Author: Katherine Wyles

“We don’t use recruiters!”

Posted on by Katherine Wyles

As proud sponsors of HOSPA, we were delighted to attend HOSPACE 2022 and as ever, there were some intriguing discussions with industry experts which we enjoyed. One of the presentations got off to a thought-provoking start when a panel member announced “we don’t use recruiters!” 

At a time when finances need to be so carefully managed for businesses, we understand that the costs involved in recruitment should be fully justified. However, at a time when so many businesses are experiencing huge challenges in retention and recruitment, is this the kind of support you can do without? 

Naturally, as specialist recruiters, we are speaking from a biased perspective and so appreciate that we need to try and understand this challenge from a different angle.  

In that vein, we should ask why someone would feel like they don’t get value from recruiters? 

In terms of value, a good recruiter will solve the immediate challenge of placing a high performing employee in a key role. However, there are other benefits that can be easily forgotten.  

Depending on the size of the operation, recruitment often involves other employees taking the time-consuming jobs of sifting through CVs, contacting candidates and co-ordinating diaries.  

This takes employees away from their day-to-day roles and away from areas where they can offer direct value to your customers. While some businesses are lucky enough to rarely need to recruit, the lack of experience in the market can make this particularly challenging and time consuming when they do.  

In fact, this lack of experience can often lead to an even more frustrating result if a lead candidate unexpectedly decides to pull out of the application after using the process to negotiate a better package somewhere else, or decides to leave soon after starting in their new role. A recruiter can protect your business and your current employees in these positions. 

Of course, not all recruiters will suit your needs, and your needs may not suit the cheapest option. If you simply want to distribute a job vacancy far and wide then that will be an economical way to get hundreds of CVs and applications, but do you have the resources to sift through them all and find suitable candidates to interview, let alone to hire?  

A specialist recruiter can give you and your team the gift of time, and since fees are usually only paid once a candidate has started their role, there is no outlay until the position is filled. With the guarantee of replacing the role should the candidate not make it through the minimum period, it really is a risk-free solution to a particularly challenging problem. 

As it turns out, we were able to ask a few questions of the panellist about their comment and it was interesting to note that they did backtrack somewhat on their comment to support specialist recruiters like ourselves. This was quite a relief to hear, as we have helped recruit roles in the industry for over 20 years, and have actually successfully assisted this individual’s company several times! 

If you would like to have a chat about your recruitment strategy then please get in touch with our team.  

Office +44 20 8600 1160 I Email fm@fmrecruitment.co.uk    

Chris Denison Smith +44 7775 711923 I Email chrisdenisonsmith@fmrecruitment.co.uk  
Andrea Shaw +44 7714 236469 I Email andreashaw@fmrecruitment.co.uk  
Tairona Lattanzi +44 20 8600 1164 I Email taironalattanzi@fmrecruitment.co.uk

Finance Manager, Henley on Thames – Position Filled

Posted on by Katherine Wyles

This position has now been filled. Please check our latest job opportunities here

Our clients are the owners of a stylish boutique property located in the historic market town of Henley on Thames. The recently renovated hotel has 40 individually designed rooms along with a private members club which offers the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and share best practice, with access to an elegant ‘alternative office’ environment.

They now seek a Finance Manager to join the team with duties including:

  • Reconciling daily takings including cash reconciliations
  • Responsible daily income audit, Accounts Receivable and Accountings Payable including processing supplier payments
  • Responsible payroll reconciliations and processing VAT
  • Support the Financial Controller with management accounts and all month end procedures

 Candidate specification

  • Experience in the hospitality industry or a similar industry, i.e. retail
  • Ability to work independently and as a team player
  • Proven software skills – ie. intermediate to advanced Excel and experience using an EPOS system
  • Highly accurate and numerate
  • An analytical mind
  • An inquisitive mind to query the status quo
  • A willingness to learn and to support the team

To apply, please contact Tairona at fm@fmrecruitment.co.uk or call on +44 208 600 1164

Please note that due to the expected level of response, it will only be possible to contact candidates who have the relevant and required level of experience.

Financial Analyst, London – Position Filled

Posted on by Katherine Wyles

This position has now been filled. Please check our latest job opportunities here

Our client is one of the largest privately-held hospitality organizations in the world and throughout the years has had an ownership interest in and operated over 1000 hotels. Today this stands at over 500 hotels across three continents.

