The role of the front office manager is detailed more completely later in this chapter. In
short, however, the major responsibilities of the front office manager include reviewing the
final draft of the night audit, a daily review of the financial accounting procedures at the
front desk and other guest service areas during the previous 24-hour period and an analysis of operating results; operating and monitoring the reservation system; developing and
operating an effective communication system with front office staff and other department
directors; supervising daily registrations and checkouts; overseeing and developing
employees; establishing in-house sales programs at the front desk; preparing budgets and
cost-control systems; forecasting room sales; and maintaining business relationships with
regular corporate and community leaders. The front office manager works with an assistant front office manager, a night auditor, a reservations manager, and a bell captain to
tend to the details of running an efficient department.
These are just a few of the responsibilities of the front office manager. The front office
is a pivotal point in communication among in-house sales, delivery of service to the guest,
and financial operations. The poition requires an individual who can manage the many
details of guest needs, employee supervision, interdepartmental communication, and