CFO

We are delighted to be representing a boutique, luxury hotel group based in France as they seek a new CFO to support the existing board in delivering the Group's strategy, the headlines of which are to rebrand and expand into neighbouring countries with a view to doubling the estate to 15 hotels within 5 years.

This opportunity would suit an experienced, entrepreneurial and fluent French-speaking CFO who is capable of being both strategic and hands-on as they seek to build a framework to create value from the existing portfolio and support the Group's expansion.

Suitable candidates will have extensive experience of operating as a CFO for multi-site, international hospitality/leisure businesses together with carrying deep experience of leading significant, multi-national growth. Key to the role will be experience in acquiring and integrating hotel businesses as well as refinancing Groups and debt to support/fund expansion.

The candidate must have extensive experience operating as a member of the Board and be familiar with tax and structuring issues associated with privately held companies. Previous experience of working with private equity investors is required as the successful individual must be able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

M&A/Corporate Finance

• Contribute to the feasibility and due diligence processes relating to potential acquisitions;
• Assess the financing, legal and tax implications of potential transactions;
• Lead the integration process for acquired entities;
• Establish effective controls and drive efficiencies as the Group expands across multiple jurisdictions.

Strategic Leadership

• With the Board of Directors, develop and refine the Group's strategy;
• Contribute as an effective member of the senior management team including input on strategic and investment opportunities, revenue-generating strategies and cost-control;
• Advise the senior management team and equity partners on investment decisions and provide insights into the financial and operational health of the business, including key analytics;
• Partner with the CEO and COO to develop the Group's strategic planning including medium-to-long term business plans;
• Proactively manage the Group's balance sheet and lead, if and when required, the restructuring of the Group's debt facilities and / or implementation of hedging strategies;

Company Secretarial & Governance

• Develop procedures and policies related to financial, legal and insurance matters;
• Lead the external audit and provide internal audit support to the business;
• Ensure appropriate ROI and cost-controls are in place for capital expenditure projects;
• Lead on company secretarial matters relating to insurances, permits, licences and compliance.

Finance Leadership

• Develop and supervise all aspects of the accounting, tax, treasury, legal, IT and insurance functions;
• Develop and lead the budget and forecasting process ensuring key stakeholders are involved;
• Establish detailed working capital forecasts and maintain adequate working capital for the Group;
• Develop and maintain a long-term cashflow forecast to assist in planning the Group's financing needs and forecasting covenant compliance;
• Comply with all regulatory and covenant requirements of the Group, including tax and statutory reporting;
• Manage the relationship with the outsourced IT provider to ensure appropriate financial and reporting systems are in place to meet the needs of the business and provide compliance with regulations such as GDPR.