Financial Controller

TN United Kingdom; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company in the heart of the Cotswolds seeks a Financial Controller to lead its finance operations. This pivotal role combines strategic oversight with hands-on management across multiple entities, ensuring robust financial reporting and compliance. As a key member of the leadership team, you will contribute to exciting growth initiatives while fostering a values-driven environment. If you're passionate about finance and sustainability, and ready to make an impact in a dynamic setting, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Pension scheme

On-site parking

Training and development opportunities

Progression within a growing organization

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Lead finance operations including budgeting, payroll, and reporting.
• Collaborate with CEO on financial strategy and forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Manage finance function across all entities, ensuring compliance.
• Prepare financial reports and oversee cashflow forecasting.

Skills

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

5+ years post-qualification experience

Leadership in financial control

Strong commercial acumen

Cashflow modelling

Excellent communication skills

Experience in tourism or agriculture

Education

Qualified accountant

Tools

Xero

Job description

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Hays Senior Finance is exclusively partnering with the Cotswold Farm Park based just outside of Cheltenham.

Henson and Andrews Ltd (HAL) is a values-driven group of companies based on a 600-hectare farm in the heart of the Cotswolds. Our diverse operations span regenerative agriculture, conservation, tourism, media, consultancy, and corporate ventures. We are best known through our portfolio of businesses, which include:

• Cotswold Farm Park Ltd – a leading UK rural visitor attraction and holiday destination, attracting over 200,000 annual visitors.
• Cotswold Farming Enterprises Ltd – our HR and innovation hub.
• Henson & Andrews Ltd – our farming and regenerative agriculture venture and platform for corporate, media, and sustainable food production initiatives.

Co-owned by Adam Henson and Duncan Andrews, and supported by an Executive Team, we are a business with purpose, heritage, and ambition. Following the departure of our long-serving Financial Controller, we are now recruiting for a forward-thinking finance leader to help shape the future.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Financial Controller who is both strategically minded and hands-on. This senior leadership position combines daily operational finance with broader business insight, delivering value across multiple companies in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.

You'll be responsible for managing the finance function across all entities, driving robust financial reporting, compliance, and planning. As a Board member, you will help guide key strategic decisions and support exciting new growth initiatives.

This is a rare opportunity to lead finance for a high-profile, purpose-led business that blends farming, tourism, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day finance operations including accounts, budgeting, payroll, cashflow, compliance, and reporting.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Collaborate with CEO & Finance Director on budgeting, forecasting, and financial strategy.
• Design and implement cashflow forecasting tools (Xero integration).
• Support capital investment projects (e.g., new kitchen, holiday accommodation expansion).
• Oversee financial planning and performance tracking across three group businesses.
• Take ownership of statutory and grant reporting requirements.
• Work closely with external accountants, advisors, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, tax, and audit requirements.
• Lead the finance team, supported by a Finance Assistant and external providers.
• Contribute to board-level meetings and strategic OKR alignment (including Perdoo rollout).
• Improve processes, systems integration (ePOS, online bookings, payroll), and reporting efficiency.

Skills & Experience

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Minimum 5 years post-qualification experience in an SME or multi-entity environment.
• Proven leadership in financial control and strategic finance.
• Strong commercial acumen and systems-savvy (Xero highly desirable).
• Experience with cashflow modelling and reporting process improvement.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across all levels.
• High integrity, attention to detail, and ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Experience in tourism, agriculture, hospitality, or e-commerce.
• Knowledge of grant funding and capital project reporting.
• Familiarity with OKR platforms (Perdoo).

Soft Skills & Attributes

• Inspirational and approachable leadership style.
• Strong analytical thinking and strategic mindset.
• Collaborative and hands-on approach.
• High emotional intelligence and stakeholder engagement.
• Passion for sustainability and rural enterprise.

Salary: £60,000 – £75,000 (dependent on experience)

Pension scheme

On-site parking

Training and development opportunities

Progression within a growing and respected organisation

Work within a values-driven and supportive team environment

Working Hours: Full time, Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm