Group Financial Controller

Focus Hotels Management Limited; Derry/Londonderry; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Focus Hotels Management Limited is seeking a Group Financial Controller to lead the finance function for a City of Derry hotel portfolio. You will partner with the General Manager and Ownership, delivering strategic financial direction, governance, and performance insights across operations, procurement, and commercial activities.

You will lead a high-performing finance team, own budgeting, forecasting, month-end close, statutory reporting and audits, while driving process improvements, systems

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant status (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance leadership role.
• Hospitality/hotels experience would be advantageous.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire and develop the Finance team with accountability and continuous improvement.
• Partner with the General Manager and Ownership to support strategic planning and long-term objectives.
• Provide meaningful financial analysis and commercial insight to drive informed decision-making.
• Own monthly management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis and board reporting.
• Drive finance system improvements and data-driven decision support across the business.

Skills

Commercial awareness

Analytical capability

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent

Tools

Finance systems

Job description

Who Are We?

The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites is situated in the heart of the City of Derry in Northern Ireland, just a short walk from the historic Walled City. With 183 modern bedrooms and an excellent reputation for exceptional guest experiences, we are proud to be part of the globally recognised IHG brand. Within the confines of the hotel is also the Kaboodle bar and family entertainment complex featuring indoor mini golf, shuffleboards and Karaoke booths.

We are now seeking an experienced and commercially focused Group Financial Controller to join our leadership team and help drive the continued success and growth of the business.

Role Responsibilities

We are seeking an exceptional Group Financial Controller to play a pivotal role in the continued success and growth of our hotel business. This is far more than a traditional finance position. We are looking for a commercially minded leader who can provide strategic insight, drive operational excellence, and partner with senior stakeholders to influence business performance.

As a key member of the leadership team, you will work closely with the General Manager and Ownership, providing expert financial guidance while leading a high-performing finance function. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual who thrives in a dynamic hospitality environment and enjoys making a tangible impact across the business.

Strategic Leadership & Business Partnering

As the finance lead for the business, you will:

• Lead, inspire and develop the Finance team, developing a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Partner with the General Manager and Ownership to support strategic planning and long-term business objectives.
• Deliver meaningful financial analysis and commercial insight to drive informed decision-making.
• Build strong relationships across all departments, including Operations, Procurement, Sales and Customer Services.
• Support business transformation initiatives and cross-functional projects that enhance performance and profitability.

Financial Control & Reporting

You will take ownership of all aspects of financial management, including:

• Preparation of accurate monthly management accounts and month-end reporting.
• Production of monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports.
• Budgeting, forecasting and detailed variance analysis.
• Cash flow forecasting, banking relationships and covenant reporting.
• Statutory accounts preparation and management of the annual audit process.
• VAT returns and compliance with accounting standards, tax legislation and HMRC requirements.
• Monitoring balance sheet reconciliations and ensuring the integrity of financial records.
• Developing and maintaining robust financial controls, policies and governance frameworks.
• Production of Board reporting packs and ad hoc financial analysis.

Commercial Finance

Using data to drive results, you will:

• Monitor business performance, profitability and margins across the hotel operation.
• Identify trends, risks and opportunities to maximise revenue and profitability.
• Provide financial evaluation of key business projects and investment opportunities.
• Support departmental leaders with budget setting and performance management.

Systems & Process Improvement

You will champion technology and continuous improvement by:

• Acting as the finance systems lead and subject matter expert.
• Driving process improvements through effective utilisation of finance and reporting systems.
• Enhancing automation and reducing manual processes across the finance function.
• Supporting the integration of purchasing, inventory management and order management systems into the wider finance platform.
• Strengthening financial controls, reporting accuracy and data quality.
• Improving inventory visibility and margin protection, particularly across Food & Beverage operations.

Data & Business Intelligence

You will play a key role in developing a data-driven culture by:

• Creating and enhancing financial dashboards and KPI reporting.
• Providing actionable insight into profitability, stock management, customer performance and operational efficiency.
• Supporting business leaders with meaningful reporting that drives informed decisions.

Payroll & Benefits

You will oversee payroll and benefits administration, ensuring:

• Accuracy, compliance and confidentiality at all times.
• Effective management of payroll processes and external providers.
• Continuous review of systems and suppliers to drive efficiency and best value.

Accounts Receivable & Credit Control

You will ensure strong cash collection and working capital management through:

• Leadership of the Accounts Receivable and Credit Control functions.
• Effective billing processes for corporate accounts, events, conferences, groups and leisure customers.
• Monitoring debtor performance and implementing robust collection procedures.
• Reviewing credit applications and customer credit limits.
• Working closely with operational teams to resolve disputes and improve cash collection.
• Ensuring all adjustments and corrections are accurately recorded and controlled.

Accounts Payable

Your responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing supplier payment processes and purchasing compliance.
• Ensuring invoices are authorised, processed and paid accurately and on time.
• Managing supplier relationships and payment terms to optimise working capital.
• Monitoring supplier reconciliations and resolving outstanding queries promptly.

About You

We're looking for a commercially astute finance professional who brings:

• Qualified accountant status (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Proven experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance leadership role.
• Strong commercial awareness and analytical capability.
• Experience within hospitality, hotels, leisure or multi-site operations would be highly advantageous.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive approach to systems improvement, process optimisation and business partnering.
• The ability to influence, challenge and support senior leaders in equal measure.

Why Join Us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to become a key member of the leadership team within a growing and ambitious hospitality business. You will have the opportunity to influence strategy, shape financial performance and deliver meaningful change while working alongside passionate and experienced colleagues.

If you're a commercially focused finance leader looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.