Head of Finance/Finance Controller - Mandarin Speaking (Ideal but Not Essential)

Job Description

Who we areCOSMO Authentic World Kitchen is inspired by the best five-star hotels in the world, which bring a choice of fresh food under the same roof and elevate the buffet concept to new levels. Since opening in 2003, COSMO has expanded throughout the UK and Irelandas customers embrace global dining and flavours from all corners of the world.At Cosmo we are like a big family, and we relate our success to the strength of our management team and collaboration of all our staff, everyone takes the ownership of our culture and is the ambassador of our core value --- RECIPE: Respect for people, Efficient to maximise performance, Creative for new ideas, Integrity to drive results, Passion in everything we do and continuous improvement, Engagement and always go the extra mileIts an exciting time to join the team as we continue to expand.Job SummaryThe Head of Finance (HoF)/Finance Controller is responsible for running our busy finance department in the Head Office, monitoring payroll and related activities, ensuring the accuracy of our statutory reports and the timeliness of our tax compliance. Thisrole also involves forming our group development and operation strategy. In addition, the HoF is expected to improve our internal controls system, reported to the MD but with independent management ability.Main Duties

• Document, implement and operate financial management according to the size and complexity of COSMO.
• Monitor and review the effectiveness of financial controls to ensure all relevant statutory, regulatory and investor requirements are met
• Work with budget holders and prepare the annual budget for the MD and meet external requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial legislation, regulations and guidelines such as filing requirements with Companies House and HMRC, NMW, pension scheme, etc.
• Monitor and manage cash flows to better operate and support the business.
• Maintain strong working relationships with bankers, auditors and investment managers.
• Manage all due payments timely, utilize available funds reasonably and economically.

Finance Administration

• Manage staff in the Finance Department, including monitoring their work, setting targets, carrying out regular appraisals and proper training.
• Liaise with staff from other departments as necessary, providing proactive support and advice when necessary.

Accounting

• Monitor sale ledger and ensure sales information is collected and imported in the system
• Review purchase ledger and ensure that invoices are accurately recorded and punctually paid
• Review payroll operation and ensure relevant regulations are met
• Check relevant reconciliations, i.e. bank, intercompany, sales and receipts, PAYE, VAT, etc., on a regular basis.
• Manage accrued accounting concept and make necessary journals, i.e. prepayment, accruals, depreciation, etc.

Financial Reporting

• Prepare monthly management accounts and variances analysis against budget.
• Prepare other financial reports on specific activities as needed.
• Draft annual financial statements and prepare supporting schedules for the audit purposes.

Requirements

• Fully qualified (ACA/ACCA or CIMA)
• Experience of SAGE 200
• Stable work resume, including at least 5 years of work experience as Finance Manager in Hospitality industry
• Tax knowledge is preferable but not essential
• Experience of running a finance department in SME, and scaleup during a period of rapid growth.
• Self-starter, capable of managing multiple responsibilities and able to deliver to strict deadlines
• Excellent in Microsoft Office
• Strong communication skill at all levels, both verbal and written, and strong influencing skills and ability to contribute effectively to strategy as part of the Senior Management Team
• Additional language especially Mandarin is highly desirable