Financial Controller

Hays PLC; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering multi-entity business in the heart of the Cotswolds as a Financial Controller. This role offers a unique blend of leadership and hands-on finance management, allowing you to shape the future of a beloved rural destination. With responsibilities ranging from overseeing finance operations to collaborating on strategic initiatives, you will play a crucial role in driving growth and sustainability. Enjoy a competitive salary and the opportunity for career progression to Finance Director within a supportive and values-driven team. If you are a commercially minded accountant looking to make a tangible impact, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension

Development support

Family-friendly environment

Qualifications

• 5+ years PQE in an SME or multi-entity environment.
• Experience in B2C, seasonal, or high-transaction environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day finance operations including payroll, invoicing, and budgeting.
• Collaborate with CEO and FD for business planning insights.

Skills

Financial Control

Strategic Planning

Xero

Cashflow Forecasting

Communication Skills

Education

Fully Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

Tools

Xero

Job description

Cotswolds - Financial Controller - Number one in finance - Hybrid role

Financial Controller

Salary: £60,000 - £75,000 DOE + Benefits

Location: Based near Cheltenham, GL54 5FL (Hybrid)

Reports to: CEO & Finance Director | Board-level role

Join one of the UK's most beloved rural destinations at a pivotal point in its journey.

• Hays Senior Finance are exclusively partnering with Cotswold Farm Park, founded by Joe Henson and now led by his son Adam Henson and Duncan Andrews, is a pioneering, multi-entity business in farming, tourism, retail and media.
• We are looking for a commercially minded, technically excellent Financial Controller to step into a senior leadership role that is as hands-on as it is strategic.

This is more than just a finance role. It's a chance to help shape the future of a group that includes:

• Cotswold Farm Park Ltd - A thriving visitor attraction with food & beverage, admissions, retail, events, and accommodation
• Henson & Andrews Ltd - A regenerative farm and corporate/media vehicle focused on sustainability, education and value-added produce
• Cotswold Farm Park Enterprises Ltd - A growing e-commerce and staff employment hub

The Role: Balance of Leadership & Delivery

• Lead day-to-day finance operations including payroll, invoicing, budgeting, cashflow, and compliance
• Collaborate with the CEO and FD to provide insight and challenge around business planning
• Act as principal contact for external accountants and advisors
• Contribute to and lead board-level discussions (monthly across three businesses)
• Develop and coach a Finance Assistant and oversee the contributions of a part-time Management Accountant
• Represent finance across the wider business and support performance against strategic OKRs

Key Projects in Year 1

• Support the delivery of capital expenditure projects including a new commercial kitchen, investment in leisure and ride-on attractions, and expansion of holiday accommodation and guest reception areas
• Design and implement a cashflow forecasting model integrated with Xero
• Assist in the integration of financial data from multiple platforms (ePOS, payroll, online bookings, etc.) to streamline reporting and drive better decision-making
• Collaborate on the rollout of Perdoo as a new performance and OKR platform, ensuring alignment with finance systems and strategic objectives
• Improve turnaround time and reporting accuracy in the monthly close process
• Take ownership of funding and grant reporting, with support from the Finance Director

What You'll Bring

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with 5 years PQE in an SME or multi-entity environment
• A track record of delivering robust financial control alongside strategic value
• Commercial acumen and curiosity to analyse ROI and support growth decisions
• Experience in B2C, seasonal, or high-transaction environments preferred
• Proven capability with systems integration, forecasting tools, and hands-on reporting (Xero experience ideal)
• High emotional intelligence and outstanding communication skills, with a collaborative approach to non-finance teams

The Opportunity

• Progression pathway to Finance Director within 2-3 years (or sooner dependent on performance)
• Board-level visibility and strategic input from day one
• Varied, dynamic work across farming, tourism, retail, and e-commerce
• Work closely with entrepreneurial leadership in a values-led, future-focused organisation
• Make a tangible impact on conservation, sustainability and education

Why Join Cotswold Farm Park?

• Be part of a heritage brand with a modern growth agenda
• Contribute to a purpose-driven organisation with strong family values
• Enjoy a rural, family-friendly environment with a collaborative team
• Competitive salary, benefits, pension, and development support
• On-site role with a close-knit team and beautiful surroundings

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.