Job Description

Job Summary

We're looking for an experienced and commercially focused Head of Finance to lead financial strategy, reporting, and performance across our portfolio of globally recognised hospitality and leisure franchise brands.

This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who thrives in a growing, fast-paced multi-brand environment and wants to shape the financial future of the business.

You'll manage and develop the finance team, drive financial governance, improve processes, and work closely with senior leadership to support growth and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.

- Provide strategic guidance to the CEO and Board on business performance and investments.

- Support modelling for new site openings, refurbishments, and franchise expansions.

- Identify opportunities to improve margins and operational efficiency.

Financial Management & Reporting

- Oversee all financial reporting, including management accounts, P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow.

- Ensure accurate and timely month-end and year-end close.

- Deliver KPIs, dashboards, and variance analysis across brands.

- Manage statutory reporting, audits, and compliance with UK GAAP and HMRC.

Treasury, Tax & Compliance

- Oversee group cash flow, intercompany transactions, and banking relationships.

- Approve PAYE, VAT, AOE, and corporate tax submissions.

- Maintain strong internal controls and financial governance.

Systems, Processes & Continuous Improvement

- Champion automation and digital finance improvements.

- Optimise use of financial systems (Xero, Hubdoc, POS integrations).

- Standardise processes and reporting across brands.

- Drive best practices in procurement, cost control, and vendor management.

Required Skills & Experience

- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).

- 7+ years' experience in finance leadership roles.

- Experience working in multi-entity, hospitality, retail, or franchise organisations.

- Strong knowledge of UK accounting standards, tax, and statutory compliance.

- Proven track record in budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and business partnering.

- Confident managing audits, financial controls, and system improvements.

- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

- Experience leading and developing finance teams.

- Must live within a commutable distance to West Malling.

Technical Skills (Software Requirements)

- Advanced Microsoft financial analysis skills, including Excel (Power Query, Power Pivot, advanced modelling).

- Experience using DataRails for budgeting, forecasting, FP&A, and automated reporting.

- Strong ability to create charts, graphs, and visual dashboards (e.g., pie charts) using Excel, Google Sheets, Power BI, or similar tools.

- Familiarity with AI-based financial tools and automation solutions.

What We Offer

- Competitive salary + annual performance bonus.

- Hybrid working model (3 days office / 2 days remote).

- Opportunities for progression within a growing multi-brand organisation.

- Gym membership.

- Supportive, inclusive, and dynamic company culture.

About Us

We are a family-owned group with over 20 years of success across hospitality, leisure, and franchise operations. Our portfolio includes internationally recognised fast-food and gym brands. We pride ourselves on innovation, integrity, and a people-first approach--continuously striving for operational excellence and sustainable growth.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 65,000.00-75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Employee discount Flexitime On-site parking Referral programme Store discount Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in West Malling ME19 5SH