At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategies and optimise operations for a luxury hotel.
- Company: The Stafford London, a historic hotel in the heart of the city.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and a chance to work in a prestigious environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and luxurious setting.
- Why this job: Join a team that values ethical practices and strategic financial leadership.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's in finance or accounting with senior finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
WHO ARE WE? Tucked away in the heart of historic St James’s and just moments from London’s iconic landmarks and vibrant West End, The Stafford London embodies traditional British luxury at its finest. The hotel is home to the renowned American Bar, a true London institution, and Michael Caines at The Stafford, where celebrated chef Michael Caines presents a refined take on contemporary British cuisine.
POSITION SUMMARY The Finance Director supports the Chief Operating Officer in optimising financial operations, while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical financial practices and regulatory compliance. This position requires a seasoned financial professional with a track record of leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of finance and accounting principles.
POSITION SCOPE The Finance Director is responsible for overseeing the financial management and strategic financial planning of the Collection. They are accountable for managing financial resources, assessing financial risks, and driving financial performance to meet the company’s goals and objectives.
KEY POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the company's long‑term goals.
- Provide financial analysis and recommendations for decision‑making to support growth and profitability.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
- Maintain compliance with tax laws, regulations, and financial policies.
- Provide financial transparency and accountability to stakeholders, including the board of directors and owning company.
- Manage and provide guidance to finance team, including controllers and assistants.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks that could impact the organization’s stability and performance.
- Optimise financial processes and systems for efficiency and accuracy.
- Identify cost‑saving opportunities and efficiency improvements.
- Monitor and control operational expenses.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Experience: Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field.
- Proven experience in senior finance roles, with a track record of strategic financial leadership.
- Strong knowledge of financial regulations, accounting principles, and tax laws.
- Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Leadership and team management experience.
- Previous experience working with a PMS (Opera) system is essential.
- Highly organized, multitasking individual with a positive attitude & a team player.
- Ability to manage varying needs and prioritizing to ensure the best business results.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential as is the observance of discretion at all times due to the high sensitivity of the information handled.
- An exceptional attention to detail is also required as is a flexible attitude when it comes to working time as the role which is primarily Monday to Friday will occasionally require weekend working.
- Effective written communication skills including the ability to prepare reports and proposals.
Compensation: Competitive salary
Financial Controller in City of Westminster employer: Head Office
The Stafford London is an exceptional employer, offering a unique blend of traditional British luxury and a vibrant work environment in the heart of St James’s. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to ethical practices, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to work alongside renowned culinary talents in a prestigious setting. With a focus on financial excellence and a supportive team culture, this role as Finance Director promises a rewarding career path in one of London's most iconic hotels.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Head Office. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Head Office.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Head Office. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Head Office and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Head Office how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Head Office
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Head Office.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Head Office's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!