Financial Controller

Hays Senior finance are partnering exclusively with the Cotswold Farm Park.

Company Overview

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, welcoming 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're 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 environmentProven leadership in financial control and strategic financeStrong commercial acumen and systems-savvy (Xero highly desirable)Experience with cashflow modelling and reporting process improvementExcellent communication and interpersonal skills across all levelsHigh integrity, attention to detail, and ability to meet tight deadlinesExperience in tourism, agriculture, hospitality, or e-commerceKnowledge of grant funding and capital project reportingFamiliarity with OKR platforms (e.g. 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

Compensation & Benefits

• 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

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.

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