Financial Controller

Salary - £60,000 - £65,000 depending on experience, knowledge & skills

Are you an experienced finance professional who thrives in a changing environment and enjoys driving improvements that make a lasting impact? At the Horticultural Trades Association, we offer a strong learning and supportive culture, where continuous development and collaboration are at the heart of how we work

We are currently undergoing an exciting period of transformation — improving our finance and IT systems, data storage, and core processes to create a more efficient, agile, and insight-led organisation. As our new Financial Controller, you will play a pivotal role in helping the Chief Finance Officer lead the finance team through this change, with the opportunity to shape the future of our finance function and make a meaningful contribution to the success of the organisation and its members.

About the HTA

This is a hugely exciting time for the sector and for the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA). Gardens and managed green spaces and landscapes have never been more important to the UK – for the economy, for the environment and for the nation’s well-being.

The HTA has 1,350 members, including garden retailers, growers, landscapers, and suppliers to the garden industry. The HTA lobbies and campaigns for its members within the horticulture industry and has an excellent reputation. We provide our members with the opportunity to learn, innovate, and network with others in the industry.

We have an effective political lobbying team working to enable the best conditions for our members to flourish across the UK and our research and insights team provide impactful data to help our members run productive and resilient businesses.

The HTA has a very interesting financial model. We have been running the National Garden Gift scheme since 1962. These garden gift cards can be bought and redeemed at HTA Garden centre members sites throughout the UK and can also be purchased online and in some supermarket gift card malls. It is the biggest garden gift card scheme in the country – locking in around £40 million of consumer spend to horticulture and our members’ businesses.

Our culture

Our culture is built on our core values of being Member Focused, Collaborative & Inclusive, Trusted, and Innovative. We put our members at the heart of everything we do, ensuring their needs and aspirations guide our decisions and actions. We foster a collaborative and inclusive environment where every team member’s voice is valued, and diverse perspectives drive creativity and success. Trust is central to our relationships, both internally and externally, and we are committed to acting with integrity and transparency in all that we do. We embrace innovation, continuously seeking new ways to improve and push boundaries, ensuring that we stay ahead of the curve in delivering exceptional service and results. If you’re looking for a workplace where these values are lived every day, and where you can make a real impact, we’d love to have you join us.

As an organisation, we are deeply committed to supporting and developing our team. We’ll give you the tools, mentoring, and opportunities you need to grow.

About the role

The Financial Controller role is full-time and will be based at our main office in Chilton, Oxfordshire, with hybrid working available. You’ll typically be required in the office 3-4 days per week for team collaboration and, if you wish, you can work remotely for the rest of the week.

This is a broad and strategically focused finance role that goes beyond traditional day-to-day financial operations. While you'll lead on core areas such as financial control, risk management cash management and data integration, you’ll also be deeply involved in cross-functional, strategic projects that improve how the organisation works as a whole.

Your work will directly support the delivery of high-quality services to our members. You’ll help us continue to be a data-informed, member-focused organisation — ensuring our finance processes and systems are fit for the future and aligned with our long-term strategy.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Finance Transformation & Strategy: Support the CFO in delivering the finance transformation programme, including improvements to systems, data integrity, processes, and reporting capabilities.
Audit & Compliance: Manage the year-end and audit process, liaising with external auditors to ensure a smooth and efficient audit. Ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
Income Stream Management: Oversee and analyse our complex income streams, including gifting income, membership subscriptions, and other revenue sources. Provide insight to support business planning and decision-making.
Data Integration and Systems Management: Work with Sage Intacct to maintain seamless data integration, ensure accuracy of financial data, and optimise financial workflows. Lead system improvements and collaborate with the IT team on integration projects.
Internal Controls & Financial Policies: Develop and maintain robust internal controls, financial procedures, and policies that safeguard organisational assets and enhance financial efficiency and transparency.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues across departments to deliver strategic initiatives and provide financial leadership on cross-organisational projects.
Line Management: Manage and develop our two Accounts Assistants, overseeing the day-to-day accounting functions including the purchase ledger and sales ledger. Provide technical support, performance management, and foster a culture of growth and accountability.
Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements across all areas of finance. Drive automation and efficiency while maintaining a focus on service quality and member value.

What we offer

A key role in a mission-led, not-for-profit organisation in a vibrant sector
The opportunity to help lead and shape the finance function during an exciting time of change and contribute to strategic, cross-functional projects
Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
Competitive salary and generous benefits package including 30 days holiday + Bank Holidays, pension, health cash plan, life assurance, employee discount scheme, employee assistance programme, salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work & Electric Vehicle), on-site parking and many more
Tailored induction plan
Be part of a values-driven organisation with a clear mission and a culture of innovation and integrity

About you

We’re looking for a confident, collaborative, and forward-thinking finance professional who is excited by change and committed to making a difference. A hands-on approach is essential, with the ability to manage both high-level financial strategy and day-to-day financial operations.

This role would suit someone who demonstrates the following skills, experience, and attributes:

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
Minimum 5-10 years’ experience in a similar Finance role leading teams in fast paced organisations
Exposure to complex income structures, ideally with some experience in not-for-profit or similar environment
Strong communication and interpersonal skills – able to collaborate across functions and influence at all levels
A strong track record of leading or supporting financial change and transformation projects
Demonstrate resilience under pressure
Hands-on experience as an auditor or managing or supporting audit processes and liaising with external auditors
Experience working with finance systems (experience with Sage Intacct is a plus, especially with system upgrades or integration)
Aligned to our HTA Values. This involves having a positive, proactive, and solution-focused mindset; being open-minded and innovative – always seeking better ways to do things; and a strong customer/member focus.
Full UK Driving Licence and vehicle for travel if required.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please send your CV and a brief covering letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

Closing date:17:00 Monday 25 July 2025

The HTA is committed to embedding diversity, equity and inclusion into our culture and our talent processes. We believe in creating a workplace where our people are treated with dignity and respect, a workplace free of barriers or discrimination. We will make accommodations upon request for candidates wherever needed and practical throughout the hiring process.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.