Finance Director

Harper May is working with a privately-owned property and construction business that has built a strong regional presence over the past decade and is now accelerating its growth trajectory. The group operates across residential development, commercial projects, and build-to-rent portfolios, with a rising pipeline that demands more sophisticated financial infrastructure. The business is investor-backed and has recently expanded its board capability; it is now seeking a Finance Director to establish robust financial leadership and support the next phase of scaling.

The Role
You will report to the Chief Executive and serve as a full Board member. The Finance Director owns the entire finance function-from strategic planning through to day-to-day operational delivery. You will be accountable for financial control, project-level profit tracking, funding management, and governance across a growing portfolio of live developments and subsidiary entities.

• Build and execute a financial strategy that underpins the group's growth ambitions and capital deployment decisions
• Establish robust project accounting, cost tracking, and margin reporting across all live developments
• Manage liquidity, funding structures, and banking relationships to support the development pipeline
• Design and implement financial controls, internal reporting, and audit-ready governance frameworks
• Lead the statutory accounts, tax strategy, and compliance calendar across multiple legal entities
• Develop the finance team and drive improvements in process, technology, and insight capability
• Work closely with the MD and operational leadership to translate financial insight into strategic decision-making

What we are looking for

• ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with at least eight years' post-qualification experience in senior finance roles
• Hands-on experience in property development, construction, or other project-based sectors-you understand WIP accounting, development cash flow cycles, and margin management in multi-project environments
• Proven track record leading a finance team and establishing control frameworks in a growing business
• Appetite for direct involvement in technical accounting and reporting, not purely strategic oversight
• Commercial mindset with experience supporting fundraising, M&A, or growth capital decisions
• Ability to engage confidently at board level and communicate financial complexity to non-finance stakeholders