Financial Controller, The Savoy Hotel

The Savoy, a Fairmont Managed Hotel, is one of the world's most iconic hotels. A renowned leaders in the hospitality industry, The Savoy has a reputation for outstanding service and excellence. Originally built in 1889, the hotel has a rich history and has played host to royalty, world leaders and legends of the stage and screen. Today, colleagues pride themselves on being innovative and inspirational, delivering the very best in five star luxury. Passionate about developing and promoting talent, The Savoy offers unwavering support and recognition to colleagues, as well as having a very competitive benefits plan.

Job Title: Financial Controller

Department: Finance                              

Inspired and Supported by: Director of Finance and Business Support       

As part of The Savoy’s exciting journey, it is now seeking a charismatic Financial Controller. Reporting to the Director of Finance & Business Support, who reports to the Managing Director.

London’s original luxury hotel, The Savoy has for over 130 years been at the forefront of what the luxury hospitality sector has to offer. With the world renowned American Bar, three iconic restaurants, including Gordon Ramsey’s Michelin-starred Restaurant 1890, and a range of unrivalled guest services the Savoy is an internationally recognised and respected luxury brand.

Backed by two prestigious investors and operated by the globally acclaimed Fairmont part of Accor, The Savoy is currently undergoing a major refurbishment throughout its 267 rooms. This significant investment continues to see The Savoy positioned as the pre-eminent venue for truly experiencing the absolute best that luxury hospitality can offer.

You will be accountable for:

• Managing day-to-day finance, leading a team of c10 talented finance professionals
• Ownership of all operational aspects of finance across the Balance Sheet, P&L and Cashflow
• The month-end process from start to finish
• Lender Reporting – Covenant reporting
• Statutory reporting – Working with external advisors when required
• Ensuring the appropriate Control environment is in place
• Leading the development and improvement of processes, controls and systems
• Variance analysis and reporting on trends
• KPI Reporting
• Oversight of capital expenditure on monthly and ad hoc basis
• Reviewing and authorising relevant areas, i.e. POs and Expenses, refunds, allowances, banking transactions as required by Company policy
• Quarterly/ monthly VAT returns within the set deadlines by HMRC
• Year-end audit requirements – lead liaison with external auditors
• Internal audit –self-assessment and ensuring compliance with requirements
• Balance sheet reconciliations and consolidation
• Overall controller for CAPEX / FF&E
• Managing key relationships and processes for the ongoing capital projects
• Assist with budgeting and forecasting
• Coaching and developing the finance team
• Supporting the Director of Finance in ad hoc project requests

We believe in flexibility and multi-skilling, and you may be asked to do different tasks from time to time to enable us to meet the needs of our guests and colleagues.

What you will need to do in this role?

• ACA or ACCA qualified, having already moved into industry.
• In-depth experience of either delivering as part of an operational finance team, or of leading the function.
• Demonstrably exceptional communication skills. Easily able to engage with a wide range of finance and non-finance stakeholders and colleagues.
• The drive and energy to deliver exceptional performance.
• High levels of emotional intelligence.
• A genuine interest in the luxury hospitality sector.
• Happy to be hands and comfortable getting hands dirty within a fast paced SME.
• Polished, presentable and able to represent the brand in the appropriate manner.
• Looking to join a vibrant, engaging team and participate in hotel wide activities.

This is a rare opportunity to join a wonderful British luxury brand, partnering the leadership team and playing a key role in its exciting growth plans.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary and benefits including pension and life assurance
• 31 days of holiday including public holidays (increase to 33 days after 5 years)
• Cashback scheme for everyday wellbeing/healthcare expenses including Perkbox
• Special rates for Savoy colleagues and their friends & family and discount across Accor hotels worldwide
• Fantastic colleague rates in Fairmont and Raffles hotels worldwide that includes friends & family
• Free stay at The Savoy after successful completion of probation
• 50% discount at our iconic American & Beaufort Bars
• 50% discount at our world-famous Afternoon Tea
• 50% discount at our spa and florist
• 50% discount at Gordon Ramsay's River Restaurant and Savoy Grill
• 20% at Gordon Ramsay restaurants outside the hotel and restaurant 1890
• Laundry services & dry cleaning for uniformed and non-uniformed colleagues
• Colleague gym facility and Virgin Active gym membership discount
• Seasonal ticket loan for employees to cover the cost of travelling to and from the workplace via modes such as tram, rail, bus or others.
• Employee assistance programme
• Annual optician reimbursements for eye tests and glasses
• English language classes
• Colleague restaurant
• Local F&B, retail and gym discounts
• Interfaith prayer room
• Wellness room
• Cycle to work scheme