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 ofpanies 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:
1. Cotswold Farm Park Ltd – a leading UK rural visitor attraction and holiday destination, weing over 200,000 annual visitors.
2. Cotswold Farming Enterprises Ltd – our HR and innovation hub.
3. 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 positionbines daily operational finance with broader business insight, delivering value across multiplepanies in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.
You'll be responsible for managing the finance function across all entities, driving robust financial reporting,pliance, 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
4. Lead day-to-day finance operations including accounts, budgeting, payroll, cashflow,pliance, and reporting
5. Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports
6. Collaborate with CEO & Finance Director on budgeting, forecasting, and financial strategy
7. Design and implement cashflow forecasting tools (Xero integration)
8. Support capital investment projects (, new kitchen, holiday amodation expansion)
9. Oversee financial planning and performance tracking across three group businesses
10. Take ownership of statutory and grant reporting requirements
11. Work closely with external accountants, advisors, and other stakeholders
12. Ensurepliance with all regulatory, tax, and audit requirements
13. Lead the finance team, supported by a Finance Assistant and external providers
14. Contribute to board-level meetings and strategic OKR alignment (including Perdoo rollout)
15. 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 financeStrongmercial acumen and systems-savvy (Xero highly desirable)Experience with cashflow modelling and reporting process improvementExcellentmunication and interpersonal skills across all levelsHigh integrity, attention to detail, and ability to meet tight deadlinesExperience in tourism, agriculture, hospitality, or emerceKnowledge of grant funding and capital project reportingFamiliarity with OKR platforms ( Perdoo)
Soft Skills & Attributes
16. Inspirational and approachable leadership style
17. Strong analytical thinking and strategic mindset
18. Collaborative and hands-on approach
19. High emotional intelligence and stakeholder engagement
20. Passion for sustainability and rural enterprise
21. Salary: £60,000 – £75,000 (dependent on experience)
22. Pension scheme
23. On-site parking
24. Training and development opportunities
25. Progression within a growing and respected organisation
26. Work within a values-driven and supportive team environment
27. Working Hours
28. Full time, Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm