Rutherford Cross is delighted to bring to market the following Finance Director role with Inverarity Morton in Glasgow.

Founded in 1945, Inverarity Morton is Scotland’s leading independent wines and spirits merchant. By focusing on their people, product and service, they have worked hard to establish a reputation at the forefront of their industry.

As a composite wholesaler, the business is able to supply the licensed trade with an unrivalled portfolio of packaged drinks products. Their wine list features over 2,000 wines handpicked from around the world, many of which the business carries exclusively, and they are the only SOPA-certified organic wine importer in Scotland. Inverarity Morton has an extensive range of boutique premium spirits, with craft beers, real ales and soft drinks also forming part of their drinks portfolio.

The business buys from source and keeps costs competitive so customers can get more for their money. The business also runs a wine school which is a global centre of excellence for hospitality training so customers can get more from their staff.

The business is expected to turnover nearer to £45-£50m this year due to the impact of the pandemic on the hospitality trade. However, Inverarity Morton is adapting their business model to combat the changing COVID 19 environment by pivoting into the home delivery service of its products to consumers. This is a highly competitive but also sizable market in the UK, attracting margins of c30% that are significantly higher than in the core B2B business. However, with strong cash and stock reserves, the business is well placed to attack the retail market with confidence.

The Finance Director will be a key member of the Executive team and responsible for the following key deliverables:

• Form a close working relationship with the Managing Director and the wider Senior Leadership Team
• Lead and own the finance strategy to help optimise the company’s financial performance and commercial position
• Take overall control of the company’s accounting function
• Contribute fully to the development of company strategy across all areas of the business, challenging assumptions and decision-making as appropriate and providing financial analysis and guidance on all activities, plans, targets and business drivers
• Ensure that company financial systems are robust, compliant and support current activities and future growth
• Lead and develop the finance team, ensuring it is fit for purpose as the business grows
• Ongoing development of the monthly board pack including the preparation and presentation of financial information, value-added commentary, KPIs and analysis to help the board understand better and improve the performance of the business
• Ensure corporate budgeting processes are carried out and reviewed
• Take ultimate responsibility for the company cash management policies and performance
• Form opinion and evaluate impact of technical matters/disclosure and recommend appropriate policies to senior management/audit committee
• Planning, overseeing and reviewing the preparation of monthly consolidated accounts and reports to the Board of Directors
• Ensure the presence of robust financial controls and risk management frameworks
• Manage company policies regarding capital requirements, debt, taxation, as appropriate
• Establish a high level of credibility and manage strong working relationships with external parties including customers, suppliers, bankers and advisors
• Support the Managing Director by playing a key part in the expansion of the business through sound financial stewardship
• Provide ad hoc detailed analysis of business activity as required
• Ensure all relevant compliance in relation to VAT and Duty Tax

A summary of the key candidate requirements are as follows:

Experience:

• An experienced finance professional with a proven track record of success within a similar, challenging role
• A background working in a fast paced, complex, an entrepreneurially led business environment
• Experienced in working with a Board, building their confidence in the reporting, financial models and processes/controls
• Willing to take ownership for driving performance across the business, seeking involvement and engagement in all value drivers appropriately
• A strong relationship builder who will challenge and collaborate internally and externally
• Extremely strong commercial acumen with the skills to input positively into commercial contracts, customer/supplier relationships and any other drivers that can boost financial performance
• A good strategic thinker who can execute key decisions in a balanced way, effectively assessing the risk versus opportunity equation
• Experience of operating in a mid-sized, privately owned business would be useful but not essential
• A sound knowledge of VAT and Duty Tax would be advantageous

Qualifications
• Degree qualified with a strong academic track record
• Professionally qualified accountant (CA, ACCA, ACMA) with PQE consummate with a role at this level of responsibility

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
• Knowledgeable on current accounting standards and any proposed changes that are applicable to the business
• Ability to prioritise and adapt to workload
• Strong analytical, organisational and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills with an ability to influence key members of senior management
• Ability to assess and drive business improvement projects
• Excellent IT skills, with a proven track record in optimising finance systems

Other Key Characteristics & Behaviours
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Brings energy and naturally motivates teams
• High levels of drive and personal commitment to achieve success
• Remains calm when under pressure
• Commercially curious and relishes challenges
• Results driven and respect for deadlines
• Anticipates stakeholder needs
• Not afraid to challenge the status quo and evaluate/present alternatives as required
• Strong team player

For more information/review of full position profile please contact the retained advisors on this assignment: Mark Lewis- marklewis@rutherfordcross,com or John Ramsay- [email protected]