Rutherford Cross is excited to be retained by Loch Lomond Group to appoint a Finance Manager, based in Catrine, Ayrshire

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.

The Loch Lomond Group has gone through a significant period of growth since 2014 and following the recent acquisition by Hillhouse Capital Management, a global investment firm with a focus on innovative businesses in growth industries, the business has ambitious plans.

The company has invested significantly in growing its portfolio of brands, distillery and bottling infrastructure, global distribution platform, and management team. The business now generates about 70% of its revenue from more than 100 international markets, versus less than 10% in 2014.

Teaming up with Hillhouse offers a strong partner for the business to further develop its international presence, particularly in Asia where whisky has become increasingly popular in recent years, and a market where Hillhouse has deep knowledge and strong business relationships.

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 Finance Manager is an integral part of the Loch Lomond Group finance team, reporting directly to the Financial Controller. The Finance 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 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 Finance 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 the Accounting Services Team, taking a hands-on approach when required
• Taking ownership of all accounting operations including billing, accounts payable, and payroll together with relevant aspects of financial accounting and management
• Develop a strong understanding of payroll system, resolving staff & HR issues as they arise
• Collaborate with the Financial Accountant and Commercial Finance Team
• Produce and develop weekly reports for the team
• Play a key role in embedding of a new billing 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 position incorporates a wide range of responsibilities requiring a confident individual with strong interpersonal skills and a technical accounting background. The will have experience of managing a transactional finance function and be willing to challenge existing processes and take ownership of continuous improvement. Experience of HR/Payroll is highly desired. The role encompasses a broad range of duties and therefore requires an individual who is prepared to be flexible to the business’ needs.

A summary of the key candidate requirements are as follows:

• Track record of process improvement
• Confident team manager
• Strong understanding of transactional accounting processes
• 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 specifically excel

Remuneration

Salary:                               £40,000 - £50,000 (depending on experience)

Pension:                            5-5% matched company contribution

Holidays:                          25 days plus 9 statutory days

Professional Fees:          Yes

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