Financial Controller

Are you looking for a finance role where no two days are the same - and where your work directly shapes the future of a unique, historic estate? Nigel Wright are delighted to be partnering with Lambton Estates to appoint a Financial Controller into a pivotal, on-site role at Lambton Park, near Chester-le-Street. This is a rare opportunity to step into a broad, hands-on position within a modern, diversified estate combining heritage, community and commercial growth.

The Role

As the lead finance contact on site, you will take ownership of multiple sets of accounts across a complex group of entities, including trusts, partnerships and companies. Reporting to the Resident Agent and Trustees, you will play a key role in ensuring strong financial control across a diverse estate operation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Full ownership of multi-entity accounting and financial reporting
• Preparation of management accounts, budgets and cashflow forecasting
• Oversight of bookkeeping, VAT returns and inter-entity reconciliations
• Ensuring robust financial processes and controls across estate activities
• Supporting year-end accounts and compliance with external accountants
• Acting as a key point of contact for trustees, advisers and the family

The Person

You will be a technically strong accountant who enjoys variety and thrives in a hands-on, fast-paced environment. This role will suit someone who is comfortable operating across the full finance spectrum - from detailed transactional work through to stakeholder reporting - and who takes ownership of delivering accurate and insightful financial information. We’re particularly interested in candidates who bring:

• A recognised accounting qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) or strong QBE background
• Experience managing multiple entities, ideally within practice or a complex group environment
• A hands-on approach, with the ability to move seamlessly between bookkeeping and reporting
• Confidence engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including trustees, advisers and non-finance contacts
• Strong communication skills, with the presence to challenge, influence and coordinate across different areas of the estate

You’ll be proactive, resilient and comfortable working in an environment where priorities shift and pace can vary.

Why this role?

This is not a traditional Financial Controller position. Lambton Estates offers a rare opportunity to take ownership of finance within a diverse and evolving estate, where no two days are the same. Operating across farming, forestry, residential and commercial property, events and development activity, the estate presents a unique blend of heritage and modern enterprise - giving you exposure to a broad range of financial and commercial challenges.

Key reasons to consider this role:

• Breadth and variety - oversee multiple entities and income streams across a truly diverse estate
• Autonomy and ownership - act as the number one finance lead on site
• Stakeholder exposure - work closely with trustees, advisers and the family, with real visibility and influence
• Career development - ideal for someone stepping into their first number one role or broadening their commercial experience
• A unique setting - be part of a historic estate entering its next phase, balancing heritage preservation with future growth

If you’re looking for a challenging, high-impact role where you can take ownership and develop your breadth as a finance professional, we would welcome your application.