Financial Controller

Employment type: Permanent
Salary: 65k/year - 75k/year

🏢 Financial Controller

📍 Location: Stourton, Cotswolds (Hybrid working)

🧾 Reporting to: CEO

About The Business -

At the Cotswold Distillery, we’re more than just a producer of award-winning spirits - we’re a fast-growing, entrepreneurial business with big ambitions! Every bottle we craft represents our passion, our pride, and our home in the Cotswolds.

Our values guide everything we do:

✨ Going the extra mile

✨ Pride in our brand

✨ Striving for excellence

✨ Entrepreneurial spirit

If you’re looking to combine your financial expertise with the chance to make a real impact in a premium brand with global recognition, this is the role for you.

The Role

We’re looking for a hands-on, commercially astute Financial Controller to lead our finance function. This is a pivotal role, working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to drive financial performance, strengthen governance, and support the continued growth of our business.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day finance operations including AP, AR, reconciliations, and general ledger.
• Lead month-end processes and deliver accurate management accounts, cash flow forecasts, and financial commentary.
• Analyse performance vs. budget/forecast, providing actionable insights on revenue, costs, and profitability.
• Manage cash flow forecasting and ensure robust financial planning.
• Own the annual budget and forecasting cycle, partnering with department leads.
• Manage payroll, VAT & duty returns, and other statutory obligations.
• Act as the main contact for auditors, tax advisors, banks, and insurers.
• Oversee Company Secretarial duties and reporting obligations.
• Prepare financial packs for the Board, investors, and lenders.
• Manage shareholder relations and EMI scheme.
• Mentor and oversee the Finance Administrator.
• Drive continuous improvement of financial systems, processes, and controls.
• Support strategic projects including new systems, international growth, and scaling initiatives.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is both technically strong and commercially minded, with the ability to see the bigger picture while managing the detail.

You’ll bring:

• ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified (or equivalent).
• Experience as a Financial Controller in a fast-growing SME (FMCG/spirits sector a plus).
• Strong planning and organisational skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• A growth mindset, resilience, and the ability to adapt in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication skills – able to simplify complex financial information.
• Advanced Excel and strong systems knowledge (Xero, Microsoft).
• A positive, hands-on, can-do attitude.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a fast-growing, globally recognised distillery.
• Work closely with an entrepreneurial leadership team.
• Shape the future of a premium British spirits brand.
• Opportunity for impact, growth, and progression in a collaborative environment.

Find out more by emailing me with your CV - chris@wedorecruitment.com