Finance Director in Cambridge

Job Description

Finance Director \\n\\nA fast-growing construction company based in Cambridge seeks to appoint a Finance Director to lead on all aspects of financial management and strategy.\\n\\nLed by a senior management team of experienced construction professionals, this principal contractor business has a robust order book for 2026, with a forecast turnover of £20 million plus.\\n\\nSpecialising in the housing and care sectors for both public and private sector clients, projects currently cover the southeast and east of the country, with growth confidently expected into other regions.\\n\\nThe Finance Director\’s role\\n\\nThe successful Finance Director will work closely with the Managing Director and Board to shape financial strategy, ensure regulatory compliance, optimise cash flow and profitability, and provide strategic insight to drive business growth and sustainable expansion. Key areas of responsibility include:\\n\\nFinancial Strategy and Planning\\nFinancial Management and Reporting\\nConstruction-Specific Financial Management\\nCash Flow and Working Capital Management\\nSystems, Controls, and Compliance\\nLeadership and Team DevelopmentThis is a new position building on the existing structure of external accountancy services and in-house finance administration. As a new role, it offers the opportunity for the successful Finance Director to fully own and grow the function.\\n\\nThe Finance Director \\n\\nThe successful Finance Director will be a strategic thinker with commercial acumen and problem-solving skills.

Leadership skills, adaptability, and attention to detail are also key. This is an ambitious, growing business so an understanding and judgement of risk/reward is required. Key criteria are:\\n\\nQualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with substantial post-qualification experience\\nProven experience at senior finance level within the construction, civil engineering, or contracting sector\\nDemonstrable track record in managing finance functions for companies with turnover of £20 million or above\\nStrong technical accounting knowledge with expertise in construction industry-specific accounting including revenue recognition (IFRS 15), contract accounting, and valuations\\nComprehensive understanding of Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), payment regulations, and retentions managementIn addition, the following are desirable attributes:\\n\\nExperience in high-growth or start-up environments, ideally with involvement in scaling businesses from inception\\nExperience with project accounting software systems (e.g., Coins, Sage 300 Construction, Conquest, or similar)\\nPrevious involvement in business development, mergers, acquisitions, or fundraising activities\\nExperience in implementing financial systems and processes from scratch or during significant business transformation\\nKnowledge of alternative funding mechanisms such as invoice discounting, supply chain finance, or project financingIn Return?\\n\\n£80,000 – £120,000 depending on experience\\nPerformance-related bonus scheme\\nCompany pension scheme\\nCompany car or car allowance\\nPrivate health insurance\\nProfessional development support including CPD and relevant training\\n25 days annual leave plus bank holidays\\nFlexibility for hybrid working once establishedIf you are an experienced finance professional in the construction sector, based within commutable distance of Cambridge, please contact Tom Harrison at Foster & May for a confidential discussion about this role.\\n\\nRef: TH589FD\\n\\nFinance Director / Financial Management / Senior Finance Manager / Construction / COINS / Cambridge