Finance Director

Farncombe Life Ltd; Broadway; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a values-driven company as a Finance Director and play a pivotal role in shaping the financial strategy of an award-winning hospitality business. This strategic position involves overseeing financial operations, managing a talented team, and ensuring compliance with regulations. You will collaborate with senior leadership to drive profitability and support commercial decisions in a beautiful Cotswolds setting. If you are passionate about sustainability and integrity, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a forward-thinking organization.

Benefits

Competitive Remuneration

Collaborative Work Environment

Inspiring Setting

Benefits Package

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with significant experience in a trading company environment.
• Strong leadership and team management skills in finance.

Responsibilities

• Lead all financial activities including reporting, budgeting, and payroll.
• Oversee IT systems and ensure compliance with statutory regulations.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Financial Planning

Team Management

Commercial Acumen

IT Systems Management

Communication Skills

GDPR Knowledge

Education

Qualified Accountant (ICAEW/ACCA)

Tools

Business Analytics Tools

Job description

About Us

Farncombe Estate is a values-driven, family-founded business operating three award-winning hotels—Dormy House, The Fish, and Foxhill Manor—on a stunning 500-acre estate in the Cotswolds. We are committed to sustainability, supporting local communities, and creating exceptional experiences for our guests. Our ethos is rooted in "doing the right thing," ensuring our business is as rewarding for our people and the planet as it is for our guests and stakeholders.

The Role
We are looking for an experienced Finance Director to join our Senior Leadership Team. This is a broad and strategic role, reporting to the Managing Director of Hotels with a dotted line to the shareholder. The successful candidate will oversee all financial and legal operations across the estate, ensuring financial control, strategic direction, and commercial success. This role also includes oversight of IT systems, business analytics, and company secretarial responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead and oversee all financial activities, including reporting, budgeting, forecasting, in-house payroll and audit management.
2. Provide strategic financial planning and commercial insights to drive profitability.
3. Manage financial reporting and communication with the shareholder, Board, and external advisors.
4. Oversee IT and key business systems to ensure efficiency and security.
5. Manage legal activities, insurance, taxation, and company secretarial duties.
6. Designated as DPO for GDPR for the Estate.
7. Lead and develop a team of 10 finance professionals - plus a Team of 2 in I.T.
8. Maintain strong relationships with banking partners, external auditors, and tax advisors.
9. Support the Managing Director in commercial decisions and investment planning.
10. Ensure compliance with statutory reporting, tax regulations, and risk management.

About You

1. A qualified accountant (ICAEW/ACCA) with significant post-qualification experience in a trading company environment (previous experience in a luxury hotel environment would be advantageous but not essential).
2. Strong leadership and team management skills.
3. Commercially astute with experience in financial planning and operational decision-making.
4. Experience managing IT systems and business operations is essential.
5. Knowledge of the hospitality sector or a B2C environment is highly desirable.
6. A strategic thinker with excellent communication and influencing skills.
7. Passionate about working in a values-led organisation.

Why Join Us?
At Farncombe Estate, you’ll be part of a leadership team that values integrity, innovation, and sustainability. We offer a collaborative and inspiring working environment in a beautiful setting, alongside competitive remuneration and benefits.

How to Apply
If you're ready to take on this exciting challenge and contribute to the success of a unique and forward-thinking hospitality business, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.