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- Tasks: Lead finance operations and support senior leadership in a dynamic residential development environment.
- Company: Privately-owned residential property developer in Greater Manchester.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, hands-on role, and opportunity to influence key financial decisions.
- Other info: Join a lean team with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing company while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK residential development and strong financial reporting skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our client is a privately-owned residential property developer operating exclusively across Greater Manchester. As the business continues to grow, they are seeking a hands-on Interim Finance Director to lead the finance function for a 12-month period, starting early May 2026. This is a number one finance role within a lean SME environment, supported by external advisors and shared services. It would suit an experienced Finance Director, or a Financial Controller / Finance Manager stepping up, who is comfortable rolling their sleeves up and working closely with the detail while operating at board level.
Key responsibilities include:
- Full ownership of day-to-day finance operations, including banking, overheads and transactional processing
- Delivery of full month-end, management accounts and board reporting
- Strong control of cost of sales, WIP, cashflow and forecasting
- Business partnering with Sales and Construction on site cashflows and sales forecasts
- VAT and CIS compliance and oversight
- Attendance at Board meetings and support to senior leadership on commercial decisions
- Managing external providers including shared services, tax advisors and auditors
You will have proven experience in UK residential development / housebuilding industry, have a hands-on approach, be technically strong across financial reporting, control, VAT and CIS as well as commercially astute and operationally focused. The role offers hybrid working with occasional site visits.
Interim Finance Director (12‑Month Contract) employer: Cognisant
Contact Detail:
Cognisant Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Finance Director (12‑Month Contract)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the residential development sector. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your financial reporting and control knowledge. We want you to be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with cashflow management and VAT compliance. Show them you’re the go-to person for all things finance!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your business partnering skills! When you’re chatting with potential employers, highlight how you’ve worked closely with sales and construction teams in the past. We want them to see you as a collaborative leader who can drive results.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Let’s get you that Interim Finance Director role and make an impact together!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Finance Director (12‑Month Contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Interim Finance Director role. Highlight your experience in residential development and any hands-on finance roles you've had. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
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. Mention your experience with financial reporting, cost control, and working at board level. Let us know how you can add value to our team.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don't just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've improved processes or contributed to financial success in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognisant
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim Finance Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to residential development, such as cost of sales and cash flow management. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
This role requires a hands-on approach, so be prepared to share specific examples of when you've rolled up your sleeves to tackle financial operations. Highlight your experience in managing day-to-day finance tasks and how you’ve contributed to board-level discussions.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in the UK residential development sector. Being able to discuss market conditions and how they impact financial decisions will show that you're not just a numbers person but also commercially savvy.
✨Prepare for Board-Level Engagement
Since you'll be attending board meetings, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can support senior leadership with commercial decisions and be ready to discuss your approach to business partnering with Sales and Construction.