At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance team and oversee financial operations for a luxury estate.
- Company: Join The Newt in Somerset, a stunning luxury country estate.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, wellness perks, and generous leave.
- Other info: Be part of a fun team with regular engagement activities and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and proven leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.
Up to 12 months maternity cover. £70,000–£80,000 pro rata, depending on experience plus bonus and fantastic benefits. 40 hours per week across 5 days, Monday-Friday. Based onsite - BA7. A driving licence is recommended for this role.
Lead the numbers behind one of the country's most exciting luxury estates. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to step into a key leadership role at The Newt in Somerset. Working closely with the CFO and operational leaders across the business, you’ll oversee the day‑to‑day running of the central finance function while ensuring accurate reporting, robust controls, and smooth financial operations across a fast‑paced and diverse business. You’ll lead and develop a talented finance team, support strategic projects and continuous improvement initiatives, and provide commercial insight that helps drive business performance. This role would suit someone who enjoys balancing hands‑on financial leadership with operational collaboration in a dynamic environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, manage, and develop the central finance team
- Oversee month-end and year-end close processes and audit activities
- Review monthly management accounts, reconciliations, accruals, and prepayments
- Oversee payroll and payment processes, ensuring compliance and accuracy
- Maintain and improve financial controls, systems, and finance processes
- Support budgeting and forecasting alongside senior finance leadership
- Partner with operational teams to provide commercial insight and financial support
- Support strategic finance projects and continuous improvement initiatives
What we can offer
- A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
- Peace of mind with Employee Life Cover, providing your nominated loved one with 2x your salary.
- Support from our Employee Assistance Programme, including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments for you and your family.
- Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
- Stay in shape with complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
- Access to our Cycle to Work scheme, supporting wellbeing and sustainable commuting.
- Complimentary staff meal when onsite – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
- Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
- Complimentary garden membership for The Newt and our partner gardens, including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
- We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme – Newt Awards, with the opportunity to achieve amazing rewards, including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
- Discover exclusive perks with discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a 30% discount at our restaurants.
- A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities, including Fun Squad events.
- Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team.
What we're looking for
- ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent professional accountancy qualification
- Proven leadership and people management experience
- Previous experience in a Financial Controller or similar senior finance role
- Strong understanding of financial controls, reporting, and accounting processes
- Experience overseeing payroll, payments, and month‑end procedures
- Excellent analytical and numerical skills
- Strong IT skills including Excel and finance systems
- Commercially minded with the ability to support operational teams and drive performance improvements
Where you'll be working
The Finance department supports all areas of the business through accurate financial reporting, effective financial controls, budgeting, forecasting, payroll, supplier payments, and commercial analysis. Working closely with operational teams and senior leadership, the department plays a key role in ensuring the smooth financial management of the business across a diverse and fast‑paced operation.
Who are we - The Newt in Somerset
Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home‑away‑from‑home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.
Luxury Estate Finance Controller (12-month FTC) in Bruton employer: The Newt in Somerset
The Newt in Somerset is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises personal and professional development. With a focus on employee wellbeing, you will enjoy fantastic benefits such as complimentary access to our spa and gym, generous annual leave, and exclusive discounts across our estate. Join a dynamic team where your contributions are recognised and rewarded, all while working in a stunning luxury environment that fosters collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Luxury Estate Finance Controller (12-month FTC) in Bruton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might have insights into luxury estates. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching The Newt and its financial operations. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of our unique environment and how you can contribute to our success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Finance Controller. Highlight your leadership skills and how you’ve driven performance improvements in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Luxury Estate Finance Controller (12-month FTC) in Bruton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Luxury Estate Finance Controller role. Highlight your leadership experience and financial expertise, as we want to see how you can lead our finance team effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past achievements in finance and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, make sure to mention any relevant projects or experiences where you've used these skills. We love seeing how you can turn numbers into insights that drive business performance!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at The Newt in Somerset!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Newt in Somerset
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Luxury Estate Finance Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed financial operations in previous roles. Highlight specific examples of how you've improved financial controls or reporting processes.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and people management experience. Prepare to share stories about how you've led finance teams, developed talent, and fostered collaboration across departments. Think about challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with The Newt's operations and values. Research their luxury offerings and how finance plays a role in supporting those initiatives. Be prepared to discuss how you can provide commercial insight that drives performance improvements within the estate.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Ask about the current challenges the finance team faces or how they measure success in this position. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
