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- Tasks: Lead financial operations and strategic growth for Daytona Group.
- Company: Join Daytona, a leader in leisure and hospitality with award-winning circuits.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive salary, performance bonuses, and free karting events.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategies while influencing key decisions in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: ACCA/ACA/CIMA qualified with senior finance experience in multi-site operations.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performing team with opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 80000 £ per year.
Job Location: Daytona Sandown Park, Esher
Commencing: June 2025
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Place in Organisation: Leadership Team
Salary: £75,000- £80,000 + Performance Bonus + Benefits
Hours: Full time, flexible hours
MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB
The Head of Finance (HOF) is a core member of Daytona's leadership team, working closely with the CEO, COO, and wider senior management to drive the Group’s financial performance and strategic growth. The HOF holds full ownership of Daytona’s financial operations, planning, and reporting, ensuring strong governance, accurate forecasting, and the delivery of ambitious EBITDA targets across all venues and business units. This is a pivotal role that demands a commercially astute, hands-on finance leader who can translate data into decisions, challenge and support the wider business, and embed financial discipline at every level of the organisation.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Strategic Financial Leadership
- Translate Daytona’s growth strategy into clear financial models, forecasts, and plans
- Lead Group-wide cashflow management, forecasting, and investment planning
- Support M&A activity, commercial due diligence, and risk assessment
- Identify and deliver margin improvement and cost-saving initiatives
- Present financial insights and board-level recommendations to inform decision-making
- Oversee insurance strategies and group-wide risk management
- Operational Finance & Compliance
- Oversee budgeting cycles, management accounts, and statutory reporting
- Lead all areas of financial compliance including VAT, PAYE, audits, PCI DSS, and Companies House submissions
- Support procurement processes and supplier negotiations
- Oversee finance systems, controls, and reconciliations to ensure operational integrity
- Support stock management, pricing strategy, and CapEx forecasting across venues
- Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing finance function
- Manage and mentor key reports including Management Accountant and Purchase Ledger
- Embed a culture of ownership, accuracy, and continuous improvement
- Establish clear KPIs, workflows, and review cycles across the department
- Business Partnership & Collaboration
- Partner with the COO and Venue GMs on cost control, forecasting, and operational margin delivery
- Work with the HR team to align payroll, workforce planning, and cost reporting
- Collaborate with Sales and Marketing on revenue tracking and commercial performance
- Support Engineering and Ops with asset lifecycle and CapEx planning
- Represent Finance in leadership meetings and cross-department projects
ABOUT YOU
- ACCA / ACA / CIMA qualified (or equivalent)
- Extensive experience in a senior finance role, ideally in leisure, hospitality, or multi-site operations
- Proven ability to lead teams, improve systems, and scale finance processes
- Commercially sharp, with a strong understanding of operational KPIs and margin drivers
- Excellent communicator, comfortable influencing board-level decisions
- Hands-on, resilient, and energised by growth and transformation
WHAT WE OFFER
- A pivotal role shaping the financial direction of the Daytona Group
- Executive-level visibility and influence
- Competitive salary and bonus structure
- Free karting and team events across our award-winning circuits
- Generous staff perks and professional development opportunities
Locations
Head of Finance (Esher) employer: DAYTONA SANDOWN PARK LIMITED
Contact Detail:
DAYTONA SANDOWN PARK LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance (Esher)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the leisure and hospitality sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who may have insights into the role or the company. This can help you gain valuable information and potentially get a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Daytona's financial performance and strategic goals. Understanding their current challenges and opportunities will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews, showcasing how your skills can directly contribute to their objectives.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led financial transformations in previous roles. Highlight your experience in managing cash flow, improving margins, and implementing financial controls, as these are crucial for the Head of Finance position.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your leadership style and team development strategies. Be ready to share how you've successfully built high-performing finance teams and fostered a culture of continuous improvement, as this aligns with the expectations for the role at Daytona.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance (Esher)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in finance, particularly in leadership roles within the leisure or hospitality sectors. Emphasise your qualifications (ACCA/ACA/CIMA) and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive financial performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate why you are the right fit for the Head of Finance role. Discuss your strategic vision for financial leadership and how your past experiences align with Daytona's goals. Be sure to mention your ability to influence board-level decisions and lead teams effectively.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Focus on showcasing skills that are crucial for this role, such as cashflow management, financial compliance, and team leadership. Use specific examples from your previous roles to illustrate how you've successfully implemented these skills in practice.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your documents. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that your formatting is consistent. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is vital for a finance leader.
How to prepare for a job interview at DAYTONA SANDOWN PARK LIMITED
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
As the Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of financial operations and strategic growth. Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial modelling, forecasting, and how you've previously driven EBITDA targets in your past roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex financial situations. Think of examples where you've successfully managed cash flow, led M&A activities, or implemented cost-saving initiatives, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Team Development
This role requires strong leadership skills. Share your experiences in leading finance teams, mentoring staff, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Highlight specific KPIs you’ve established and how they contributed to team success.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Departmental Collaboration
The Head of Finance will work closely with various departments. Prepare to discuss how you've partnered with other teams, such as HR or Sales and Marketing, to align financial strategies with operational goals. Show that you can communicate effectively across all levels of an organisation.
