Issmail Manha

Hotel Receptionist & Night Auditor

Profile

A dedicated and meticulous hospitality professional with over five years of experience in luxury hotel environments. Specialized in front desk operations and night auditing, I am committed to optimizing guest satisfaction and ensuring financial accuracy. Thrives in dynamic settings, leveraging multilingual skills to provide an exceptional and seamless guest experience.

Professional Experience

Receptionist & Night Auditor

Allegro Hotel Agadir (Barceló Group) | June 2023 – Present

  • Welcoming guests during night shifts, managing check-ins and check-outs.
  • Performing daily accounting closing, verifying transactions, and conducting night audits.
  • Conducting nightly security rounds to ensure the peace and safety of the establishment.

Storekeeper

Pickalbatros White Beach Taghazout | June 2021 – June 2023

  • Managing inventory and coordinating supplies for various departments.
  • Tracking inventory, managing supplier relations, and ensuring compliance with hygiene standards.
  • Optimizing costs and supervising stock removal operations.

Receptionist & Night Auditor

Hôtel Les Cinq Parties du Monde, Agadir | May 2017 – June 2021

  • Greeting, check-in, reservations, and handling specific guest requests.
  • Ensuring hotel security during the night and resolving any potential incidents.

Intern – Reception & Guest Services

Sol Meliá Taghazout Hotel & Hamilton Agadir Hotel

4.5-month internship at each – First professional experience

  • Supporting reception operations: check-in, check-out, telephone assistance.
  • Assisting with administrative tasks and baggage service.
  • First practical immersion in the hospitality and customer service professions.

Key Skills

Technical Skills

  • PMS Software (Opera, Fidelio)
  • Night Audit Procedures
  • Revenue Reconciliation
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • HACCP Compliance

Personal Skills

  • Multilingual Communication
  • Guest Relations & CRM
  • Problem Solving & Conflict Resolution
  • Attention to Detail
  • Teamwork & Autonomy

Education & Certifications

Education

Bachelor in Geography

Ibn Zohr University – Agadir | Completed in 2017

Hotel Reception Diploma

OFPPT – ISTHT Founty Agadir | 2015–2017

Certificate in Tourist Animation

Institut des Compétences Hôtelières – Agadir | Completed in 2017

Languages

Arabic Native
French Fluent
English Professional

Hospitality Insights

The Hotel's Silent Guardian: Understanding the Night Auditor

The Night Auditor is a crucial, multifaceted role that forms the backbone of a hotel's daily operations. They are far more than just nighttime receptionists; they are the financial stewards and security anchors of the establishment after dark. The primary function is to close the hotel's financial day, a process known as the 'Night Audit'. This involves verifying and balancing all guest accounts, reconciling revenue from all outlets (room service, restaurants, etc.), and generating critical financial reports for management. This ensures accuracy and sets a clean slate for the next business day. By ensuring all transactions are correctly posted, the auditor safeguards the hotel's revenue and maintains its financial integrity.

References:
- American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). Certified Front Desk Representative Resources.
- Cornell's School of Hotel Administration

A Night in the Life: Core Duties of a Night Auditor

A night auditor's shift is a structured sequence of tasks that blend customer service with meticulous accounting. Key duties include: 1) Processing late check-ins and early check-outs with the same level of service expected during the day. 2) Handling all overnight guest inquiries and resolving issues. 3) Running the Property Management System's (PMS) end-of-day sequence. 4) Posting all room and tax charges for the current day. 5) Verifying that all cash, credit card, and direct billing transactions are balanced. 6) Preparing detailed reports, such as the Daily Operations Report, for the general manager and department heads. 7) Acting as the manager on duty, overseeing the property's security and responding to any emergencies. The shift culminates in preparing the front desk for a seamless handover to the morning team.

References:
- "Front Office SOP – Night Audit Process." Setupmyhotel.com.
- Hospitality Net for articles on front office management.

The Financial Guardian: A Deep Dive into the Audit Process

The core of the night audit is the reconciliation of the guest ledger (accounts of registered guests) and the city ledger (accounts of non-registered guests or organizations). The auditor verifies that all charges posted to guest folios are accurate and have been processed correctly. This includes cross-referencing departmental summaries (e.g., from the bar or restaurant) with the totals posted in the PMS. The goal is to reach a 'zero balance,' where total debits equal total credits. Any discrepancies must be investigated and resolved. The final output is a comprehensive 'audit pack,' which typically includes a summary of cash and credit card transactions, revenue breakdowns by department, occupancy statistics, and a trial balance. This pack is the definitive financial record of the hotel's performance for that day.

References:
- Chatfield, R. E., & Dalbor, C. S. (2012). Hospitality Financial Management. John Wiley & Sons.
- "What is Night Audit in Hotel Front Office?" Xotels.com Blog.

More Than Numbers: The Auditor as a Crisis Manager

Overnight, the night auditor is often the sole authority figure in the hotel. This responsibility extends to ensuring the safety and security of all guests and the property itself. They must be prepared to handle a wide range of situations, from noise complaints and lockouts to serious medical emergencies or fire alarms. An effective auditor remains calm under pressure, follows established emergency protocols, and acts as the primary point of contact for emergency services. They conduct regular security walks, monitor surveillance systems, and address any potential security threats. This ability to solve problems independently and manage crises effectively is a hallmark of a top-tier night auditor.

References:
- U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Hospitality Industry Guidelines.
- AHLA's Safe Stay Initiative

The Auditor's Toolkit: Mastering Hotel PMS Technology

Proficiency in Property Management Systems (PMS) is non-negotiable for a night auditor. Software like Oracle's Opera or Fidelio are industry standards that automate most of the audit process. The auditor must understand not only how to run the end-of-day sequence but also how to troubleshoot common issues, manually post charges, and generate custom reports. Modern auditors also interact with a suite of integrated technologies, including payment gateways for credit card processing, point-of-sale (POS) systems from hotel outlets, and electronic key card systems. A deep understanding of how these systems communicate with the PMS is vital for identifying and rectifying transactional errors during the audit.

References:
- Oracle Hospitality. OPERA 5 Property Management Documentation.
- HotelTechReport for reviews and comparisons of PMS software.

The Midnight Launchpad: Career Paths for a Night Auditor

While it can be a long-term career in itself, the night auditor position is also an exceptional training ground for future hotel leaders. The role provides a unique, comprehensive overview of the entire hotel operation, from guest services to financial control. The skills acquired—financial acumen, meticulous attention to detail, problem-solving, and autonomous decision-making—are highly valued and transferable. A successful night auditor is well-positioned to advance to roles such as Front Office Manager, Assistant Controller, or Revenue Manager. With a complete understanding of the hotel's daily financial pulse, some even use the experience as a stepping stone towards an executive position like General Manager.

References:
- "Is Night Auditor a Good Job for a Career in Hospitality?" Hosco.com Blog.
- Career progression articles on LinkedIn's professional development hub.