Commercial and Finance Manager- French Operations

Job Role Title: Commercial and Finance Manager - French Operations

Location: Office based, (near Macon, Saone-et-Loire, France) 5 days per week

Hours: 35 hours per week Monday to Friday (9.00am to 5.00pm)

Role Overview:

As the Commercial and Finance Manager for our French operations, you will play a pivotal role in managing the financial landscape of our business in France.

You will ensure accuracy, robustness, and integrity in our financial reporting while developing and enhancing reporting systems to facilitate seamless integration with group platforms.

Reporting into our Commercial Director in the UK and collaborating closely with our group finance team, you will oversee efficient cash management between operations and drive clarity and accuracy in product costings to enhance our global profitability.

Key Responsibilities:

Key Point of contact:

·        Maintain an office-based presence to provide senior-level support and facilitate effective communication within the organisation.

·        Serve as a point of contact for employees, management, and external partners, representing the finance function within the French operations.

Financial Reporting:

·        Oversee financial and management reporting processes to ensure accuracy and completeness.

·        Develop and implement systems to enhance reporting capabilities and facilitate sharing across the organisation.

·        Ensure compliance with local reporting requirements while aligning with global business objectives.

Commercial Reporting:

·        Develop and maintain commercial reporting structures to provide insights into business performance and aid decision-making.

·        Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyse market trends and competitor activity to inform strategic decisions.

Banking and Cashflow Management:

·        Manage banking relationships and operations to optimize cashflow efficiency.

·        Monitor cashflow forecasts and implement strategies to mitigate risks and maximize liquidity.

Business Planning and Budgeting:

·        Lead the business planning and budgeting process, working closely with department heads to set achievable targets and financial goals.

·        Monitor performance against budgets and provide analysis to support decision-making.

Costing Processes and Operational Efficiency:

·        Develop and maintain costing processes to accurately measure operational efficiency.

·        Identify opportunities for cost optimisation and drive initiatives to improve operational efficiency.

Legal Compliance and Governance:

·        Liaise with external legal counsel and regulatory authorities as required.

·        Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations relating to the French business operations

·        Provide guidance and support to internal teams on legal and compliance matters.

Risk Management:

·        Identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational risks.

·        Develop risk management strategies and policies to safeguard the company's assets.

IT System Development and Reporting:

·        Collaborate with IT teams to develop and enhance reporting systems that seamlessly integrate with group platforms.

·        Ensure data integrity and reliability in reporting systems.

Strategic Planning:

·        Contribute to the development and execution of strategic plans for the French operations, aligning with wider group objectives.

·        Identify growth opportunities and support initiatives to enhance business performance and profitability.

Operational Efficiency:

·        Monitor and analyse operational performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.

·        Implement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and streamline processes.

Human Resources Administration:

·        Manage administrative tasks related to Human Resources for Boutinot France, including but not limited to employment contracts, absence, maternity leave, and other HR-related matters.

·        Liaise with our external HR support to ensure compliance with legal requirements

·        Coordinate closely with Group HR in relation to international operations and to streamline processes and ensure consistency in HR practices.

Payroll Management:

·        Oversee payroll processing ensuring accuracy and timeliness in relation to employee pay administration

·        Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address payroll-related inquiries and resolve any issues promptly.

Administration of Non-Financial Tasks:

·        Manage administrative tasks related to insurance, building maintenance, technical visits, and export documentation.

·        Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and coordinate with relevant departments to address any issues promptly.

Note: While some of these responsibilities are primarily administrative in nature, they are integral to the overall operational efficiency and compliance of the French operations. The Finance Manager will play a crucial role in overseeing these tasks to support the smooth functioning of the business.

Qualifications and Skills:

·        Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field; Advanced qualifications such as MBA or professional accounting qualification (e.g., CPA, CFA) are desirable

·        Proven experience in in financial management, preferably in a multinational company or within the French market.

·        Experience in managerial or leadership roles is essential, demonstrating the ability to oversee complex financial operations.

·        In-depth knowledge of French financial reporting standards and regulations, including experience in preparing financial statements and management reports.

·        Understanding of French legal and regulatory requirements, particularly in relation to finance and business operations

·        experience in liaising with external legal counsel and regulatory authorities

·        Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial and operational risks. Ability to develop and implement risk management strategies and policies to safeguard company assets.

·        Experience in optimizing cash flow efficiency and implementing risk mitigation strategies is valuable

·        Strong analytical skills to monitor operational performance metrics and identify areas for improvement. Ability to implement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and streamline processes.

·        Proficiency in financial modelling and analysis.

·        Advanced knowledge of Excel and financial management software.

·        Fluency in French and English is essential, as the role involves communication with internal and external stakeholders in both languages.

Other Characteristics/Attributes

·        Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and levels of the organisation.

·        Able to work in a fast paced environment, react and respond to opportunities and requests as needed, as well as strategically plan

• You will have a logical and methodical approach to problem solving and solution finding and have a passion for excellence
• You will be tenacious and organised and able to manage complex workflows and tight timescales when needed

·        Strategic thinking and ability to translate financial data into actionable insights.

·        Proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and driving results.

• You will have a ‘Can do’ attitude and be a positive role model and have an ability to engage others as you effect the changes you implement.

About the Company:

Boutinot France is a wine producer and distributor based in France. The company is part of the Boutinot Group, which is a leading wine importer and distributor operating globally. Boutinot France specialises in sourcing and producing wines from all over the World, offering a diverse range of products to its customers worldwide. We are known for our commitment to quality and affordable prices.

Application Instructions:

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications for this position.

Interviews will be carried out on 22, 23, 24 April.