Finance Director

About Williams, Stanley & Co

Williams, Stanley & Co is a distinguished accountancy firm focused on serving clients across the hospitality sector, ranging from popular high street chains to independent family-run cafes. Founded on the ambition to offer precise and actionable financial intelligence, the company leverages the founders' extensive background in managing fast-growing ventures. Our dedicated team of experienced accountants works collaboratively across global locations, including the UK, Philippines, and Dubai.

Role Overview

We are seeking a skilled Finance Director to lead our accounts division, overseeing client service delivery and managing a multi-million pound business with an international presence. This role involves leadership of Financial Controllers, accounts payable teams, and offshore operations based in the Philippines. The ideal candidate will bring robust experience as a Finance Director within multi-site hospitality, leisure, or professional services environments, demonstrating commercial acumen, technical expertise, and confidence in full P&L accountability to drive business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee client delivery encompassing accounts, accounts payable, and management reporting to ensure timely monthly closures with accuracy benchmarks above 95% on-time delivery and minimal errors.
• Manage the divisional profit and loss, with monthly responsibility for revenue, gross margin, EBITDA contributions, and annual growth metrics.
• Define and execute strategic growth plans for the accounts division, including services offered, capacity, geographic reach, and revenue diversification.
• Maintain high client retention rates above 90% annually, manage revenue concentration risk, and facilitate commercial relationships with top-tier clients.
• Lead client budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and monitor cash flow and working capital across the portfolio.
• Ensure statutory compliance for the entire client base, liaising with auditors, tax advisors, and regulators, as well as managing internal corporate compliance.
• Develop, implement, and uphold financial policies, controls, and operational standards governing service delivery.
• Act as senior financial and commercial advisor to clients, providing insights into financial performance and underlying reasons.
• Build and nurture a high-performing team, responsible for leadership development, retention, succession planning, training, and career advancement.
• Coordinate standardized service delivery across UK, Philippines, and Dubai offices, including capacity planning and meeting established growth targets.
• Participate as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, jointly responsible for divisional risk and compliance management.
• Manage senior client relationships at CFO and Founder levels, accountable for retention and expansion of key accounts.
• Lead commercial management including pricing structures, service scope, write-offs, bad debt, and new client onboarding in collaboration with the Commercial Director.
• Champion the adoption of internal technology platforms such as Teampay, Troncmaster, OpsDesk, and WS Insights in cooperation with the Product team.

Candidate Profile

• Qualified accountant with accreditation such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA and substantial relevant experience.
• Proven leadership experience running a finance function with full P&L responsibility.
• Expertise in financial control, management reporting, and compliance across multiple organizational entities.
• Proficient with Xero, Netsuite, and various financial management software.
• Commercially assertive and confident in defending margin and influencing decisions.
• Excellent communicator accustomed to engaging with senior finance professionals and stakeholders.
• Technologically knowledgeable with an ability to steer automation and systems strategy.
• Prior experience within hospitality, leisure, or other high-volume service industries.

Benefits and Compensation

• Competitive salary of £110,000 per year plus a 20% performance-related bonus.
• Access to the Hospitality Rewards employee recognition scheme offering various perks, including counselling and training opportunities.
• Support and training for career advancement and acquiring recognized qualifications such as ACCA.
• 30 days annual leave pro rata (including Bank Holidays) plus an extra day for each service anniversary.
• Robust pension plan through Penfold.
• Regular social events and company gatherings.
• Flexible working arrangements with a requirement of at least two days per week in the office.
• Employee assistance programs and coaching for personal and professional development.
• Enhanced parental leave based on tenure.
• Birthday leave provided as an additional day off near the employee's birthday.
• Mental health half-days promoting personal well-being.
• Annual salary reviews and biannual performance appraisals focused on career growth.
• Additional benefits available through the Employment Hero HR platform.

Diversity and Inclusion

We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age.