Financial Controller - Maternity Cover

Financial Controller - Maternity Cover

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

Advert closes: 2 June 2026

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Lead the numbers behind one of the country's most exciting luxury estates.

Our Financial Controller

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

INDURG