Morson Talent are proud to be partnering up with leading British-based property investment and development business specialising in the regeneration and remediation of brownfield land and urban environments. They currently have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Finance Manager to join their team at Trentham Estate.

The Trentham Estate is one of the country's top visitor destinations. Comprising 725 acres, it is the last remnants of one of England's great garden estates. The estate attracts in the region of 3 million visitors a year, due to its wide appeal and diverse activities to engage every generation!!

The Finance Manager for the Strategic Land & Regeneration (SLR) business unit will report to the Senior Finance Director - SLR (SFD), with dotted line to Senior Director Trentham. They will have responsibility for the accuracy of actual and forecast reporting, business partnering, and the implementation of an effective system of internal controls over Trentham's financial data.

Role Responsibilities

• Through establishing strong working relationships with the SLR finance team and the Trentham management team play a key role in preparing the Trentham business plan and annual budget, identifying opportunities to maximise returns and ensure the plan is robust and deliverable.
• Provide support and data to allow the Trentham team to prepare robust analysis of actual performance v forecast, cash collection and tenant performance to drive accurate turnover rental billing, a no-surprises forecasting approach and ensure monthly cash flow submissions process for Trentham are accurate.
• Provide commercial analysis to assist the management team in the identification of revenue enhancement opportunities across the Trentham estate.
• Provide analysis to control overheads and direct costs and identify opportunities to reduce costs.
• Act as the key financial liaison between the Trentham business and the SLR and Central finance teams, responding to all ad-hoc queries in a timely fashion.
• Develop KPIs and targets to monitor performance, from which the accuracy of monthly forecasts and business performance commentary can be derived.
• Act as the key liaison with internal and external audit on all matters related to Trentham.
• Work with the SL&R finance team and the Trentham management team to manage the bi-annual valuation process for Trentham, being the key point of contact for the external valuers, ensuring that all parties are kept informed of likely valuation movements and the associated impact on the business.
• Overall responsibility for ensuring an effective system of internal controls is in place for Trentham and for the exercising control and a thorough understanding of the Trentham Balance Sheet, Cash Flow and P&L
• Maintain knowledge and adhere to relevant Group Policies and Procedures, Legislation and Regulations
• Develop and ensure safe working practices
• Analyse and interpret relevant internal performance management KPI's and where applicable drive competitor and other relevant external benchmarking analysis - develop a good understanding of the local market to assist with external benchmarking and where appropriate share best practice.
• Act as the first port of call for all Trentham-related ad-hoc requests from the SL&R Board, operational teams more generally and the Group Finance team with a timely, customer-focused mindset
• To balance commercial requirements whilst also ensuring that core financial, operational, and regulatory controls are fit for purpose and are of the highest quality.
• To drive the continued focus on excellent and efficient execution of day-to-day business activity, ensuring that outputs are relevant, timely and accurate.
• To work closely with the SFD, SL&R Board and other members of the SL&R finance team to ensure there is both support for, and constructive challenge of, project delivery and returns.
• To drive efficiency improvements in systems & processes, inter alia through supporting ongoing Projects
• Work to continuously improve processes and the quality of information.
• Ensure effective communication that enables engagement and enablement.
• Maintain knowledge and adhere to relevant Group Policies and Procedures, Legislation and Regulations

So what does the ideal candidate look like?

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACMA or ACCA) with PQE outside of practice and a progressive track record of success, ideally within a fast moving, forward thinking organisation.
• Experience in the rental/entertainment/property sector is preferred although not essential.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and manage deadlines.
• Able to communicate fluently and concisely on a range of complex subjects across a variety of different teams; tough, adaptable and resilient
• Hands on and task oriented - comfortable at operating in a 'sleeves rolled up' manner
• Able to quickly demonstrate an understanding of business-related issues and provide credible suggestions or possible solutions, strong ability to influence
• Possess strong intellect/analytical/technical skills, strong business partnering skills & commercial acumen
• Ability to communicate at all levels, drive change, implement new processes and work cross functionally
• Very high level of initiative and self-motivation but also able to follow the agreed way of working
• The key to successful performance in the role will be the ability to proactively highlight issues or trends within the business and then deliver sound solutions, recommendations for action or priorities, rather than merely the production of detailed reports.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced finance professional to join a unique yet ever changing organisation!!