At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and modernise operations for a large rural estate.
- Company: Prestigious rural estate with diverse ventures and a heritage-rich culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential accommodation, and high autonomy in decision-making.
- Why this job: Shape the financial future of a dynamic estate while working closely with trustees.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and strong experience with Xero accounting systems.
- Other info: Opportunity for strategic thinkers to drive growth in a collaborative environment.
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 a 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
- 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
- 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
Finance Director for large rural estate | Fowler Fortescue in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those with experience in rural estates. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial practices. Show us you understand their operations and how you can bring value as a Finance Director. Tailor your responses to highlight your relevant experience!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job! We want to see your application directly, and it helps us keep track of all the amazing candidates like you.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director for large rural estate | Fowler Fortescue in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Finance Director role. Highlight your experience with financial management, especially in rural estates or multi-enterprise businesses, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your strategic thinking and hands-on approach!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. We want to see how you’ve driven business growth and stability through strong financial management in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at the Blackmore Vale
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them to drive business growth in the past. Prepare examples of your experience with cash flow forecasting and budget management.
✨Understand the Estate's Operations
Familiarise yourself with the specific operations of rural estates, including farming, property management, and diversification strategies. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the estate's financial strategy and overall success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
The role requires strong leadership skills, so think about how you can convey your approach to managing finance teams and collaborating with other departments. Be prepared to share examples of how you've led teams through change or improved financial practices in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about strategic financial planning and risk management. Think about how you've approached these areas in the past and be ready to discuss your thought process. Highlight any experience you have with investment planning and how it relates to the unique challenges of managing a rural estate.
