At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, drive strategy, and oversee financial reporting.
- Company: Dynamic residential development company with growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and potential for future senior roles.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on strategic projects and enhance financial governance.
- Why this job: Join a growing organisation and make a real impact at Board level.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience at Finance Director or CFO level.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester (with occasional travel)
Salary: Competitive Package + Benefits
Company: Residential Development / BTR
About the Role
A residential development and build-to-rent business is seeking an experienced Interim Chief Financial Officer to provide cover for a 12-month period with the opportunity, if desired, to take on an alternative senior position in the business post contract. The business operates across a multi-entity structure and has an established track record partnering across both public and private sectors and continues to scale its platform following recent investment. This is a senior leadership role, reporting directly to the CEO, with full responsibility for financial control, reporting, treasury, and strategic financial planning across the group and its subsidiaries. The position offers the opportunity to operate at Board level, driving performance, governance, and financial transformation within a complex and growing organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end finance function, including financial control, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and KPI monitoring across the group.
- Partner closely with the CEO to drive financial strategy, performance improvement, and operational best practice.
- Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and relevance of outputs.
- Manage and develop the finance team, including senior finance leadership and FP&A capability.
- Ensure robust financial controls, governance, and compliance with UK statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements (including VAT).
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes aligned to both operational delivery and long-term strategic objectives.
- Oversee treasury, including cash management, liquidity planning, and short- and long-term forecasting.
- Support debt raising activities, ensuring covenant compliance and working closely with internal and external stakeholders.
- Provide commercial insight and financial analysis to support investment decisions and business performance.
- Manage relationships with auditors, tax advisers, and external stakeholders.
- Oversee finance systems development, including ERP implementation and process optimisation initiatives.
- Drive automation and efficiency across financial reporting, controls, and forecasting processes.
- Maintain and enhance risk management frameworks, including financial control environments and reporting structures.
- Support scenario modelling, performance improvement initiatives, and strategic decision-making.
- Collaborate across wider group functions to ensure alignment and sharing of best practice.
- Undertake ad hoc strategic projects and initiatives as required.
The Person
You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with a proven track record operating at Finance Director or CFO level, ideally within real estate, residential development, or asset-backed businesses. You will demonstrate strong financial leadership with the ability to operate effectively at Board level, commercial acumen and the ability to influence strategic decision-making and experience managing complex, multi-entity structures.
Interim Chief Financial Officer employer: Cognisant
As an Interim Chief Financial Officer in Manchester, you will join a dynamic residential development and build-to-rent business that values innovation and collaboration. The company fosters a supportive work culture with a strong emphasis on employee growth, offering opportunities for advancement within a multi-entity structure. With a competitive salary package and benefits, this role not only allows you to influence strategic financial decisions at the Board level but also positions you within a rapidly scaling organisation committed to excellence in the public and private sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Chief Financial Officer
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend finance-related events, join LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or industry peers. You never know who might have a lead on your next big opportunity.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like financial control and strategic planning. Practice common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your leadership skills.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance, demonstrate your knowledge of financial governance and compliance. Share insights on how you've improved financial processes in past roles. This will show potential employers that you’re not just a fit for the role, but a game-changer.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us can give you an edge, as we often prioritise candidates who engage with our platform. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Chief Financial Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Interim Chief Financial Officer. Highlight your experience in financial control, reporting, and strategic planning, especially in residential development or similar sectors. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven financial strategy and performance improvement in previous positions. Let us know what excites you about joining our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior leadership role, we’re looking for someone who can manage and develop a finance team effectively. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and any successful initiatives you've led that improved team performance or financial outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on being part of our journey at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognisant
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim Chief Financial Officer, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the residential development sector. Be ready to discuss how you've driven performance improvements and managed budgets in previous roles.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company’s position in the market, especially regarding its multi-entity structure. Research recent investments and how they impact financial strategy. This will show your genuine interest and help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about strategic financial planning and governance. Think of examples where you’ve successfully led financial transformations or improved operational practices. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach budgeting and forecasting in a growing organisation.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a finance team, so be ready to talk about your leadership style. Share experiences where you’ve developed teams or influenced stakeholders. Highlight your ability to collaborate across functions and drive best practices within a complex environment.
