This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to check and reconcile daily financial transactions and records, and produce reports relating to commercial accommodation establishment trading and revenue.

The unit applies to all types of commercial accommodation, and to reception personnel or night auditors who check financial transactions during periods of minimal customer activity at the front desk. They work within established procedures and systems under some supervision, but the problem-solving nature of this activity means they apply some discretion and judgment.

In many establishments, the night audit function is now automated and runs throughout the day.

No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:

use standard accounting procedures to complete an audit of the following activities from at least six different operating periods:

commercial account activity

commission earnings

department break-ups

foreign currency activities

occupancy

sales performance

sales returns

supplier activity

check and balance transactions relating to the above activities, including identifying and rectifying discrepancies.

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:

role of night audit in overall financial management systems

standard accounting procedures and financial control processes and procedures that apply to front office operations:

reporting protocols

reporting cycles

features of common cashiering facilities and financial software used in commercial accommodation establishments

features of common property management software used in commercial accommodation establishments

main types of financial transactions that occur in a commercial accommodation establishment:

arrivals and departures

food and beverage

foreign currency activities

interdepartmental vouchers

internal and external change backs

laundry and other services

mini-bar

main types of financial systems that occur in a commercial accommodation establishment:

banking procedures

debtor control

floats

petty cash

common types of financial discrepancies that occur in a commercial accommodation establishment:

computer errors

errors in guest folios

errors in source documentation.

Skills must be demonstrated in an operational commercial accommodation environment. This can be:

an industry workplace

a simulated industry environment.

Assessment must ensure access to:

fixtures and electronic equipment:

cashiering facilities, credit card and electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS) facilities

computers, printers and scanners

industry-current front office reservations, accounting and reporting system

photocopier

back-up and storage systems for computer data

telephone lines and equipment

computer software and applications:

industry-current computerised front office or accounting system

email

internet

word processing

spreadsheets

databases

specialist software for computerised reservations

accounting and bookkeeping

transaction data from different operating periods.

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations’ requirements for assessors; and:

have worked in industry for at least three years where they have applied the skills and knowledge of this unit of competency.

Hospitality

Accommodation Services