Position: Financial Controller
Reporting Structure: General Manager and dotted line to Hamilton Pyramid (Management Company)
Who are we?
We are a 30 bedroom & suite 5-star luxury lifestyle boutique hotel located in the heart of Chelsea. Set in a 19th century building next to Sloane Square station and featuring a top floor restaurant (46 covers), an intimate cocktail bar (60 covers), and exceptionally designed bedrooms, the property has been elegantly restored to create unique experiences.
Within one of London’s most stylish interiors, the hotel combines the quintessentially British style of the Cadogan Estate with a unique French touch. Designed as an exceptional and inspiring destination, it highlights the distinguished and historic pedigree of the Sloane Square Conservation Area in a private and intimate setting.
Independently run, the hotel employs passionate, focused individuals with a determination to succeed. To assist us in hosting our wonderful clients, we are on the search for the ambassadors of this truly unique property. They will be given the opportunity to make their own mark while delivering an exceptional service of unparalleled quality.
What will I be doing?
We are looking for a strategic and detail-oriented finance professional to lead our Finance/Accounting department. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of managerial experience in the finance function of a high-end hotel operation, demonstrating strong financial reporting skills and commercial acumen.
As our hotel continues to grow, you will play a pivotal role in establishing key financial controls and systems. A primary responsibility will be collaborating with our outsourced accountancy firm to refine financial policies and procedures, ensuring full compliance with internal and external stakeholder requirements.
You will work closely with colleagues across all departments, providing financial insights to support the Executive Committee and Heads of Department in optimising financial performance. Encouraging a culture of continuous improvement, you will challenge the status quo and introduce innovative solutions to enhance overall financial efficiency.
Reporting to the General Manager, you will be a key member of the Executive Committee, directly managing and developing a full-time Finance Assistant, including their retention/recruitment and leading performance appraisals. Additionally, you will oversee key compliance and operational responsibilities, including Data Protection (GDPR), PCI compliance, ESG performance monitoring, and CAPEX tracking.
While this role is not customer-facing, you will be present in public areas and must maintain a professional demeanour, ensuring minimal disruption to guests.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Operations & Reporting:
* Oversee daily financial processes, ensuring accurate and timely reporting in collaboration with the Finance Assistant and outsourced accounting firm.
* Take a hands-on approach to finance operations, including Income Audit, Accounts Payable, and General Cashiering when necessary.
* Consolidate payroll, pensions, and attendance records for processing by the outsourced accounting firm.
* Manage Credit Control and Accounts Receivable functions.
* Prepare and present monthly financial reports, including P&L statements, Balance Sheets, KPI analysis, and Budget variances.
* Support Heads of Department in preparing financial commentary and forecasting.
* Lead cash flow and treasury management, including monthly trading and cash-flow forecasts.
Compliance & Audit:
* Ensure compliance with statutory financial obligations (VAT, Corporation Tax, PAYE, etc.), reviewing and approving submissions.
* Coordinate audit processes with the outsourced accounting firm.
* Establish and enforce financial policies, internal controls, and operational efficiencies to maximise profitability.
Strategic Finance & Leadership
* Partner with Heads of Department and Operator representatives to provide financial guidance and lead on budgeting and forecasting.
* Attend monthly Owner’s Meetings, presenting financial data and addressing finance-related queries.
* Act as the primary liaison with the bank and oversee treasury arrangements.
* Serve as the company’s Data Protection Officer, ensuring GDPR compliance and handling information requests.
* Support the General Manager, Chief Engineer, and Operator representatives in developing financial reports for annual capital projects.
Note: The responsibilities listed above outline the key aspects of the role but are not exhaustive. All employees are expected to maintain a flexible approach to their duties.
Candidate Profile
* Minimum of two years’ experience in a similar role within a hotel environment, ideally with exposure to an outsourced accounting firm structure.
* Previous experience in a hotel setting is advantageous.
* CIMA or ACCA qualified is advantageous.
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
* A proactive, results-driven mindset with the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
* High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.
* Strong analytical and numerical skills.
* Team-oriented, with an open, participative, and collaborative leadership style.
* Flexible working approach to accommodate business needs.
* French language proficiency is desirable but not essential.
* Must have the legal right to work in the UK.
What will I get?
* Competitive salary aligned with experience, based on a 48-hour work week, enhanced by a discretionary bonus scheme and an additional estimated service charge ranging from £8,000 to £10,000.
* Enhanced contributory pension scheme for long-term financial planning.
* Increased holiday allowance with length of service
* Complimentary meal while on duty
* HSF Health Plan*
* Dental cost reimbursement
* Optical cost reimbursement
* Complimentary coverage for your partner and children
* High street and grocery shopping discounts, as well as discounted cinema tickets and more.
* Gym membership discounts.
* Access to a 24/7 GP advice line and counselling services, including support for dependents.
*Upon successful completion of the probation period
*The service charge range fluctuates based on our forecasted business levels and may vary from month to month.