JULIA SITHOLE
Kwahu
Summary
Hospitality professional with 18 years of experience in financial and operational leadership within luxury hotels and travel brands in Zimbabwe, Zanzibar, and Ghana. Currently serving as Finance & Operations Consultant at Rock City Hotel, focusing on enhancing cross-departmental functions and guest experiences. Proven expertise in guest management, staff supervision, online booking systems, financial oversight, and inventory control. Dedicated to optimizing operational efficiency and delivering exceptional guest experiences in high-end environments while implementing cost-effective measures.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Finance & Operations Consultant
Rock City Hotel
Ghana
05.2025 - Current
- Support hotel operations across multiple outlets, ensuring smooth coordination between finance, front office, and guest services.
- Collaborate with the Acting General Manager to enhance guest experience and service delivery.
- Supervise inventory and procurement systems for the F&B and housekeeping departments.
- Assist with booking coordination and guest request fulfillment.
- Implement the Online Travel Agents strategy for the hotel.
- Maintain operational and finance documentation, and ensure compliance with hospitality standards.
- Supervise and direct the finance department.
- Provide mentorship and training to junior staff across departments.
Operations Manager
Zanzibar Serene Escapes
Harare
03.2024 - 03.2025
- Coordinated guest itineraries and bookings across two exclusive properties.
- Managed travel logistics including flights, hotels, car rentals, and special requests.
- Supervised travel agents and ensured high-touch guest service.
- Conducted supplier performance checks and resolved service gaps.
- Oversaw inventory tracking and administrative reporting.
- Supported brand visibility through social media engagement (Instagram, Ticktock, X and Facebook).
Assistant General Manager – Finance & Administration
TOA Hotel & Spa Zanzibar
Zanzibar
06.2022 - 03.2024
- Oversaw operational setup and guest readiness as Acting General Manager during hotel pre-opening.
- Led front office and guest services teams to deliver superior hospitality experiences.
- Managed finance department functions and implemented cost control measures for high GOP.
- Coordinated booking management, addressed guest requests, and ensured quality on-site service delivery.
- Supervised staff scheduling, conducted training sessions, and executed performance reviews.
- Oversaw inventory management and procurement processes across all departments.
- Ensured adherence to health, safety, and accessibility standards throughout operations.
Finance & Operations Manager
Pongwe Beach Hotel
Zanzibar
06.2016 - 09.2020
- Oversaw daily hotel operations to ensure seamless guest experiences.
- Supervised a cross-functional team of 100 employees, fostering collaboration and efficiency.
- Implemented a finance strategy that achieved 12% growth in hotel GOP.
- Conducted inventory checks and ensured timely replenishment of supplies.
- Led guest service initiatives, effectively resolving operational challenges.
- Streamlined bookings and reporting through implementation of new systems.
Account Manager
AfricaBookings
Harare
09.2015 - 05.2016
- Coordinated hotel inventory and booking distribution across multiple channels.
- Ensured rate parity and seamless guest booking experiences.
- Maintained strong relationships with contracted hotels and lodges.
Group Central Reservations & Revenue Manager
African Sun Hotels
Harare
10.2008 - 08.2015
- Managed reservations and guest coordination across 12 hotel properties.
- Led revenue and channel management training for operational teams.
- Monitored daily KPIs and advised on service improvements.
Reservations & Revenue Manager
The Victoria Falls Hotel
10.2007 - 10.2008
- Handled guest bookings and special requests for high-profile clientele.
- Mentored junior staff in guest service and operational coordination.
- Analyzed revenue trends to optimize pricing strategies and maximize profitability.
- Developed and implemented budgeting processes to align financial goals with operational plans.
Accountant
Augublic Farm
Harare
10.2005 - 09.2007
- Supported operational budgeting and vendor coordination.
- Streamlined administrative processes and improved reporting accuracy.
- Managed financial records and ensured data accuracy for Augublic Farm operations.
- Prepared monthly financial statements and reports for management review.
Education
IHG Revenue Management Certification -
01.2013
Hotel Manager Development Programme -
African Sun Hotels
01.2009
Bachelor of Accounting -
Africa University
Mutare, Zimbabwe01.2005
ACCA - Part 2
Skills
- Guest experience coordination
- Staff supervision and training
- Booking systems management
- Inventory oversight
- Operational compliance
- Service excellence
- Social media awareness
- Multi-property operations
References
- Mr. Silvanus Humphrey, Acting General Manager, Rock City Hotel, +233 53 104 7377
- Mr. Ashberry Sibanda, Managing Director, Zanzibar Serene Escapes, +263 780 550 713
- Mr. Ally Mohungoo, Former GM, TOA Hotel & Spa, +230 5761 9742
- Ms. Monalisa Mushaninga, Former CFO, Pongwe Beach Hotel, +27 749 939 240
- Mrs. Alana Chinhara, Former Group Marketing Executive, African Sun Ltd, +263 772 822 151
Timeline
Finance & Operations Consultant
Rock City Hotel
05.2025 - Current
Operations Manager
Zanzibar Serene Escapes
03.2024 - 03.2025
Assistant General Manager – Finance & Administration
TOA Hotel & Spa Zanzibar
06.2022 - 03.2024
Finance & Operations Manager
Pongwe Beach Hotel
06.2016 - 09.2020
Account Manager
AfricaBookings
09.2015 - 05.2016
Group Central Reservations & Revenue Manager
African Sun Hotels
10.2008 - 08.2015
Reservations & Revenue Manager
The Victoria Falls Hotel
10.2007 - 10.2008
Accountant
Augublic Farm
10.2005 - 09.2007
IHG Revenue Management Certification -
Hotel Manager Development Programme -
African Sun Hotels
Bachelor of Accounting -
Africa University