At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations and support strategic decisions in a dynamic lifestyle business.
- Company: Join Petersham Nurseries, an award-winning lifestyle brand known for hospitality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, staff discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Enjoy a beautiful working environment in the heart of Richmond.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a unique environment while developing your finance leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must be ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with significant finance leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Contract: 12-Month Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover)
Hours: Full-time or Part-time (minimum 3 days per week).
Reporting to: Managing Director
About Petersham Nurseries
Petersham Nurseries is an award-winning lifestyle business combining restaurants, retail, floristry, interiors and events. Renowned for exceptional hospitality, craftsmanship and sustainability, we create memorable experiences rooted in quality, beauty and community.
We are looking for an experienced Finance Controller or Finance Director to join us on a 12-month maternity cover contract. This is a key leadership role responsible for safeguarding the financial integrity of the business while partnering with the senior leadership team to support strategic decision making and commercial performance. We recognise that exceptional finance leaders are looking for flexibility. Whether you are seeking a full-time position or a part-time leadership role, we are open to creating the right arrangement for the successful candidate.
The Role
This is a hands‑on senior finance leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of the finance function across Petersham Nurseries. You will lead financial reporting, planning, controls and compliance while acting as a trusted commercial partner to the leadership team. Depending on your experience, the role may be appointed at Financial Controller or Finance Director level, with responsibilities aligned accordingly. You will be comfortable balancing strategic thinking with operational delivery and thrive in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Leadership
- Lead and develop the finance function, ensuring robust financial management and efficient processes.
- Partner with the Managing Director, senior leadership team and department heads to support commercial decision making.
- Provide strategic financial insight to improve profitability and support business growth.
- Present financial performance, forecasts and business analysis to the Board and shareholders where appropriate.
- Financial Reporting & Control
- Produce timely and accurate monthly management accounts.
- Deliver meaningful variance analysis and financial commentary.
- Ensure robust balance sheet reconciliations and financial controls.
- Manage the month‑end and year‑end close process.
- Prepare annual budgets, rolling forecasts and long‑term financial plans.
- Oversee preparation of statutory accounts and coordinate the annual audit.
- Maintain compliance with UK accounting standards and statutory reporting requirements.
- Commercial Finance
- Analyse sales, gross margins, labour costs and operational performance.
- Support pricing decisions, investment appraisals and business cases.
- Identify opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
- Partner with operational managers to monitor KPIs and financial performance.
- Provide commercial insight to support strategic initiatives across the business.
- Treasury & Cash Management
- Manage cash flow forecasting and working capital.
- Oversee banking relationships and payment approvals.
- Monitor liquidity and ensure effective cash management across the business.
- Compliance & Governance
- Ensure compliance with VAT, payroll, corporation tax and all statutory obligations.
- Maintain strong internal controls and financial governance.
- Liaise with auditors, tax advisers, banks and external stakeholders.
- Continuously review and improve finance processes and systems.
- Team Leadership
- Lead, mentor and develop the finance team.
- Foster a collaborative, supportive and high‑performing culture.
- Ensure finance provides an excellent service to the wider business.
- Drive continuous improvement across systems, reporting and processes.
About You
You are an experienced finance professional who combines technical excellence with commercial awareness and a collaborative leadership style. You enjoy working in dynamic businesses where no two days are the same and are comfortable moving between strategic planning and hands‑on operational finance.
Essential Skills & Experience
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified.
- Significant experience as a Financial Controller, Finance Director or equivalent senior finance role.
- Strong technical accounting knowledge.
- Proven experience producing management accounts, budgets and forecasts.
- Experience managing cash flow and working capital.
- Excellent commercial acumen and analytical skills.
- Strong leadership and people management experience.
- Advanced Excel and financial systems knowledge.
- Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable
- Experience within hospitality, retail, leisure, luxury consumer goods or multi‑site businesses.
- Experience working with stock and inventory‑based operations.
- Knowledge of hospitality EPOS and finance systems.
- Experience leading finance process improvements or systems implementations.
What We Offer
- A unique opportunity to join one of London’s most distinctive hospitality and lifestyle businesses.
- A collaborative and values‑driven working environment.
- The opportunity to make a significant impact during an exciting period for the business.
- Flexible working arrangements as both full‑time and part‑time applications welcomed.
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
- Staff discounts across Petersham Nurseries.
- Company pension.
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support.
- Unique, beautiful working environment in the heart of Richmond.
Finance Controller/Director employer: Petersham Nurseries
Petersham Nurseries is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in one of London’s most distinctive hospitality and lifestyle businesses. With a strong focus on flexibility, we welcome both full-time and part-time applications, ensuring a collaborative and values-driven work culture that fosters employee growth and well-being. Our beautiful location in Richmond, combined with competitive salaries, staff discounts, and a supportive environment, makes us an attractive choice for finance professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Controller/Director
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Petersham Nurseries.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Petersham Nurseries might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Controller/Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Petersham Nurseries will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Petersham Nurseries. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Petersham Nurseries confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Petersham Nurseries
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Petersham Nurseries.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Petersham Nurseries that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
