James Whitelaw
Glasgow,Lanarkshire
Summary
Commercially focused Contract and Permanent Finance Director / Financial Controller with extensive experience across hospitality, financial services, telecom and manufacturing sectors. Proven track record of delivering strategic financial leadership, strengthening control environments, and driving performance improvements in both permanent and interim leadership roles. Recognised for operating effectively in high-change and project-driven environments, including pre-opening hotels, organisational transformation, and short-term executive assignments. Strong ability to quickly assess business needs, implement robust financial controls, and deliver measurable value.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Controller Compensation (Director)
Morgan Stanley (Contract)
Glasgow
12.2025 - 04.2026
- Delivered financial control and reporting across global compensation and benefits structures
- Responsible for the provision of data to support ad hoc disclosure reporting
- Maintained robust SOX-compliant control environment
- Partnered with HR, Payroll, Audit, and senior stakeholders globally.
Chief Financial Officer
Royal Saray Luxury Resort (Contract)
Bahrain
07.2025 - 10.2025
- Led on all financial operations including financial planning, reporting, risk management
- Provided strategic leadership to support continuing operations and operational performance
- Oversaw budgeting, and strategic leadership to ensure long-term growth and sustainability.
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
The Hoxton Edinburgh
Edinburgh
09.2023 - 06.2025
- Financial lead for major hotel pre-opening and launch project (211 rooms)
- Built finance function from inception, implementing full control framework
- Delivered strategic planning, budgeting, and performance reporting
- Partnered with General Manager on commercial strategy and value optimisation
- Led and developed high-performing finance team
- Delivered systems improvements and operational efficiencies
FINANCE MANAGER
Broadex Technologies UK Ltd
Livingston
02.2022 - 09.2023
- Led finance function for £6M turnover manufacturing business
- Delivered full monthly reporting (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cashflow)
- Managed cashflow and acted as key contact for bank and audit
- Identified cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies
HEAD OF FINANCE
SPS Doorguard Ltd
Glasgow
07.2020 - 02.2022
- Led finance operations for £10M turnover organisation (160+ staff)
- Delivered financial reporting, governance, and cashflow management
- Acted as primary contact for banking and audit relationships
INTERIM GROUP FINANCE MANAGER
Redeem Ltd (Contract)
Bathgate
09.2019 - 07.2020
- Managed finance team and ensured continuity during leadership transition
- Delivered reporting and maintained operational stability in £60M business
- Completing Monthly reporting Cycle (P&L, Balance Sheet & Cashflows).
- Maintaining daily cashflow model.
HEAD OFFICE FINANCE MANAGER
Macdonald Hotels Ltd (Contract)
Bathgate
04.2019 - 09.2019
- Supported financial control and reporting across multi-site hotel portfolio
- Assisted during organisational change and restructuring
Education
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
01-2011
Association of Accounting Technicians
01-2006
Skills
- Microsoft Navision
- Sage Line 50
- Sage Line 200
- SAP
- Alteryx
- Excel
- Financial reporting
- Financial forecasting
Additional Information
Extensive experience across hospitality, financial services, and manufacturing, Strong track record in transformation, turnaround, and project environments, References available on request
Personal Information
- Fellow Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)
- Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
Earlier Career
- Financial Controller (TMEA) – Aviagen Ltd
- Group Financial Controller – Aurora Hotel Collection
- Finance & Administration Manager – Escape Recruitment
- Financial Accountant / Controller – Apex Hotels
- Early career developed within finance roles at Russell Europe Ltd and University of Edinburgh, building strong foundations in accounting, reporting, and financial control
Timeline
Financial Controller Compensation (Director)
Morgan Stanley (Contract)
12.2025 - 04.2026
Chief Financial Officer
Royal Saray Luxury Resort (Contract)
07.2025 - 10.2025
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
The Hoxton Edinburgh
09.2023 - 06.2025
FINANCE MANAGER
Broadex Technologies UK Ltd
02.2022 - 09.2023
HEAD OF FINANCE
SPS Doorguard Ltd
07.2020 - 02.2022
INTERIM GROUP FINANCE MANAGER
Redeem Ltd (Contract)
09.2019 - 07.2020
HEAD OFFICE FINANCE MANAGER
Macdonald Hotels Ltd (Contract)
04.2019 - 09.2019
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
Association of Accounting Technicians