Having formed strategic alliances with many of the World’s largest hotel brands, they now have a very diversified portfolio ranging from budget and aparthotels to mid-market business and large conference hotels to boutique hotels and luxury resorts.

They are now looking to recruit an individual to work with them in a financial analyst/asset management capacity that is not only focused on hotels but that will sit between the private offices of the family and the corporate company. Ideally they are looking for an analyst who can help build models for development deals, other real estate deals and that is looking to grow into an asset manager on the hotel side (with the right training).

The most important skills for the role are below:

  • Highly developed analytical, accounting, financial and coordination skills (experience in underwriting and financially savvy to be able to build necessary models as needed)
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ideally speaks French
  • Ideally has pan European experience
  • Entrepreneurial
  • Willing to learn and has passion for Real Estate (or wants more connection to the physical assets)

For more information or to apply, please contact Andrea at fm@fmrecruitment.co.uk or call on +44 7714 236 469

Senior Financial Analyst, London – Position Filled

Posted on by Katherine Wyles

This position has now been filled. Please check our latest job opportunities here

Based in the United States, our client is a Hospitality Management firm for a select profile of the most trusted, bold, and innovative hotels, resorts, restaurants, and hospitality brands.

They are now seeking to hire an Associate / Senior Financial Analyst to be based in London. This position will report to the VP Acquisitions & Business Development and be responsible for all aspects of analytical and modelling support for UK and European developments.

You may find this opportunity an ideal fit if you:

  • Are an experienced Financial Analyst and have hunger to learn, develop, and grow
  • Are looking for an opportunity to advance in your career, not just a job
  • Are self-motivated, have a strong commitment to quality
  • Are analytical, organized, and can work well independently or collaborate with others
  • Enjoy working in Excel and PowerPoint
  • Enjoy traveling (~30% of the job)

What you’ll bring:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality, Finance and/or Real Estate, or related experience required
  • Prior experience (1-2 years) in financial analysis required
  • Financial modeling skills in Excel required
  • Critical and strategic thinking skills
  • Familiarity with hotel operations, financial analysis and real estate concepts
  • Have strong written and verbal communication skills

The successful candidate will bring with them experience of financial analytical role in the hotel, hospitality, or real estate sector. They will have strong IT skills, particularly to include Excel and PowerPoint.  They will strive to succeed in their chosen career path, and will be seeking an exciting, expanding role with a growing company.

For more information or to apply, please contact Chris at fm@fmrecruitment.co.uk or call on +44 20 8600 1160

Finance Director, Oxfordshire – Position Filled

Posted on by Katherine Wyles

This position has now been filled. Please check our latest job opportunities here

Set in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside, our client is the operator of a country house hotel featuring 110 rooms with extensive F&B outlets, spa, health club and private members’ club.

Closed at present, the hotel is scheduled to open in April 2023, and they are seeking a Finance Director who will ideally start in September / October 2022.

This will be a standalone business, so our client requires a Finance Director who is experienced in producing statutory accounts and able to work very independently.  Hence their requirement for a qualified accountant.

The key responsibilities for this role will include but are not limited to:

  • Managing the pre-opening budget, in tandem with the project team; setting up the accounting team, processes and systems
  • Overseeing a finance team of 10 positions, including the purchasing / cost control department
  • Pro-actively support the General Manager and finance team in strategic planning, focusing on value opportunities
  • Ensure reporting that incorporates benchmarking, identification and measurement of key performance indicators and use of balanced scorecard
  • Provide focused, innovative, and value-adding Management Reporting and Analysis
  • Lead the Planning and Forecasting process and ensure that financial plans are consistent with the strategic objectives
  • Supporting and answering questions and providing assistance to stakeholders, management and members as needed
  • Assuring completion of weekly scheduling to ensure labour costs are in line with budget
  • Being responsible for effective people practices including but not limited to recruitment, onboarding, training, employee engagement, performance and experience

A full job description will be shared upon application.

 

Area Director of Finance, London – Position Filled

Posted on by Katherine Wyles

This position has now been filled. Please check our latest job opportunities here

Our client oversees the management of two iconic hotels in central London and are now looking to hire an Area Director of Finance to join the team.

Reporting to the General Managers / Regional Finance Director, the Area Director of Finance will be responsible for providing financial leadership for the Hotels by supplying management with analysis, guidance, training.

