Master Account
A Master Account is a key tool in event planning and hotel management that helps organize the financial aspects of large events or group bookings. It's like a central billing system where all event-related expenses (such as guest rooms, meeting spaces, catering, and equipment rentals) are collected into one main account instead of being billed separately. Event planners use this to keep track of costs, manage budgets, and ensure proper billing for their clients. This approach is commonly used for conferences, corporate events, and weddings where multiple services and charges need to be consolidated.
Examples in Resumes
Managed Master Account billing for corporate conventions with 500+ attendees
Coordinated Master Bill reconciliation for international conference events
Handled Master Account negotiations and contract terms for multi-day business seminars
Typical job title: "Event Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Event Managers
Professional Associations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle disputes or discrepancies in a Master Account billing?
Expected Answer: A senior event manager should explain their process for reviewing charges, working with hotel accounting, maintaining documentation, and negotiating resolutions while maintaining client relationships.
Q: What strategies do you use when negotiating Master Account terms with venues?
Expected Answer: Should discuss understanding of payment terms, deposit schedules, credit policies, and how to secure favorable terms while protecting both client and venue interests.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you track and manage multiple Master Account expenses during an event?
Expected Answer: Should explain their system for monitoring charges, communicating with departments, using tracking spreadsheets, and ensuring all charges are properly authorized.
Q: What information do you review daily during an event with a Master Account?
Expected Answer: Should mention checking room pickup reports, reviewing banquet checks, monitoring incidental charges, and verifying contracted rates are being applied correctly.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is a Master Account and why is it important for events?
Expected Answer: Should explain that it's a centralized billing system for group events and why it helps organize charges and simplify payment processes.
Q: What typical charges are included in a Master Account?
Expected Answer: Should list common items like meeting room rental, catering, audio-visual equipment, guest room charges, and discuss which charges typically go to master versus individual payment.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of hotel billing systems
- Ability to review basic contracts
- Knowledge of standard event charges
- Basic budgeting skills
Mid (2-5 years)
- Master Account reconciliation
- Contract negotiation
- Budget management
- Vendor relationship management
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex billing dispute resolution
- Strategic contract negotiation
- Risk management
- Financial forecasting and analysis
Red Flags to Watch For
- No experience with group billing or hotel contracts
- Lack of basic budgeting knowledge
- Poor attention to detail in financial matters
- Limited understanding of hotel operations and billing procedures
Related Terms
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