Full job descriptionHarper May is working with a privately-owned property developer and contractor operating across London and the South East. The business has delivered £150m+ in completed projects over the past five years and maintains a strong pipeline of mixed-use and residential schemes. Recent expansion into commercial partnerships and infrastructure work has brought increased financial complexity, and the ownership is now investing in finance leadership to support growth and tighter commercial control across the expanded portfolio.
The Role
You will report directly to the Managing Director and own the full finance function. This is a hands-on head of finance role combining day-to-day financial management with strategic input into project profitability, cash deployment, and business planning. You will work closely with site, commercial, and senior leadership teams to ensure financial visibility and commercial discipline across all operations.
Key Responsibilities
*Manage monthly and quarterly reporting, including management accounts, bridge analysis, and variance commentary
*Own cash flow forecasting, working capital management, and liquidity planning across the project estate
*Establish and maintain financial controls, balance sheet governance, and compliance frameworks
*Partner with project managers and commercial leads to track margin, cost recovery, and profitability on live schemes
*Build and oversee the finance team, including recruitment, training, and day-to-day oversight
*Lead audit processes, tax planning, and statutory filing requirements
*Review and upgrade finance systems, reporting tools, and process efficiency
What we are looking for
*ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified, with at least eight years in finance roles
*Direct experience in property, construction, or contracting sectors
*Proven capability in financial controls, management accounting, and project-based reporting
*Comfortable partnering with operational teams and translating commercial insight into action
*Strong systems knowledge and process-improvement mindset