Rutherford Cross is delighted to be working with Loch Lomond Group on a retained basis to appoint an Accounting Manager.

Company Overview

The Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller and blender of some of the finest and rarest Scotch Whiskies in the world. Its heritage is amongst the oldest in the industry.

In March 2014 the business acquired the Loch Lomond Distillery Company, The Glen Scotia Distillery and The Glen Catrine Bottling Plant, and with them, a history that is believed to go back to 17772 with the founding of the Littlemill Distillery.

In 1814, the original site of the Loch Lomond distillery was established near Tarbet towards the north west end of Loch Lomond. In 1832, the Glen Scotia distillery was founded in Campbeltown and is one of only three distilleries remaining from that era.

The portfolio includes Loch Lomond Single Malt, which is distilled and matured close by the “bonnie banks” and Glen Scotia, a Campbelltown malt from the Victorian “whisky capital of the world”, as well as several high-quality blends. Each is a fine example of its region and style, redolent of the landscape and history which has shaped Scotland’s unique spirit.

The Loch Lomond Group has gone through a significant period of growth since 2014 and its private equity backers, Exponent, have ambitious plans for the business. The company’s latest set of accounts, dated 30th September 2017, show turnover has grown to £50.5m a 6.8% increase on the previous year. The geographic spread of turnover shows that the business is growing in the international spirits markets around the world.

The Group’s commercial strategy has 2 key components; retaining existing market share whilst growing the business internationally. This has been facilitated by the development of a strong suite of products and underpinned by an attractive and efficient operational footprint and a healthy Scotch Whisky maturing stock profile.

The Group’ future strategy is based on developing its malt and blended whiskies, as well as its portfolio of vodka and gin brands, into global brands in market worldwide. Extensive rebranding has been completed ensuring the correct portfolio and structure is in place to support future growth aspirations.

The business operates from 3 sites:

Loch Lomond Distillery

Lomond Estate, Alexandria

G83 0TL

Glen Catrine Bonded Warehouse

7 Laigh Road, Catrine

KA5 6SR

Glen Scotia Distillery

12 High Street, Campbeltown

PA28 6DS

Position Overview:

The Role

The Accounting Manager is an integral part of the Loch Lomond Group finance team, reporting directly to the Financial Controller. The Accounting Manager role has been created to improve processes and controls within transactional accounting. This position will require an individual who is prepared to use their initiative and bring best practice from their previous experiences.

The organisation represents an excellent opportunity for a motivated qualified accountant who wants to work in a high growth, drinks business. In addition, the business will provide a firm career platform with good opportunity for personal and professional development as well as the mandate to shape and define how the role evolves. The company is agile in its approach and is very receptive to recommendations, resulting in great autonomy for the post-holder.

The Accounting Manager will lead the transactional finance team based in Catrine and will report to the Financial Controller.

The main duties and responsibilities will involve:

• Proactively seek to maintain and improve all financial controls, ensuring processes are fully documented, frequently reviewed and updated and communicated as appropriate

• Management and development of 2 Accounts Assistants, Payroll Analyst and Finance Team Leader, taking a hands-on approach when required

• Taking ownership of all accounting operations including billing, accounts receivable, accounting payable, and payroll

• Develop a strong understanding of payroll system, resolving staff issues as they arise

• Collaborate with the Financial Accountant and Commercial Finance Team

• Produce and develop weekly reports for the site

• Play a key role in embedding of a new billings system

• Ensure quality control over financial processes, transactions and reporting

• Ensure compliance on all tax related matters: including VAT filings, and other taxes

• Build a positive working relationship with operational staff on site

• Develop and document business processes to maintain and strengthen internal controls

• Support accounting system implementations and upgrades
• Ad hoc projects, analysis as required

The Individual

The position incorporates a wide range of responsibilities requiring a confident individual with strong interpersonal skills and technical background. It is essential that the individual has experience of improving processes and procedures, improving efficiencies. The post-holder will be CA, ACCA or CIMA qualified and will have experience of managing a team and liaising with a range of stakeholders.

A summary of the key candidate requirements are as follows:

• Track record of process improvement

• Confident team manager

• Strong understanding of transactional accounting processes

• Educated to degree level or equivalent

• Qualified accountant with appropriate post-qualification experience

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills combined with business acumen, pragmatism and a good sense of diplomacy

• Proven ability to build relationships at all levels

• Highly developed oral, written and presentation skills

• Motivated self-starter with a flexible working attitude

• A strong team player, with a desire to make a significant contribution to the Finance Department

• Excellent IT skills including MS office and a good working knowledge of accounting systems

 Remuneration

Salary:                             £38,000 - £45,000 (depending on experience)

Pension:                           5-5% matched company contribution

Holidays:                          25 days plus 8 statutory days

Professional Fees:              Yes

Working Hours:                  Mon-Fri 9-5, 37.5 hours per week subject to an element of

flexibility