At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape a brand-new finance department for a growing property management company.
- Company: Rapidly expanding real estate investor and operator based in Manchester.
- Benefits: Up to 15% pension, performance bonuses, flexible working, and generous parental leave.
- Other info: Inclusive culture focused on professional growth and diversity.
- Why this job: Create a finance function from scratch and influence a high-growth business.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in residential property management finance and team-building experience.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are partnering exclusively with a rapidly expanding real estate investor and operator that is entering a major phase of growth. Our client is creating a brand-new property management finance function and is seeking a Head of Finance to build, lead and shape this department from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a function at inception and influence the evolution of a high-growth business over the next five years.
Based in Manchester, the successful candidate will have full responsibility for developing the finance capability supporting a growing residential property portfolio. You will design the structure, build the team, implement best‑practice processes and establish a robust financial framework that will scale with the business. This is a pivotal leadership role with clear long‑term progression.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and lead a high‑performing property management finance team.
- Oversee end‑to‑end financial operations including monthly reporting, cash flow, budgeting and forecasting.
- Act as the senior financial stakeholder, providing performance insight and analytical support to leadership teams.
- Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, controls and regulatory requirements.
- Drive system and process improvements, including upgrades, automation and onboarding of new portfolios and developments.
- Work closely with internal operational and finance teams to support strategy, mobilisation and ongoing business performance.
Candidate Profile
- Extensive experience in residential property management finance (typically 5+ years).
- Proven ability to build and develop finance teams.
- Strong technical expertise in property accounting and controls.
- Operational proficiency with Qube PM (preferable).
- Highly effective communicator with strong stakeholder management skills.
- Advanced Excel and financial modelling capability.
- Desirable: SAP/Fusion and multi‑entity cash flow experience.
Why This Role Stands Out
- Opportunity to create and lead a finance function from day one.
- A high‑growth environment with significant planned scale over the next five years.
- Genuine career progression as the department and wider business expand.
- Ability to influence strategy, structure and long‑term financial operations.
Benefits Package
- Up to 15% pension contribution.
- Discretionary annual performance bonus.
- Flexible benefits and well‑being initiatives.
- Generous parental leave policies.
- Flexible working 1–2 days per week working from home.
The organisation is committed to building an inclusive, supportive and high‑performing environment. Colleagues are encouraged to develop, progress and contribute to a culture that values diversity, well‑being and professional growth.
Head of Finance employer: deverellsmith
Deverellsmith is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can take ownership of financial processes and make a significant impact. Located just outside Oxford, the company fosters a collaborative culture that prioritises employee growth and development, providing ample opportunities for professional advancement. With a focus on business aviation and prime property, this role not only promises high visibility but also the chance to work closely with the CEO in a supportive and innovative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and property management sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your achievements in building finance teams and improving processes. When you land that interview, use real examples to demonstrate how you can shape their finance function from the ground up.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like the one we’re partnering with. Express your interest in their growth and how you can contribute to their finance capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got exclusive opportunities that might not be listed elsewhere. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and helps us keep track of your application more easily.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your experience in residential property management finance and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with building and leading a finance team from scratch!
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 built finance functions or improved processes in the past. We love a good story that showcases your impact!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical expertise, especially in property accounting and financial modelling. If you’ve worked with Qube PM or similar systems, make sure to mention that. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at deverellsmith
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to property management and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This shows you’re not just a numbers person but someone who understands their impact on business strategy.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role is all about building and leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully developed finance teams in the past. Highlight your approach to mentoring and fostering a high-performance culture, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you’ve faced in finance operations, particularly in property management, and how you overcame them. This will help illustrate your critical thinking and adaptability.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Research the company’s growth plans and the property market in Manchester. Being able to discuss how you can align the finance function with their strategic goals will show that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
