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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and reporting for a large rural estate.
- Company: Join a prestigious rural estate enterprise with diverse ventures across 9,000 acres.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, potential accommodation, and autonomy in your role.
- Why this job: Shape the financial future of a heritage-rich organisation with a collaborative culture.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and strong experience with Xero accounting systems required.
- Other info: Engage directly with trustees and beneficiaries in a dynamic leadership role.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Dorset / Wiltshire, with flexibility.
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience, circa £60k – £70k
Contract: Full-time, permanent.
Accommodation: Potentially available if required.
Our client, a Rural Estate enterprise is seeking a highly experienced and commercially astute Finance Director to lead and modernise all financial operations. The Finance Director will be a dynamic and results driven leader with a proven track record of promoting business growth and stability through strong financial management.
The Rural Estate enterprise encompasses two estates of a combined approx. 9,000 acres with wide range of ventures, including arable and livestock farming, commercial and residential property, forestry, sporting interests, and a public house.
Reporting directly to the Trustees and Beneficiaries and working alongside the Estate Manager, the Finance Director will take ownership of the financial management and reporting across both estates. Initiate and control the process of streamlining and developing financial practices and administrative functions across the estates to promote business growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead on financial strategy, planning, and reporting for both estates
- Produce accurate monthly management accounts, budgets, forecasts and financial analysis to agreed timescales
- Accurate cashflow forecasting for the multiple estate entities to ensure the robustness of long-term forecasts
- Monitor and challenge performance of the estates against budgets and forecasts
- Oversee statutory accounts, audit preparation, and compliance
- Advise on financial implications of commercial decisions and estate diversification
- Management of banking relationships, inc. Estate lending restructuring
- Support investment planning and risk management strategies
- Drive the integration and streamlining of administrative and finance systems across two estates, identifying opportunities for improvement
- Continuously monitor and analyse financial performance across all enterprises to challenge viability
- Liaise with trustees, beneficiaries, and professional advisers at agreed timescales to advise on financial and commercial activity and issues
- Provide consistent and clear leadership for finance staff and support the wider estate teams
Key Requirements
- Professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Must have strong experience of Xero accounting systems
- Ability to formulate robust financial plans and manage their performance
- Experience of fund management and inter-estate loan management
- Experience in rural estate finance, landed estates, or multi-enterprise businesses
- Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to understand diverse business operations
- Exceptional communication skills and ability to confidently and accurately report at trustee/board level
- Experience with estate management software an advantage
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on, solutions-focused approach
- A collaborative and discreet working style
What We Offer
- The opportunity to shape the financial future of a prestigious and diverse rural estate
- A high level of autonomy and direct engagement with trustees and beneficiaries
- A varied and challenging role within a values-led, heritage-rich organisation
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Based on a 30-acre care farmAnnual Salary Range: £33,000-£36,00037…
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Finance Director for large rural estate | Fowler Fortescue employer: the Blackmore Vale
Contact Detail:
the Blackmore Vale Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director for large rural estate | Fowler Fortescue
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the rural estate sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who may have insights into the role and the organisation. Personal connections can often lead to valuable referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the specific financial challenges faced by rural estates. Understanding the unique aspects of managing finances in this sector will allow you to speak knowledgeably about how you can contribute to the organisation's success during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with Xero accounting systems if you haven't already. Since strong experience with this software is a key requirement, being able to demonstrate your proficiency can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your strategic thinking and hands-on approach in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully implemented financial strategies in previous roles, particularly in multi-enterprise environments.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director for large rural estate | Fowler Fortescue
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in finance, particularly in rural estate management or multi-enterprise businesses. Emphasise your professional accountancy qualifications and any specific experience with Xero accounting systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the unique challenges of managing finances for a rural estate. Mention your strategic thinking and hands-on approach, and how these qualities can benefit the organisation.
Highlight Key Achievements: In your application, include specific examples of how you've successfully led financial strategies or improved financial practices in previous roles. Quantify your achievements where possible to demonstrate your impact.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role requires liaising with trustees and beneficiaries, highlight your exceptional communication skills. Provide examples of how you've effectively reported financial information at board level or collaborated with diverse teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at the Blackmore Vale
✨Research the Rural Estate Sector
Before your interview, make sure to familiarise yourself with the rural estate sector. Understand the unique financial challenges and opportunities that come with managing large estates, including agricultural practices and property management.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial strategy, planning, and reporting. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed budgets, forecasts, and cash flow in previous roles, especially in similar environments.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Finance Director, you'll need to lead finance teams and collaborate with various stakeholders. Share examples of how you've effectively led teams, communicated with trustees or boards, and driven financial performance in past positions.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Have insightful questions ready for your interviewers about their financial goals, challenges they face, and how you can contribute to their vision. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
