Financial Controller

About Us Stay Original Company owns and operates an award-winning collection of freehold inns, restaurants and boutique hotels in the South West. The company currently has seven trading businesses in Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire and is growing through further acquisitions. The business is performing strongly and currently turns over £13m pa with 250 staff. We pride ourselves on offering a warm and friendly culture for both our customers and staff.

Purpose of the Role:
To lead our well-established finance team and drive improvements to financial information and processes as we grow. To manage and develop two experienced finance assistants and create opportunities for progression. Supporting the Finance Director and Managing Director in implementing effective strategies to enhance business performance.

Key Responsibilities and Duties Leading the finance function across the business overseeing all areas of financial control including income and bank reconciliations, purchase ledger and payroll. Producing timely monthly consolidated management accounts including P&L, Balance Sheets, cashflows, margin analysis reports and variance analysis. Leading the management of the annual audit and completion of statutory financial accounts . Preparation of VAT returns for all businesses to HMRC.

Month end close, including, accruals, prepayments, HP finance reconciliations, fixed assets and depreciation. Analysing financial information to assist business profitability and growth. Acting as an interface with site based operational teams to maintain strong working relationships and improve financial efficiency. Managing banking relationships. Constantly looking for ways to improve margins, reduce overheads or streamline business processes. Ad hoc tasks as required by the directors.

Essential

Skills Required:

Qualified ACCA/CIMA/ACA or AAT with appropriate experience Strong background in management accounting and cash flow control Experience in multi-site hospitality or retail businesses. Self-motivated, pro-active, decisive and pragmatic.

A confident communicator and able to work at pace and with minimal supervision. Strong work ethic, organised and deadline focused with great attention to detail. Flexibility, able to handle ad hoc queries for the FD/MD and absorb new projects. Continuous improvement mindset. Able to build and maintain strong relationships within the business and externally. Desirable

Skills:

Solid UK GAAP knowledge Proficient with Sage (we are in the process of moving from Sage 50 to Sage Intacct).

Experience of implementing new accounting systems Advanced Excel user and experienced in other Microsoft Office packages. Ability to learn new systems (eg EPOS, rota management, room booking) as needed for the role. Benefits:
Company pension Eat out in any of our 7 sites for free, twice a month Hospitality Rewards employee platform Discounted stays Health & wellbeing programme 25 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays Cycle to work scheme