Head of Finance

This is a fantastic opportunity for a highly motivate ACA qualified senior finance professional to join a growing and acquisitive, PE backed, leisure business. The business has made the strategic decision to relocate their finance department to Wembley and as such requires an experienced individual to put forward a recommended team structure that will be better placed to support the business as it embarks on a rapid growth plan. You will have full autonomy to recruit the desired team around you. The business plans to double in size over the next 18 months through acquisitions in both Europe and the US. 

Candidates will be ACA qualified with more than 7 years PQE. Demonstrable senior finance experience gained from a multi-site, customer facing business is essential as is experience of recruiting and leading teams.

You will support the CFO in the refinancing of the business and eventual transaction. The successful candidate will be looking to use this experience as a launch pad to a Finance Director role in the future.  

Key responsibilities

1. Support the CFO in driving revenues and margins in the further development of the business.
2. Lead a high-performance finance function, enabling the team to support key business decisions with "first class" financial data.
3. Provide detailed financial planning for the future growth.
4. Maintain the highest standards of compliance and financial control.
5. Accountable for financial matters which includes but is not limited to Accounting, Accounts Payable/Receivable, Financial Analytics, Taxes, Internal Audit and Management Reporting.
6. Develop and oversee accounting policies and procedures to ensure that results are reported appropriately and on a timely basis.
7. Month end reporting of profit and loss, balance sheet and cash flow and managing the monthly business review process through to stakeholders including the bank
8. Business planning through the Annual Budget, monthly reforecast process and weekly cashflow process
9. Managing the year end statutory accounts and audit including external advisers such as auditors and legal representative
10. Weekly sales reporting and commercial analysis
11. Business partner to Operations, Marketing and central support services

Requirements-Essential

• Qualified accountant (ACA)
• Previous management of a full finance function in a multi-site environment for a customer facing business
• Demonstrable experience of team management and development
• Ownership and development of a controls environment in a cash based business
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent communication skills including powerpoint and excel
• Can-do attitude and positive approach
• Interest in sports

Requirements-Preferred

• Leisure industry
• Experience of optimising use of Netsuite, in particular development of reporting and forecasting software e.g. adaptive insights, BOXII.