Ownership relations are a vital part of this role, coordinating quarterly group reporting with ultimate ownership representatives and generally as main point of contact (together with the General Managers) for all ownership enquiries.

The successful candidate will be responsible for focusing on the profitability of the business, maintaining accurate and timely financial reporting, ensuring efficient internal controls, ensuring compliance with all local and international financial regulations, safeguarding owners/investors assets.

They will also take the leadership  of Accounting and Payroll departments at both the hotels.

A full job description can be shared upon application.

Job Knowledge & Skills:

  • Full service hotel experience as Director of Finance with related progressive experience in hotel Accounting
  • Maintain ownership relationship together with the General Manager and ExCom team as a main point of contact representing the operator
  • Ability to multitask, work in a fast paced environment and have a high level of attention to detail across both properties
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
  • Maintain positive and productive working relationships with other executive committee members, department heads and employees
  • Ability to work independently and to partner with others to promote an environment of teamwork

For more information or to apply, please contact Chris at fm@fmrecruitment.co.uk or call on +44 208 600 1160

Resort Financial Controller, West USA – Position Filled

Posted on by Katherine Wyles

This position has now been filled. Please check our latest job opportunities here

Our client, owner of a luxury hotel group, is seeking an Experienced Resort Financial Controller to head up their accounting team at one of their best performing properties based in Western USA.

Reporting to the General Manager and Regional Financial Controller, the on-site head of department will be responsible for overall daily administration of the accounting department and its functions including accurate and timely reporting, including the production of daily reports.

The role of Financial Controller will oversee the following positions:

  • Financial Analyst/Cost Controller
  • Accounts Payable Clerk/Cashier
  • Night Auditors
  • Warehouse/Service Building Supervisor

Qualifications:

  • Must have strong organizational skills and knowledge of standard filing systems with excellent verbal and written skills
  • Knowledge of or experience with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Opera
  • Must handle sensitive information in a confidential manner
  • Candidates must also have the right to work in the USA

For more information or to apply, please contact Andrea at fm@fmrecruitment.co.uk or call on +44 7714 236469

 ​

How Culture can help Win the War for Talent

Posted on by Katherine Wyles

As we reflect, a year on, we take a look at what’s has changed: 

  • Have employers adapted their recruitment strategies?  
  • Has the hospitality industry adapted to meet employee or candidate expectations?  
  • What role does company culture play in the War for Talent? 

What happened?
The Big Quit and The Great Resignation are just two of the phrases that appeared in the last couple of years. The pandemic precipitated employees around the world to collectively reset and reassess both their professional and personal goals and priorities. This exacerbated the normal cycle of employee turnover and concentrated the timeline to a specific shortened period.  

This turnover sparked a real battle to attract and retain employees, not just between competing businesses, but across industries, where some were far more willing to recruit the right personality with experience from a different industry.  

Hospitality employees were particularly badly hit as many businesses were forced to close multiple times, forcing businesses to make positions redundant. Many of these employees applied for roles in different industries and chose to stay there as hospitality. In addition, many school leavers, who may have applied for their first jobs in bars, restaurants and hotels found jobs unavailable as businesses had closed, or were operating with a reduced workforce.  Again, many  chose an alternative option rather than waiting it out. 

What is the situation now?
The UK’s Office of National Statistics has recently reported that for the first time since records began, job vacancies have outstripped unemployment. However, wages have decreased in real terms against inflation, which continues to rise and remains a threat to the cost of living and doing business. Many hospitality businesses are struggling to attract employees as confidence in the hospitality sector has been rattled by events of the last few years. 

How has the hospitality industry reacted?
“Culture eats Strategy for Breakfast”. It’s a memorable quote often attributed to Peter Drucker, but is particularly relevant now.  

We have found that the businesses that have focussed on their company culture and engaged with employees throughout the pandemic were able to recover much better. As demand to travel started to increase as restrictions eased, they were the ones best placed to scale back up with an existing workforce, but also able to attract talent by offering the stability that comes from a happy workforce that feels like they belong and are able to develop and achieve their goals.  

The Future
Many employers have already increased wages by adopting the national living wage, and adding financial benefits will always help attract the best talent. However, cultures that embrace diversity, equality and inclusion, while offering a better work life balance and aligned values have become more important than monetary reward alone.  

