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Financial Controller
Salary: 60,000 - 70,000 DOE + Benefits
Based near Cheltenham (on-site)
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.
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 over 200,000 annual transactions across 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
Apply now to be part of the Cotswold Farm Park journey.
This is your opportunity to blend commercial impact with purpose in a truly unique organisation. Please apply via our recruitment partner, Martin Veasey Talent Solutions.
Please send your CV, quoting reference LX (phone number removed)
