At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations and support a grower business through significant change.
- Company: Established grower business in Kent with a focus on horticulture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on role, and opportunity to make an immediate impact.
- Other info: On-site role with flexible hours, ideal for those passionate about the grower sector.
- Why this job: Utilise your agricultural finance expertise to drive real change in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in agriculture finance and strong management accounting skills required.
The predicted salary is between 67500 - 82500 £ per year.
FD Capital is working on behalf of a well-established grower business in Kent to find an experienced Interim Finance Manager for a hands-on, on-site role supporting the business through a period of significant change. This one is genuinely on-site, and market understanding matters more than usual. We need someone who has actually worked within growing, horticulture, fresh produce, or a related agricultural supply chain — and understands the seasonality, the grower/member relationships, and the operational realities of that world, not just general SME finance.
Location: Kent (on-site)
Salary: Circa £75,000 FTE equivalent, pro rata
Type: Interim, approx. 3 days per week, for up to 18 months
Availability: Ideally from 1 October
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the day-to-day finance and administration function, including line management of finance and administration assistants
- Prepare and present monthly and quarterly management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, and P&L and cashflow forecasts
- Lead the annual budgeting process and develop rolling forecasts
- Oversee statutory reporting and compliance, including annual accounts, audit liaison, VAT returns, and relevant regulatory reporting
- Manage treasury activity, including payment run approval, cash monitoring and banking relationships
- Oversee payroll, pensions and employee benefits administration
- Support asset transfer administration and grower/member payment and account sales processes
- Prepare finance papers and reports for the Board and Audit Committee
- Manage HR administration, including employee records, absence/leave, and the employee lifecycle (onboarding, contract changes, offboarding)
- Support recruitment, employee relations and HR policy administration, working with external HR and employment law advisers as needed
- Support the wider finance team through a period of organisational change
What You’ll Bring
- Essential: Genuine grower / horticulture / fresh produce / agricultural sector experience — this is the single most important criterion for this search
- Proven interim or fractional finance experience — comfortable stepping into a business, understanding its rhythms quickly, and adding value fast without a long ramp‑up period
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Strong management accounting and statutory reporting experience
- Experience managing or leading a finance team
- Confident with budgeting, forecasting and cashflow management
- Audit and compliance experience
- Advanced Excel skills and experience with Sage or an equivalent accounting system
- Experience managing HR administration and employee records, with working knowledge of UK employment legislation
- Comfortable working independently, on‑site, and managing competing seasonal priorities
- Desirable: Previous experience supporting Boards and Audit Committees
- Experience of organisational change, transition or restructuring environments
Why This Role
This is a genuinely hands‑on, on‑site opportunity to make an immediate impact within a business that needs real sector fluency, not just a generic finance CV. If you know the grower/horticulture world from the inside, this is a chance to put that knowledge directly to use during a critical period for the business.
Interim Finance Manager – Agricultural / Grower Sector – Kent (On-site) in Maidstone employer: FD Capital Recruitment
FD Capital is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for an Interim Finance Manager to make a significant impact in the agricultural sector. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, this role allows you to leverage your expertise in horticulture while working closely with a dedicated team in Kent. The company values hands-on experience and provides a supportive environment that fosters professional development during a pivotal time for the business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Finance Manager – Agricultural / Grower Sector – Kent (On-site) in Maidstone
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Local Farms
Don’t be shy about visiting local farms and agricultural businesses — many of them often need extra hands, especially during busy seasons. Take a trip to farmers' markets, community gardens, and agricultural fairs; you’ll make connections and might hear about temporary roles before they’re advertised.
✨Join Agricultural Community Groups
Get involved in local farming networks or online communities dedicated to agriculture. These platforms often share job openings, volunteer opportunities, and events. Plus, building relationships in these circles can lead to recommendations and insider information about temporary gigs.
✨Seasonal Hiring Peaks – Be Prepared
Keep an eye on the seasonal hiring windows; many farms look for temporary workers during harvest time. Be proactive! Reach out to farms directly before peak season and express your interest in helping during those busy periods. It's all about timing!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Our Website
When you find a role you like, make sure to apply through our website! Highlight any relevant skills or experiences, such as volunteering or coursework related to agriculture, which can make you stand out in your application for temporary positions with companies like FD Capital Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Finance Manager – Agricultural / Grower Sector – Kent (On-site) in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience with Plants:In agriculture, it’s all about hands-on experience, right? Make sure your CV showcases any relevant work you've done with crops, livestock, or even through volunteering. If you’ve held a position that involved tilling the soil or caring for plants, mention specifics so we can see your skills in action!
Highlight Your Physical Stamina:Temporary roles in agriculture can be physically demanding. Don't hesitate to mention any relevant physical capabilities or previous tough gigs you’ve tackled. This gives us confidence that you’re up for the challenges the job might throw at you!
Tailor Your Application to the Weather!:When applying for a temporary gig at FD Capital Recruitment, it's super important to let us know your availability, considering that agricultural work can sometimes be influenced by seasons or weather patterns. Make it clear when you can jump in, whether that’s for a few weeks or a month!
Bring along Any Certifications:If you have any cool certificates related to agriculture, like health and safety or machinery operation, be sure to include these in your application. They can really set you apart and show that you’re not just a regular applicant—you're someone who comes prepped and ready to contribute!
How to prepare for a job interview at FD Capital Recruitment
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
In the agriculture field, hands-on experience is key. Be ready to chat about any specific tools or machinery you've worked with, whether it’s tractors, irrigation systems, or general farm equipment. If you’ve got experience with crop management or livestock care, flaunt that too!
✨Understand Seasonal Dynamics
Temporary roles in agriculture often revolve around peak seasons, so brush up on how the seasonal cycles affect agricultural work. Familiarise yourself with the planting and harvesting schedules for different crops. This shows that you're not just looking for a job; you understand the industry's rhythm!
✨Flex Your Adaptability
Temporary roles require a bit of flexibility as the tasks can change rapidly. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you had to pivot quickly, whether it was dealing with sudden weather changes or shifting priorities. Employers love seeing that we can adapt and tackle unexpected challenges!
✨Mindful of Safety Regulations
In agriculture, health and safety are paramount. Brush up on relevant safety regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to a safe work environment in previous positions. Demonstrating your knowledge of these practices will show your commitment to maintaining a secure workplace.
