Finance Director

Harper May is working with a privately-owned property and construction business that has built a solid reputation for delivering complex mixed-use developments across London and the South East. The group operates across residential, commercial, and mixed-use schemes, with a growing pipeline and strengthening investor backing. As the business scales its operational footprint and refines its financial infrastructure, it is seeking a Finance Director to drive financial discipline, strategic planning, and stakeholder reporting across all development activities.

The Role
Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Finance Director will lead the finance function with full P&L accountability. This is a hands-on role that demands both strategic vision and detailed operational control-managing monthly close cycles, project-level performance tracking, and board-level reporting while building a capable finance team.

* Establish and lead financial strategy, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation across the development pipeline

* Own project accounting systems and controls, ensuring accurate WIP, revenue recognition, and margin reporting

* Manage working capital and cash flow across multiple concurrent development phases and funding structures

* Design and oversee financial governance frameworks, including audit readiness and statutory compliance

* Lead stakeholder reporting to the Board, investors, and lenders with clear, timely financial insight

* Develop the finance team, implementing systems and processes that scale with the business

* Support commercial negotiations on funding, contracts, and development economics

What we are looking for

* ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with demonstrable senior finance experience in property, construction, or project-based businesses

* Fluency in project accounting, development cashflow, and the commercial drivers of construction margin

* Experience leading a finance function and working confidently at Board level

* A track record of building financial processes and mentoring teams in growth environments

* Commercial mindset and proven ability to balance strategic planning with operational rigour