Group Finance Director in London

A privately owned group with a large multi-site hospitality estate is looking to hire a Group Finance Director.This is a senior leadership role rather than a hands-on one. The Group Finance Director will be the senior finance leader in the business, working closely with the CEO and acting as the key decision-maker in the CEO's absence. You will lead an established in-house team that includes two Heads of Finance, a Payroll Manager, and an insourced payroll, AP, and AR function.Combining strategic judgment with practicality, you’ll own financial planning, reporting, funding, and controls, giving the business the insight and capacity to pursue its ambitions.Please note that this role is office-based, 5 days p/week.Key responsibilitiesAct as a trusted adviser to the CEO, offering clear recommendations and constructive challenge on growth, profitability and risk.Own the budget, forecasts and long-term financial model across all Group entities.Make sure the Board receives timely, accurate management information, and hold the team accountable for its delivery.Partner with operational leaders on site and brand performance, including like-for-like sales, labour, food cost, site contribution and returns on capital.Lead the financial appraisal of acquisitions, new sites, developments and disposals, including recent multi-site acquisitions funded in cash, and oversee post-deal integration.Manage cash, liquidity and banking relationships, including property-related borrowing.Take overall accountability for consolidation, statutory accounts, audit and tax compliance, working with external advisers.Provide strong oversight of payroll for a large, multi-site workforce, a key area of focus for the business.Coach and mentor the finance team, with clear responsibilities, accountability and succession planning.Improve systems and processes. Sage 200 experience would be beneficial.The personACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified, with substantial post-qualification experience in senior finance leadership.A proven CFO or Finance Director in a multi-entity, multi-site business, ideally branded high-volume food service, franchising, leisure or property.Comfortable leading through senior managers while keeping a firm grip on the numbers.Experience in acquisitions and integration, property appraisal and working with a family-owned business.The gravitas and communication skills to advise a CEO and owner directly.