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Accountant (Part-Time)
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Cairngorm Mountain
Role Overview
Purpose of job
Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd are looking for an experienced Accountant to lead and manage the financial operations of the business, ensuring robust financial control, statutory compliance, accurate reporting and effective financial planning.
The post-holder will oversee all accountancy functions, provide strategic financial insight to the CEO and Board, manage the finance team, and act as the principal liaison with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) on financial matters.
The role will also support strong financial governance and transparency, ensuring financial management and reporting align with public sector expectations and the reporting requirements of the parent company.
There will be a reasonable degree of flexible working required to meet the operational needs of the business, which operates 7 days per week, 364 days per year and is variable in nature due to seasons.
This position is permanent, part-time position (3 days per week) with an annual salary of £50,000 pro rata.
Roles and Responsibilities
Financial Leadership, Planning & Reporting
- Lead and oversee all financial operations of the company.
- Prepare monthly management accounts and financial performance reports.
- Deliver accurate and timely financial reporting to the CEO and Board of Directors.
- Ensure financial and management reporting aligns with public sector governance, transparency and accountability requirements.
- Provide financial analysis, forecasting, budgeting and long-term financial planning to support strategic decision-making.
- Support effective budget management through financial modelling, sensitivity analysis and scenario planning.
- Monitor cash flow, capital expenditure and financial risk.
- Lead on Best Value principles across the organisation, identifying opportunities to generate efficiencies and deliver value for money.Develop, maintain and continuously improve financial controls, systems and governance processes.
Statutory Reporting & Compliance
- Prepare annual statutory accounts in accordance with UK accounting standards (FRS 102).
- Manage the year-end process, including liaison with external auditors.
- Ensure alignment of statutory accounts with Highlands and Islands Enterprise reporting, audit requirements and associated deadlines to support group consolidated accounts.
- Ensure timely and accurate submissions to Companies House and HMRC.
- Oversee VAT returns, corporation tax processes and all statutory reporting obligations.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant financial, regulatory and corporate governance requirements.
Commercial, Procurement & Contract Management
- Provide financial oversight of contracts and commercial agreements.
- Support procurement processes through financial analysis and due diligence.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of procurement strategies, ensuring compliance with relevant procurement regulations and best practice.
- Monitor grant funding, subsidies and associated financial reporting obligations to HIE.
Risk Management & Governance
- Lead on financial risk management across the organisation.
- Maintain and contribute to organisational risk registers, identifying financial risks and mitigating actions.
- Support the development and maintenance of effective risk management frameworks and internal controls.
- Support financial reporting, engagement and assurance processes with the organisation’s Audit Committee (or equivalent governance committee).
Stakeholder & Relationship Management
- Act as the primary financial contact for Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
- Prepare and submit required financial reports to the parent company.
- Maintain effective working relationships with auditors, regulators and key stakeholders.
- Support transparent financial reporting and accountability in line with public sector expectations.
Team Leadership
- Manage and develop the finance team.
- Foster a collaborative, supportive and high-performing team culture.
- Promote continuous improvement in financial systems, reporting processes and ways of working.
Strategic Contribution
- Contribute as a key member of the senior management team.
- Support organisational business planning, investment appraisals and long-term financial sustainability strategies.
- Provide sound financial advice and challenge to support operational and strategic decision-making.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential Qualifications
- Professionally qualified accountant (CA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA).
- Membership of one of the following recognised UK bodies:
- ICAS (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland)
- ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
- CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
- CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy)
- Post-qualification experience in a senior finance role.
Essential Knowledge & Experience:
- Preparation of statutory accounts and management of year-end processes.
- Companies House submissions and regulatory compliance.
- Financial reporting to CEO, Board or senior stakeholders.
- Budgeting, forecasting and financial planning.
- Managing and developing finance staff.
- Experience of working with external auditors.
- Strong knowledge of UK GAAP / FRS 102.
Desirable Experience:
- Experience within a public sector organisation, arms-length body or subsidiary structure.
- Experience reporting to a parent organisation or group structure.
- Knowledge of grant funding and subsidy reporting.
- Experience within tourism, leisure, infrastructure or hospitality sectors.
Skills
- High level of financial and commercial acumen.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to present complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
- Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
- High level of integrity, professional judgement and accountability.
Personal Attributes/Behaviours
- Collaborative team player who thrives in a close-knit working environment.
- Proactive and solution-focused approach.
- Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic operational setting.
- Appreciation for working in a unique mountain environment within an area of outstanding natural beauty.
- Commitment to the values and long-term sustainability of Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd.
Company Background and Culture / Location Overview
Cairngorm Mountain, managed by Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd is a popular snowsports destination in Scotland, located within the Cairngorms National Park, and has been offering snowsports for over 50 years. In winter, the resort is a commercial ski operation. In Summer, the Resort serves as a tourist destination. The surrounding area attracts over 1.8 million annual visitors predominantly in Summer with the Resort itself attracting circa 200,000 annual visitors.
Cairngorm Mountain Resort covers 1,418 hectares and can attract over 120,000 skiing and snowboarding visitors in the busy winter period. The Resort is an internationally renowned area of scientific interest. Cairngorm Mountain and surrounding areas contain unique natural habitats and wildlife protected by EU legislation.
In the summer, the Resort transforms as the snow melts and becomes a hub of activity, from guided walks to the mountain summit, to generic visitors and a family market looking for activities to undertake.