Full job descriptionHarper May is working with a founder-led property and construction business that has built a strong regional reputation over the past eight years. The group operates across residential development, commercial fit-out, and infrastructure projects, with an annual turnover approaching £80m and a team of 120 across three offices. Recent capital investment has unlocked a new pipeline of major contracts, and the business is now ready to professionalize its financial infrastructure and expand its Board capability. They are seeking a Chief Financial Officer to lead finance and provide strategic counsel to the leadership team.
The Role
You will report to the CEO and sit on the Board. The CFO role combines ownership of financial strategy, day-to-day financial management, and active partnership with operational leaders across the business. The business is project-led and capital-constrained, so your role is to ensure robust forecasting, disciplined cost control, and clear visibility of cash and profitability at portfolio and group level. You will also lead fundraising conversations with equity and debt providers and oversee the finance team of four.
Key Responsibilities
*Set and own the financial strategy aligned to the business plan; report progress to the Board quarterly
*Manage cash flow, working capital, and balance sheet health across all active projects
*Build and maintain robust project accounting systems and overhead budgets; drive monthly reforecasting
*Support the CEO and leadership team with commercial analysis on new bids, partnerships, and investment decisions
*Lead the finance team; establish standards for reporting, control, and compliance
*Manage relationships with lenders, auditors, and investors; prepare funding submissions and Board packs
*Ensure statutory accounts, tax compliance, and audit processes run smoothly
What we are looking for
*ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified
*Five years’ minimum experience as a CFO or FD in property, construction, or engineering sectors
*Comfort with project accounting, job costing, and revenue recognition under IFRS 15
*Experience managing growth capital (equity rounds, bank facilities, or invoice financing)
*Confident communicating with non-finance leaders and the Board; able to simplify complexity
*Hands-on operator willing to roll up sleeves during key close periods