The recruitment process is now very transparent as candidates have access to so much information on businesses, through their website, social media channels and review sites. By the time it comes to an interview, many candidates will be asking probing questions to ensure that everything is aligned and may prioritise other opportunities if this is not the case.  

FM Recruitment can support both the recruitment and retention strategies for employers. Attracting the right people to a business demands looking at everything that communicates the company culture, and as an external resource, we can do the heavy lifting.  We look at all aspects of an available position to ensure we match the perfect candidate with the perfect employer. This gives the candidate the information they need to commit and adapt quickly to a new role and saves the employer time and resources so that they can focus on their day to day operations.
If you would like to chat about your recruitment strategy, please contact either chrisdenisonsmith@fmrecruitment.co.uk or andreashaw@fmrecruitment.co.uk Tel: +44 20 8600 1160.  

Management Accountant, London – Position Filled

Posted on by Katherine Wyles

This position has now been filled. Please check our latest job opportunities here

Our client is an award-winning independent hospitality company operating across both retail and events in 4 iconic venues across London.

As they continue to grow over the next few years, they are looking for a new Management Accountant to come on-board and to help support this progress.

The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in producing month end accounts from start to finish, excellent communication skills, enthusiasm and drive, as well as being proactive, self-motivated and have the ability to influence and negotiate. Experience in managing accountant assistants is an important aspect of this role, you must possess leadership qualities and the drive to spearhead the department.  You will play an important part in challenging the day to day commercial success of the business and working closely with all department leaders to maximise profits.

You must also show:

  • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
  • Self-motivation with the ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
  • A positive and enthusiastic attitude to your work
  • Flexibility and an adaptable approach to work requirements

Whilst the role will be based at one of their offices, the position will also involve visiting other sites within London.   The role will require meticulous organisation and ongoing co-ordination with the varying daily operational requirements of the various sites.

The successful candidate will be a key part of the senior team, who are responsible for driving all areas of the business. They will also be supporting the senior leaders in dealing with finance, accounting and finance risk matters. They will also be responsible for the financial compliance, cost controls, account reviews and reporting, forecasting and budgeting and provision of financial advice for the Company.

For more information or to apply, please contact Andrea at fm@fmrecruitment.co.uk or call on +44 7714 236 469

Assistant Financial Controller, London – Position Filled

Posted on by Katherine Wyles

Our client is a five star luxury hotel and is one of London’s most iconic hotels.

They now have a vacancy to join the finance team as Assistant Financial Controller. In this position, the successful candidate will assist the Financial Controller in the administration of all aspects of the Hotel’s operation that are regarded under the Finance remit, to ensure that all policies and procedures are observed.

Main duties include:

  • Review monthly financial statements and analyse variances between actuals and budget for all revenues, expenditures and payroll.
  • To oversee the preparation of the monthly Profit and Loss Statement summary. To write P&L comments and distribute P&L pack by the 5th working day of the following month.
  • Arrange Interest loan payments as per schedule and any other payments as required.
  • Prepare Priority Payments and maintain records.
  • Ensure that Pension contributions are sent monthly and that records are kept of these.
  • Oversee statutory information submission on time as required (PSA, TSA, PAYE, VAT, P35, P11Ds, P14s, National Statistics office data, Payment Practices Reporting, Gender Gap reporting, etc)
  • To oversee reconciliation of Inter-Company Accounts prior to Month closing through liaising with other hotels and companies directly.  Any discrepancies should be brought to the attention of the Financial Controller.
  • To deputise in the absence of the Financial Controller.
  • Assist and provide financial guidance in the formulation and implementation of the hotel budget and Departmental Budgets and to manage relevant budgets appropriately.
  • To assist the FC to collect data and collate the hotel Capital Expenditure Budget for every year.
  • Assist the Financial Controller in performing analytical review of weak or under-performing areas within the operation with a view to achieving increased profitability.
  • Assist the Financial Controller in establishing policies, guidelines, internal controls and safeguards that ensure profitability and efficiency is maximised. Report any weak areas or discrepancies of such controls and procedures to the Financial Controller promptly.

Experience:

  • Must have self accounting experience
  • Previous experience working in a luxury hotel environment
  • Experience managing a team
  • Good communication and training skills

Candidates should also be able to legally work in the UK.

 

Chat Button