Group Head of Finance & Business Operations Porto

Group Head of Finance & Business Operations
Porto
Porto, Porto District, Portugal

Group Head of Finance & Business Operations

COCON Group is a
- growing wellness business, focused on spa & fitness operations with an expanding footprint in Amsterdam, London, and soon Paris. Founded in 2020, we specialise in delivering
- end, culturally inspired spa experiences, forging partnerships with prestigious 5-star hotel groups, and professionalising a historically artisanal industry. As we continue to scale—building out multiple spa & fitness properties across different countries and financial structures—we are seeking a Group Head of Finance & Business Operations to lead all finance operations and drive our strategic financial growth.

Position Overview

As our Group Head of Finance & Business Operations, you will own the finance function across the group, overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, corporate admin (AP/AR, taxes and more) and potential acquisitions. You will work directly with key stakeholders (Senior Leadership, Spa Managers, external partners) to ensure accurate financial visibility, manage cost controls, and support strategic
- making. The ideal candidate combines strong technical
- how with proactive leadership, ready to roll up your sleeves as we expand our footprint (this is not a "managerial" role initially - as a startup, we need strong executors who can help us build the finance team from the ground up as we continue to grow).

Key Responsibilities

1. Oversee consolidated group P&L, with understanding down to the individual properties, balance sheets, cashflow statements, and KPI dashboards for leadership, investors, and partners.
2. Develop multi-entity financial models, track
   - company transactions (including complexities of multiple revenue sources including OTAs and others which involve craft reconciliation), and manage complex revenue/profit-sharing arrangements.
3. Budgeting, Forecasting & Analytics:
1. Lead the annual budgeting process across multiple spa sites, corporate entities and country operations.
2. Provide monthly/quarterly forecasts and variance analyses, offering actionable insights to senior leadership and country managers.
3. Identify opportunities for margin improvement, cost optimisation, and revenue enhancement, without compromising 5-star service standards of the services and guest experiences we deliver.
4. Acquisitions & Expansion Support:
1. Conduct preliminary due diligence on potential acquisitions or new partner arrangements.
2. Evaluate financial viability, structure deals, and advise on integration strategies.
3. Work with external consultants, CFOs of partner hotel groups, and legal teams to finalise proposals.
5. Operational Finance & Controls:
1. Establish robust financial controls and compliance processes in every country of operation (with support from local accounting and payroll providers).
2. Maintain oversight of daily finance operations: accounts payable/receivable, procurement oversight, cash management, and tax filings (in partnership with local specialists).
3. Monitor stock levels, procurement costs, and supplier contracts to minimise inefficiencies and wastage.
6. Stakeholder Management:
1. Collaborate with Spa Managers, VPs, and country leads to provide timely P&L information, performance dashboards, and strategic advice.
2. Liaise with external auditors, banking relationships, and hotel CFOs or finance teams, ensuring alignment and transparent communication.
3. Lead and develop the finance function, with the potential to grow a dedicated finance team over time.
4. Act as a mentor to junior finance staff, fostering a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement.
5. Adopt modern financial systems and tools, streamlining reporting and communication.

Qualifications & Experience

1. Professional Background
1. Several years’ experience in senior finance roles (e. g. Finance Manager, Head of Finance, Controller, or equivalent).
2. Experience in multi-entity, international environments is highly desirable; hospitality or retail sector experience a plus.
2. Technical & Analytical Skills
1. Proven track record in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and advanced financial modelling.
2. Familiarity with acquisitions (due diligence, valuation, deal structuring) is highly valued.
3. Proficiency in accounting software and ERP systems; comfortable introducing new technologies or processes.
3. Leadership & Communication
1. Strong communicator, able to distil complex financial data into actionable insights for
   - finance stakeholders.
2. Demonstrated ability to build relationships with diverse teams (from spa managers to external CFOs).
3. Proactive
   - solver who can work autonomously and embrace growth challenges in a dynamic environment.
4. Education & Credentials
1. Relevant qualification(s) in Accounting, Finance, or related field (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent is advantageous).
2. Additional certification or MBA is beneficial but not essential.

Personal Attributes

1. Entrepreneurial Mindset: You thrive in a
   - up or
   - up environment, comfortable wearing multiple hats.
2. Meticulous & Forward-Thinking: Ability to balance
   -
   - day finance operations with strategic insights and
   - picture planning.
3. Integrity & Ownership: You always uphold the highest ethical standards, taking responsibility for outcomes and driving solutions.
4. Collaborative: Enjoy
   - functional teams and multinational settings, with a genuine desire to support others’ success.
5. Tech & Systems Savvy: You're extremely comfortable with emerging technologies, and leveraging automation and seamless systems where adequate. Forward-thinking and agile.

What We Offer

1. Competitive Salary, commensurate with experience.
2. Location Flexibility: Ideally based in London, Paris, Porto or another major European city - remote/hybrid arrangements at first, with preference for willingness to eventually move into new HQ (location TBD) by 2026.
3. Significant Growth Potential: A pivotal role shaping our group’s finance framework as we expand across Europe.
4. Dynamic, Values-Driven Culture: Join a young, dedicated team committed to excellence, integrity, and compassion in everything we do.
5. Exposure to Global Partnerships: Collaborate closely with leading hospitality groups, external CFOs, and international stakeholders.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to take ownership of our financial strategy in a
- growing, international spa operation—and you have the vision, drive, and collaborative spirit to steer our group’s financial success—we’d love to hear from you.