Forest Services (FS) Financial Controller

Posting date:	24 March 2026
Salary:	£60,293 to £66,375 per year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	12 April 2026
Location:	Bristol
Company:	Government Recruitment Service
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	453758/1

Summary

The Forestry Commission is the government’s forestry expert. We working across England to inform, demonstrate and enable what delivers multiple benefits from trees, woods and forests. We collaborate across sectors so that forestry contributes to environmental resilience, climate action, timber security, and benefits for people and communities. We are a Non-Ministerial Government Department with a Royal Charter and part of Defra, the government department responsible for environmental protection, food production and standards, agriculture, fisheries and rural communities.

There are three main parts of the Forestry Commission. All perform distinct but related functions and have their own governing boards and executive leadership teams, coming together as a group at Forestry Commission level. We are responsible for the management of publicly owned forests, the regulation of both public and private forestry in England and the underpinning science and research across UK.

As Financial Controller for Forest Services, you will provide strategic financial leadership across a complex and high‑profile national function. You will ensure that leaders have the financial insight, evidence and narrative needed to make confident decisions that support the successful delivery of the Forestry Commission Strategy.

Your work will directly enable Forest Services to contribute to national goals to expand tree cover, improve woodland condition, and strengthen the long‑term resilience of the forestry sector.

This is a significant opportunity for a forward‑thinking finance leader who wants to shape how the organisation meets some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Insight

• Provide incisive financial analysis that translates complex information into clear insight for senior leaders.
• Develop compelling financial narrative that connects resources to strategic goals and long‑term environmental outcomes.
• Lead consolidated financial reporting for Forest Services and contribute to wider Forestry Commission reporting.

Planning & Performance

• Support medium and long‑term financial planning aligned to the Forestry Commission’s strategic goals, including expanding, diversifying and improving England’s woodlands.
• Strengthen financial governance, transparency and stewardship across Forest Services.
• Ensure resource allocation and financial controls support organisational resilience and future readiness.

Continuous improvement

• Champion improvements in the quality, timeliness and clarity of financial outputs.
• Embed learning from audits, stakeholder feedback and performance reviews to drive continuous improvement.
• Contribute financial leadership to change and transformation programmes that improve financial capability and modernise how we operate.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop a high‑performing finance team, building capability, confidence and professional growth.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative and outward‑looking team culture aligned with the Forestry Commission’s values and strategic approach.
• Encourage innovation, curiosity and problem‑solving across the team.

This role sits within a dynamic organisation, and responsibilities may evolve over time as we continue to develop our structures, services and ways of working. The post holder will therefore need to be adaptable and comfortable working in a changing environment.

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About Disability Confident

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