Job Description

Our Estate is a multifaceted operation encompassing construction, property, agricultural, online retail, charitable interests and others. The Chairman is a high-net-worth individual (HNWI) with a portfolio of private companies and significant involvement in international charitable Foundations.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Finance Director to oversee the financial management of the Estate, the Chairman's private entities, and the Foundations. This senior, hands-on role requires exceptional discretion, integrity, and the ability to manage complex multi-entity financial structures. The successful candidate will act as a trusted advisor to the Chairman, providing strategic financial leadership and ensuring robust governance across commercial and charitable interests.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Strategy & Leadership

Act as lead financial advisor to the Chairman, providing analysis and recommendations across his business portfolio, and overall financial performance. Develop and implement financial strategies, policies, and procedures to support the long-term growth of the Estate and its entities. Provide clear, insightful financial reports highlighting key trends, risks, and opportunities. Manage relationships with banks, auditors, tax advisors, lawyers, and other stakeholders. Oversee capital planning, acquisitions, and new business ventures, including property developments and agricultural initiatives.

Financial Management & Reporting

Produce management accounts across the Estate, private companies, and Foundation. Lead statutory reporting and international audits (US and Austria), ensuring statutory compliance. Prepare timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements. Lead annual budgeting and forecasting, providing rolling forecasts, variance analysis, and financial modelling. Manage all core accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and payroll. Ensure effective treasury management, budgeting and cash flow forecasting. Present accurate, actionable financial reports to the Chairman and other stakeholders.

HNWI & Foundation Oversight

Manage the Chairman's personal finances and accounts with the highest discretion, liaising with tax advisors. Oversee financial management of private companies, properties, and Charitable Foundations. Ensure financial integrity, transparency, and compliance of the Foundations with charity law and international regulations (US and Austria). Provide financial reports for Foundation board meetings and oversee grant distribution and monitoring.

Compliance, Governance & Tax

Production and filing of statutory accounts, corporation tax, CIS & VAT, R&D, ensuring compliance with all statutory and regulatory rules. Payroll and Pension compliance. Manage all tax affairs for corporate, charitable, and personal entities, working closely with external advisors/auditors as primary liaison. Implement and maintain strong internal controls, governance frameworks, and risk management systems.

Operations & Systems

Lead and mentor the finance team, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and professional growth. Oversee payroll, cost control, and expense management. Daily treasury management (UK, US and Austria) to maximise working capital management. Building strong relationships with suppliers for favourable terms. Intercompany recharges and reconciliations. Weekly supplier & contractor payment runs. Maintain accurate records of assets, property, and investments. Implement and optimise financial systems, processes, and reporting tools.

Projects & Initiatives

Provide financial leadership for new ventures and capital projects. Ensure financial sustainability of long-term projects. Support the Estate's sustainability and legacy goals through effective financial planning.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Qualifications & Experience

ACA/ACCA/CIMA/QBE (or equivalent) Accountant with at least 10 years' PQE. Proven track record as Finance Director, Head of Finance, or senior finance leader. Experience managing finances for estates, family offices, or HNWI portfolios (desirable). Strong technical expertise in UK tax, multi-entity structures, and charity law preferred. Demonstrated success in strategic financial planning, reporting, and commercial decision support. Skilled in leading and developing finance teams. Experience with construction, estates, property and agriculture (desirable). Knowledge of international tax considerations for HNWI structures (desirable). Background in charitable foundations and philanthropic financial management (desirable).

Skills & Attributes

Exceptional integrity, discretion, and professionalism, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail. Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to build trust with stakeholders. Proactive, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary (commensurate with experience). Opportunity to work at the centre of a prestigious Estate with diverse business and philanthropic interests. A unique role offering variety, influence, and the chance to contribute to a lasting legacy.
Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person