The Organisation
Wickman Hotels is an extremely successful owner managed group of hotels based on the beautiful Isle of Skye, incorporated in 1999. Employing 65 members of staff and with plans to acquire more hotels, the portfolio is growing rapidly, and with that growth, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Finance to join the leadership team, on a full time basis, although candidates looking for a part time opportunity are also welcome to apply.
A family owned business, Wickman Hotels owns the stunning Cuillin Hills Hotel in Portree, on the famous Isle of Skye, which enjoys some of the finest and most spectacular views set within fifteen acres of mature private grounds overlooking Portree Bay.
Formerly Portree Lodge, the Cuillin Hills Hotel was originally built in 1865 as a shooting lodge/dower house. In the early 20th century, the Lodge was used more often as a residence, it was sold in the mid 1960s, converted to a hotel, and has operated as the Cuillin Hills Hotel since then.
With exciting plans to grow the business, Wickman Hotels recently acquired the Flodigarry Hotel, set in a magnificent Victorian house, this hotel offers guests a unique and intimate experience.
Job Specification
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced finance professional to manage all financial functions of the business. This is a unique senior role in a rapidly growing SME and requiring a candidate who is able to make critical decisions and have significant involvement in all parts of the business. This includes playing a key role in the integration of a recent acquisition and supporting with further acquisitions and development projects in the future.
The purpose of this role is to provide strategic commercial leadership, functional guidance and valuable insights to the Directors, Group General Manager and key leaders, for optimal business decisions. The successful candidate will interact regularly with internal and external stakeholders, including insurance companies, tax consultants, auditors and the bank to effectively control the assets of the business.
The Head of Finance position requires a motivated team player with strong accounting, communication, business presentation, systems and analytical skills, ideally with knowledge of the hospitality sector, however candidates coming from other industries, as well as the profession will also be considered. An individual who either has a professional qualification (ACA / CA / ACCA / AMCT) or is qualified by experience would be suitable. Excellent technical knowledge is essential, however so is a hands-on approach with the right attitude for rolling up sleeves as and when required. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, with a passion for efficiency in operations, who can effectively communicate complex information and help manage key stakeholder relationships.
Key Responsibilities:
- Build and maintain annual hotel budgets, P&L’s, cashflows and projections.
- Oversee end of year accounts preparation, returns and financial audit (working with external accountants and auditors)
- Preparation and submission of quarterly VAT returns.
- Assisting Directors in evaluating investment decisions and tracking return on investment of capital in the business across various projects.
- Manage, train and support the accounts team whilst ensuring strict, compliant processes are implemented throughout the team.
- Contribute to all business decisions of the hotel regarding revenue generation, hotel expenditure and investment. To assist in the acquisition of new properties and land transactions.
- Review financial performance of department/area, analysis of variances, forecasts and budgets. Challenge existing strategies and/or recommend alternate strategies to continually improve effectiveness of the business or financial management.
- To assist other department heads in the development and implementation of “corrective action plans” on internal and or external audit and operational reports
- To assist in the development of the business acumen of all levels of the hotel leadership team to ensure they understand the impact of every component on the business as a whole and embrace the fiscal reporting processes, and information available in order to drive the performance of their areas of responsibility
- To assist in the development and implementation of benchmarking techniques that will enable the hotel to enhance revenues while improving productivity and cost efficiencies. To seek, identify and implement throughout the hotel best practices that will serve to enhance revenues, guest service and improve cost and productivity efficiencies.
- Group accounting – i.e. preparation of consolidated group accounts and management information.
- To recommend and assist in the design, implementation, and use of methods and procedures that improve the accuracy of working schedules, labour standards, forecast, plans to assist operational staff. Monitor on an ongoing basis the accuracy and recommend correct measurements as necessary.
- Reporting and compliance of company contracts – Suppliers, leasing, software, support, utilities etc.
- Payroll compliance, employee holiday management, and associated submissions to HMRC.
- Council Non-Domestic Business Rates Renewals and Proposals
- Assistance with new software and procedural implementation
- Director HMRC Tax returns and any P11D or other associated returns
- Oversee Voucher transaction reporting and reconciliations
- Balance Sheet reconciliations
- Maintenance of fixed asset registers
- Completion of ONS surveys
- Preparation of standard and ad hoc reports/task
Candidate Requirements:
- Demonstrable experience of working in a similar role.
- Qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Experienced user of XERO Accounting Software (or similar Sage 50 accounts)
- Guestline experience would be useful but not essential
- Proficient use of Microsoft Excel and Word.
- Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
- A team player with an excellent attention to detail and accuracy in your work.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary, £60,000 – £65,000 plus monthly bonus and pension
Holiday, 30 days
Private Medical Insurance, BUPA
Hybrid working, A flexible work from home policy, with the requirement to be on site 4 – 6 days a month. The successful applicant will be expected to visit Skye frequently for the first 8 – 12 weeks to ensure a smooth transition into the role.
Additional Benefits, Meals and staff Accommodation on site during visits
How to Apply:
If you are interested in a confidential discussion about this opportunity, or on your job search in general, please get in touch with retained advisor Amy Peoples on 07399 980 038 or [email protected].
Please note that all third party applications will be directed to Métier Peoples for inclusion in the process.
