of the location in a setting of tailored luxury. Rooted in conservation, Mantis pursues sustainable business practices and develops tourism products that are respectful of the environment and communities in which they operate. Visit https://www.mantiscollection.com/ to discover more about our incredible brand.

By joining Accor, every chapter of your story is yours to write and together we can imagine tomorrow's hospitality. Discover the life that awaits you at Accor, visit https://careers.accor.com/

Do what you love, care for the world, dare to challenge the status quo! #BELIMITLESS