New Golf Club Development in St Andrews Head of Finance

Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading finance consulting firm in the UK is seeking a Head of Finance for a new golf club development in St Andrews. This senior role involves overseeing the financial aspects of the project, ensuring compliance, and guiding the establishment of financial systems for long-term success. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in finance, ideally within hospitality, and be a proactive leader ready to take on a pivotal role in launching this unique venture.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior finance role in hospitality or member-based operations.
• Experience managing complex budgets and financial modelling in pre-opening or capital projects.
• Demonstrated ability to build financial infrastructure from the ground up.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial management of the project budget.
• Partner with the General Manager on capital planning and cash flow forecasting.
• Build and implement financial systems, policies, and controls.

Skills

Financial management

Stakeholder management

Complex budget management

Accounting standards knowledge

Financial systems implementation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Master’s degree or professional qualification (CPA, ACCA, CIMA)

Job description

Overview

HEAD OF FINANCE PROFILE:
NEW GOLF CLUB DEVELOPMENT IN ST ANDREWS
FIFE, SCOTLAND

This is a rare opportunity to help guide the financial future of one of Europe’s most thoughtfully conceived club projects. The Head of Finance will be instrumental in launching this landmark destination successfully and ensuring its long-term financial sustainability. Working closely with the executive team, this role covers all aspects of financial leadership, from pre-opening and budgeting to ongoing reporting, compliance, and strategic planning. It’s a chance to shape an ambitious private club from the ground up, bringing rigor, insight, and integrity to a project defined by quality, innovation, and a world-class member experience.

About the New Golf Club Development in St Andrews

Set just moments from the historic town regarded as the birthplace of golf, this exceptional new development is poised to become one of Europe’s premier private clubs. Blending tradition with innovation, the club will offer an extraordinary golf and lifestyle experience for a discerning international membership. At its core is a world-class 18-hole championship course, complemented by a beautifully designed short course and a unique Himalayan-style putting green. The luxurious amenities extend beyond the fairways, including an elegant clubhouse, a thoughtfully restored farmhouse halfway house, a boutique spa, and exquisitely appointed lodges offering refined accommodations. Built to deliver excellence in every detail, the club promises a timeless sense of place, world-class service, and a vibrant, welcoming community.

The new St Andrews development will offer members and non-members a range of world-class amenities, including:

• An 18-hole championship golf course with top-tier practice facilities
• A Par 3 course and a Himalayan putting course
• A clubhouse, spa, lodge, and cottages
• The restoration of the original farmhouse building to create a unique halfway house dining experience

Head of Finance – Key Responsibilities

• Oversee financial management of the project budget, including tracking construction spend, contractor payments, and professional fees.
• Act as the financial liaison between project stakeholders, contractors, consultants, and the Club's executive team.
• Partner with the General Manager on capital planning, cash flow forecasting, and risk assessment.
• Build and implement financial systems, policies, and controls appropriate for both development and operational stages.
• Support development of the club’s pricing models, financial forecasting, and membership accounting framework.
• Lead the creation of operational and capital budgets for opening first-year trading and ongoing.
• Develop financial dashboards and management reports for internal and Committee review.
• Establish financial reporting standards, monthly reconciliation processes, and oversee audit preparation.
• Liaise with General Manager in monthly strategy and finance meetings.
• Build a finance calendar for budgeting, reporting, and compliance deadlines.
• Manage project and operational cash flow to ensure financial health and appropriate liquidity throughout the build and launch period.
• Establish and maintain the Fixed Asset Register.
• Advise on procurement strategies, contractor payment schedules, and project milestone-based disbursements.
• Develop internal financial controls and ensure best practice governance from pre-opening onward.
• Ensure all financial operations comply with statutory obligations including VAT, PAYE, and Companies House requirements.
• Lead engagement with external auditors and legal or financial advisors as needed.
• Oversee selection and implementation of accounting and financial software suitable for both development and long-term operations.
• Ensure secure, scalable systems to support future membership, EPOS, payroll and reporting integration.
• Introduce digital tools to streamline invoice processing, budgeting and forecasting.
• Build and lead the finance function, from hiring key team members to establishing a culture of rigour, transparency and collaboration.
• Support department heads with financial guidance during mobilisation and beyond.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the General Manager and executive team during strategic decision-making.

Candidate Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a senior finance role, ideally within hospitality or member-based operations.
• Experience managing complex budgets and financial modelling in a pre-opening or capital project environment.
• Strong working knowledge of accounting standards, financial controls, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to build financial infrastructure from the ground up.
• Proficiency with financial systems implementation and technology platforms.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A hands-on, solutions-oriented mindset with the confidence to lead through change.
• Alignment with a high-performance culture and a commitment to building something exceptional from day one.

Educational and Certification Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, a Master’s degree, or a professional accounting qualification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CIMA) is highly preferred.
• The selected candidate must have the right to work in the UK.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Instructions on How to Apply

Please upload your CV and cover letter in that order using the link below. You should have your documents fully prepared to be attached when prompted for them during the online application process. Please be sure your image is not present on your CV or cover letter; that should be used on your LinkedIn Profile.

Prepare a thoughtful cover letter addressed to Mr. David Morgan, General Manager, and clearly articulate your alignment with this role, why you want to be considered for this position at this stage of your career, and other factors that make this opportunity attractive to you.

You must apply for this role as soon as possible but no later than Tuesday 30th September 2025. Candidate selections will occur in early October with first stage interviews following shortly after.

Important: Save your CV and letter in the following manner:
"Last Name, First Name - CV" &
"Last Name, First Name - Cover Letter - NGCD - HOF"
(These documents should be in Word or PDF format)

Note: Once you complete the application process, you are not able to go back in and add additional documents.

If you have any questions, please email Patty Sprankle: [e-mail] or Michael Herd: [e-mail]

Lead Search Executives

Michael Herd
Head of International Search & Consulting, KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE

O: 833 KKW-HIRE, ext. 710 – United States
M: [phone] – United Kingdom
[e-mail]