Financial Controller

The Company

Are you looking for a finance role where no two days are the same — and where your work directly shapes the future of a unique, historic estate?

Nigel Wright are delighted to be partnering with Lambton Estates to appoint a Financial Controller into a pivotal, on-site role at Lambton Park, near Chester-le-Street. This is a rare opportunity to step into a broad, hands-on position within a modern, diversified estate combining heritage, community and commercial growth.

The Role

As the lead finance contact on site, you will take ownership of multiple sets of accounts across a complex group of entities, including trusts, partnerships and companies. Reporting to the Resident Agent and Trustees, you will play a key role in ensuring strong financial control across a diverse estate operation.
Key responsibilities include:

• Full ownership of multi-entity accounting and financial reporting
• Preparation of management accounts, budgets and cashflow forecasting
• Oversight of bookkeeping, VAT returns and inter-entity reconciliations
• Ensuring robust financial processes and controls across estate activities
• Supporting year-end accounts and compliance with external accountants
• Acting as a key point of contact for trustees, advisers and the family

The Person

You will be a technically strong accountant who enjoys variety and thrives in a hands-on, fast-paced environment. This role will suit someone who is comfortable operating across the full finance spectrum — from detailed transactional work through to stakeholder reporting — and who takes ownership of delivering accurate and insightful financial information.
We’re particularly interested in candidates who bring:

• A recognised accounting qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) or strong QBE background
• Experience managing multiple entities, ideally within practice or a complex group environment
• A hands-on approach, with the ability to move seamlessly between bookkeeping and reporting
• Confidence engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including trustees, advisers and non-finance contacts
• Strong communication skills, with the presence to challenge, influence and coordinate across different areas of the estate

Why this role?

This is not a traditional Financial Controller position. Lambton Estates offers a rare opportunity to take ownership of finance within a diverse and evolving estate, where no two days are the same.

Operating across farming, forestry, residential and commercial property, events and development activity, the estate presents a unique blend of heritage and modern enterprise — giving you exposure to a broad range of financial and commercial challenges.

Key reasons to consider this role:

• Breadth and variety – oversee multiple entities and income streams across a truly diverse estate
• Autonomy and ownership – act as the number one finance lead on site
• Stakeholder exposure – work closely with trustees, advisers and the family, with real visibility and influence
• Career development – ideal for someone stepping into their first number one role or broadening their commercial experience
• A unique setting – be part of a historic estate entering its next phase, balancing heritage preservation with future growth