At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance functions, drive strategy, and oversee financial reporting in a growing residential development company.
- Company: Dynamic residential development firm with a focus on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and potential for future senior roles.
- Other info: Opportunity for career advancement in a complex, multi-entity environment.
- Why this job: Join a leadership team and make a significant impact on financial transformation.
- 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 in Manchester 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 lead financial strategy at a Board level but also positions you within a rapidly scaling organisation that is committed to excellence in both public and private sector partnerships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Chief Financial Officer in Manchester
✨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, share your insights on financial trends or challenges in the residential development sector. Whether it’s through social media, blogs, or networking events, positioning yourself as a thought leader can attract attention from potential employers.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of being noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Chief Financial Officer in Manchester
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 skills align with 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. Share specific examples of your past achievements in finance leadership and how you can drive performance and governance at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior role, we’re keen to see your leadership style. In your application, mention how you've managed teams and driven financial strategy in previous positions. We love candidates who can inspire and lead others towards success!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply 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 you’re serious about joining our team 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 expertise. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the residential development sector and be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with numbers but can leverage them for strategic decision-making.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in the residential development and build-to-rent market. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could impact the company’s financial strategy. This will show that you’re not only a finance expert but also have a keen understanding of the industry.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a finance team and collaborating with the CEO, be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your experience in driving performance improvements and fostering a culture of operational best practices.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think about potential challenges the company might face and how you would approach them. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and act decisively in a complex environment.
