Finance Director

Finance Director | Southampton | Full Time | £60,000+ per annum

Our client is a family-run property business based in Southampton, founded in 2006, with roots through their parent group dating back to 1983.

They manage a diverse portfolio across Southern Hampshire — from studio apartments to three-bedroom houses — and welcome tenants from all backgrounds, including those on Universal Credit and housing benefits.

They are seeking an experienced and strategic Finance Director to join their leadership team. The Finance Director will be responsible for the overall financial leadership of the Group, ensuring strong financial control, liquidity management and commercially sound decision-making across the rental and development portfolio.

The Role

This is a hands-on leadership role within the SME environment, requiring direct involvement in cash flow management, banking relations and operational financial oversight.

This position is suitable for someone who has full knowledge of property investment, rent collection, managing rent arrears and building construction.

The role also includes acting as a deputy to the Managing Director, providing support and cover as required to ensure continuity of leadership and decision-making across the business, particularly in relation to rental/lettings properties and construction projects.

Responsibilities

Financial Strategy & Leadership

• Provide financial leadership to the Board, supporting strategic decision-making and capital allocation
• Develop and maintain financial strategy aligned with Group growth, asset management and development objectives
• Provide commercial insight on acquisitions, disposals and development schemes
• Provide back-up for the Managing Director as and when required, ensuring seamless business operations, particularly in areas related to rental/lettings properties and construction projects

Cashflow, Funding & Banking

• Maintain full oversight of Group cash flow, liquidity and funding requirements
• Manage banking relationships, including negotiation of facilities and ongoing lender engagement
• Ensure compliance with all banking covenants and reporting obligations
• Lead funding strategy for development projects and wider Group activities

Financial Planning & Reporting

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting and cash flow projections across the Group
• Deliver accurate and timely management accounts and financial reporting
• Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts

Property & Development Financial Oversight

• Oversee financial performance of the rental portfolio, including income, arrears and void levels
• Monitor development spend against budget and ensure cost control discipline
• Provide financial input into development viability and project structuring

Operational Finance & Controls

• Ensure robust financial processes and governance frameworks
• Oversee statutory reporting, tax compliance (including VAT) and Companies House requirements
• Maintain oversight of creditor and debtor positions, including escalation of key risks

Commercial & Legal Interface

• Support negotiation and structuring of intercompany and development agreements
• Liaise with external advisors including auditors, tax advisors, banks and solicitors

Leadership & Accountability

• Lead and develop the finance function to deliver accurate, timely and commercially relevant outputs
• Establish a high-performance culture with clear accountability and ownership

Requirements

Essential

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role within an SME environment
• Strong cash flow and liquidity management experience
• Experience managing banking relationships and funding structures
• Strong commercial judgement and decision-making capability

Desirable

• Experience in property, rental or development-led businesses
• Experience managing development finance and cost control
• Familiarity with asset-backed lending and covenant structures
• Experience using Xero or similar cloud accounting platforms

What's In It For You

• Competitive salary
• Opportunity to play a strategic role in a growing organisation
• Supportive and collaborative leadership team
• Career development and progression opportunities

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