The CompanyThe Wilderness Group (part of the Active Travel Group) specialises in offering inspiring active and experiential holidays across the UK and Ireland. The Wilderness Group was a founding member of the Active Travel Group, a collective that brings together some of the finest active travel companies in the UK. Specialising in tailor-made human powered holidays across the globe, the brands of the Active Travel Group run tours from the Scottish Highlands and Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way; to skiing holidays in the Alps and North America and cycling tours in Europe.Active Travel Group has been backed by private equity firm Mobeus since 2017. Wilderness Group is on a high growth trajectory with 20% YOY growth and as such, the business feels it is the right time to appoint a key hire to lead its Finance Team.Key Responsibilities
* Leadership and management of the Wilderness Group finance function which is a team of 7 based across 3 locations - Aviemore, Edinburgh and Sligo
* Supporting the integration of the newly acquired, MV Luxury Travel. Integration of the two finance functions, ensuring systems are embedded correctly and the right processes and controls are in place moving forward
* Providing business partnering support to the MDs and wider leadership team in relation to all finance related strategic initiatives
* Reviewing business cases for large annual capex decisions linked to the replenishment of Vans, Bikes and Equipment
* Ongoing development of Group MI and Board reporting
* Oversight of monthly consolidated management accounts and associated KPIs
* Working closely with MDs on financial projections, budgets and rolling forecasts, with ownership of associated financial modelling
* Maintaining integrity of accounting systems and controls to ensure accuracy of reported balance sheets, cashflows and P&Ls
* Continual optimisation and streamlining of financial processes, leaning into tech enablement and AI where possible, covering all transactional aspects of the business
* Direct management of finance managers and leadership of wider finance team
* Responsibility for VAT/Tax/Payroll compliance
* Support with any future M&A opportunities
Skills & Experience
* A fully qualified accountant with appropriate post qualification experience
* An experienced financial leader with a strong commercial focus
* Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to drive forward team performance and foster a culture of continuous improvement
* Strong technical ability with good understanding of current accounting standards and keeping ahead of any updated changes
* Previous experience developing financial modelling and forecasting systems
* A driven, consistent achiever, who thrives in a high-growth, entrepreneurial environment
* Previous experience with an ERP (or similar operating system) which has been integrated with accounting processes
* An experienced Business Partner with the ability to develop strong, mutually beneficial relationships across the business
* Experience operating within a similar Group environment would be beneficial, although not essential
* Prior experience in acquisitions/due diligence and carrying out post-acquisition integration work would be beneficial, although not essential
Package & BenefitsAn attractive financial package is on offer along with additional benefits including a company health plan, industry discounts, pension, generous holidays and hybrid working. The role will likely be based in Edinburgh; however, the business will consider the role being based at its other sites in Aviemore, Sligo or the Lake District.For more information on this role, please contact Hazel Wynn: hazelwynn@rutherfordcross.com. #J-18808-Ljbffr