Rutherford Cross is delighted to be working with Chisholm Hunter on a retained basis to appoint a Financial Controller.

Chisholm Hunter Ltd is a diamond merchant and stockist of Prestige Brands with stores nationwide. The business was founded in 1857 in Glasgow and was bought by gemologist Harry Brown, breathing new life into Chisholm Hunter. Brown immediately set about reviving the brand’s fortunes by streamlining the business to become a specialist diamond merchant.

The business operates from its Head Office site in Argyle Street, Glasgow. In total Chisholm Hunter has 24 retail stores, website and manufacturing, with draft financial statements showing turnover of £36 million for the year ending March 2018. EBITDA across the portfolio is expected to come in at around £4.5 million, which is an increase of 34% over last year.

Turnover at Chisholm Hunter has more than doubled from around £16 million in 2012 to over £36 million last year. This growth has come from intelligent acquisition of key retail locations both in Scotland, and as far South as Bluewater in Kent.

A large part of Chisholm Hunter’s success can be attributed to its highly professional and knowledgeable staff, many of whom have been with the company for years and are regarded as part of the extended Chisholm Hunter family.

For further information on Chisholm Hunter Ltd, visit www.chisholmhunter.co.uk

The Financial Controller is a fantastic opportunity for a qualified accountant to build a career with one of Scotland’s most ambitious multiple retail businesses.

The post-holder will report to the Chief Finance Officer and will be based in the company’s Head Office in Argyle Street, Glasgow. In addition to the Chief Finance Officer and Chief Strategic Officer, the team consists of members of staff primarily focused on day to day processing purchase ledger, cash and banking, and credit control, stockroom and internal audit.

Key to succeeding in the role will be developing the finance procedures, producing accurate monthly reporting and analysis to strict deadlines and being able to challenge other departments across the business. This is a dynamic finance department and it is expected that the Financial Controller will be comfortable working at pace, prioritizing multiple deadlines and dealing with ad-hoc queries that can require to be actioned swiftly.

The post-holder will contribute to the development of company strategy across all areas of the business, challenging assumptions and decision making as appropriate.

The Financial Controller position requires an accountant who is ambitious and possesses the drive to take over responsibility for the day to day running of Chisholm Hunter Ltd.’s finance function. The post-holder will be comfortable taking ownership of management and statutory accounts preparation.

The preferred candidate will be at ease managing a team and will possess the gravitas to build effective relationships. The successful candidate will have strong communication skills and will take a proactive approach towards improving processes and procedures.

A summary of the key candidate requirements are as follows:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar role in a target driven, fast paced environment, ideally in high end luxury goods sector

• Professional qualification of CA, ACCA or CIMA

• A desire for continuing with professional training

• Excellent computer skills with proficiency in all Microsoft applications, Excel, Word, PowerPoint & Outlook

• Highly numerate and accurate with proven analytical skills and the ability to interpret and utilise sales management information and market trend data

• Motivational team leader

• Excellent communication skills both written and verbally

• The ability to be flexible in working patterns to ensure peak times are covered in line with the Company Policy and procedures

• Ability to explain complex financial information in a clear way

• Professionalism and commitment

• Project management skills

• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to work with colleagues at all levels including non-finance members of staff;

• Drive to use own initiative

• Ability to remain impartial

• Able to apply discretion when required

• Organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines

• System enhancement/improvement

The purpose of the Financial Controller role is to oversee efficient and effective financial reporting and manage its financial operations. The post-holder will ensure that effective practices and procedures are in place, with a focus on continuous improvement. The successful candidate will provide support to the Chief Finance Officer on strategic initiatives as the business grows.

The post-holder will be tasked with the production of accurate and timely management accounts. This information will enable the operating units to possess more comprehensive understanding of their performance.

Duties will initially include:

Strategic

• Provide leadership to the Company’s accounting functions and advising on the financial implications and consequences of business decisions

• Contribute to the development of company strategy across all areas of the business, challenging assumptions and decision making as appropriate

• Provide financial analysis and guidance on all targets and plans set by mangers.

• Contribute to the medium and long-term business planning/forecasts and maintain the 3-year fiscal planning projections files

• Collaborate with External Auditors to ensure business is compliant with corporate governance and regulations

• Evaluate financial information systems and recommend improvements where needed to reduce manual processing and prevent errors in data collection and calculations

• Implementing corporate governance procedures, risk management and internal controls.

• Establish and implement short and long term departmental goals, objectives.

• Continually evolve the Company Policy and Procedures

• Contribute to the development of Financial and Tax Strategies in conjunction with Professional advisers

Financial

• Manage the daily operation of the finance department & internal audit including legal, tax and treasury functions

• Ensuring the monthly management accounts are completed to deadlines for board meeting

• Ensuring the year-end financial statements are completed within 3 months of year-end and ready for board sign off no later than end of August in that year

• Manage the cash flows projections by tracking transactions and regular review of internal reports with variance analysis completed and summary commentary to communicate with Board

• Ensure the suppliers are paid within contractual terms

• Ensure the payroll department comply with minimum wage, PAYE and HMRC legislation

• Interpreting and communicating financial data to non-financial managers

• Ensure the completion of quarterly VAT returns, annual Corporation Tax, PAYE returns, P11D and PSA are compliant and accurate to HMRC regulations and within set time limits

• Ensure directors’ personal credit card, current accounts, loan accounts and expenses are communicated and authorised by directors monthly

• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements are met

• Manage insurance cover

• Manage financial aspects of both leasehold and freehold group properties

• Oversee employee benefits plans in conjunction with HR and recommend change where improvements for staff can be provided

• Maintain the directors SSAS pension scheme and take direction from Chief Finance

• Officer when new properties are purchased

People Development

• In conjunction with HR assess and measure management performance in line with the company’s performance development plan and put in place succession plan to support future expansion

• Conduct performance reviews and clarify roles with helpful feedback to the Accounts Department and Internal Audit who report directly to the Financial Controller

• Identify strengths and development needs taking appropriate action to support/coach any development using personal development plans and setting clear objectives

• Interview prospective candidates by selecting the highest calibre to be ‘A cut Above’

• Promote a culture of development by acting as a role model and coaching and developing the team to maximise the potential of all individuals

• Motivate and inspire the department Managers, leading by example by demonstrating the desired knowledge, skills and attitudes promoted by the company

• Support change initiatives and help the team understand need for change

Benefits package include:

Salary:                             £45,000- £50,000

Holidays:                          29 days holiday, plus additional day for your birthday,                                   increasing 1 day per year (capped at 5 days)

Life Assurance:                  Death in service 3 x salary

Working Hours:                  37.5 hours per week, 9:00-5:30

Pension:                           Auto-enrolment

Bonus:                             Based upon personal KPIs