At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial finance strategy and drive operational performance for exciting projects.
- Company: RLB, an independent employee-owned business with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, generous holiday, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to social responsibility and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in a dynamic environment while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with 15+ years in commercial finance and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
Department: Finance
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: London
Description:
Division: Finance
Location: Birmingham / London (hybrid working)
Reporting to: Chief Financial Officer
Why RLB?
At RLB, we live by four simple ideas: Truth, Trust, Together, Tomorrow. Four values that live at the heart of RLB. A place where People Make Progress. We value your skills, talents and unique perspectives – we think they are priceless. Bring them to RLB and you’ll be empowered to shape our future and your career in new and meaningful ways. We’ll give you opportunities to work on some of the most ambitious and exciting projects currently being designed and developed in the built environment sector. You’ll continue to learn and advance as everyone who works for us is provided with a tailored training programme. Our mentoring and reverse mentoring schemes will enable you to share your expertise while gaining fresh insights.
What makes RLB unique is our inclusive culture. As an independent, employee‑owned business, teamwork and collaboration lie at the heart of everything we do. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements, along with family‑friendly policies, are just some of the ways we invest in employee wellbeing. Join us and you will thrive personally as well as professionally.
Department Overview:
A strategic business support function providing trusted financial and commercial leadership to underpin the delivery of RLB’s strategic plan. The team promotes strong governance and robust financial control, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and the effective management of financial risk. Operating as a diverse, digitally driven finance function, we partner with the business to challenge thinking, inform decision‑making, and support in driving operational performance and sustainable growth.
Role Overview:
Reporting to the CFO, this is a senior commercial finance leadership role at the heart of the business's growth strategy. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership to embed disciplined commercial practices, improve systems and processes, and will be central to building out a forward‑looking finance function as the business scales internationally.
Key Responsibilities:
- Commercial Finance & Strategy: Support the development and execution of the company’s strategy by providing financial insight, analysis and constructive challenge to business decisions, assumptions and investment opportunities. Partner with client‑facing and technical teams to improve commercial performance, operational efficiency and project profitability, driving sustainable growth and margin improvement.
- Budgeting & Forecasting: Lead the annual budgeting process and quarterly forecasting cycles. Work closely with the CFO to establish financial targets, provide clear guidance to the business, and support Regional and Business Services leaders in delivering robust and achievable financial plans.
- Performance Reporting & Business Review: Lead the monthly business review process with Regional Directors, providing both challenge and support to drive accountability and performance. Deliver insightful financial reporting, KPI analysis and revenue modelling, highlighting key risks, opportunities and actions to improve profitability, cash flow and business performance.
- Financial Control & Compliance: Ensure compliance with financial regulations, accounting standards and internal policies. Drive best practice in revenue recognition, with a strong understanding of long‑term contract accounting, whilst supporting improvements in working capital and cash management. Communicate financial information clearly and effectively to stakeholders at all levels across the business.
- People Development and Process Improvement: Develop the capability of the finance team through coaching, mentoring and succession planning. Champion continuous improvement across finance processes, systems and controls, including the ongoing optimisation of Dynamics 365, to enhance efficiency, reporting quality and decision‑making.
Candidate Profile:
The successful candidate will be a respected finance leader with experience in a senior commercial or business‑partnering role, demonstrating strong strategic insight, technical expertise, and commercial acumen.
Qualifications:
- Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or equivalent).
Experience:
- 15+ years' experience in commercial finance, business partnering and financial leadership roles.
- Professional services or consultancy experience is essential, with experience in the built environment sector highly desirable.
- Demonstrable experience leading high‑performing finance teams and influencing senior stakeholders.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong commercial acumen with excellent analytical, problem‑solving and strategic thinking abilities.
- Proven ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders in a matrix environment; driving informed and effective decision‑making.
- Advanced Excel and ERP systems expertise, with experience of Dynamics 365 desirable.
- Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information into clear business insights.
- Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to perform effectively in a fast‑paced environment and manage competing priorities.
- Strong leadership capabilities with a focus on coaching, mentoring and developing talent.
- High levels of integrity, professionalism and attention to detail.
RLB Employee Benefits:
- Hybrid Working - Working patterns to support your work‑life balance. As well as competitive maternity and paternity packages.
- Well-Rewarded - A competitive salary and generous holiday entitlement. As well as the opportunity to purchase up to five extra days.
- Focus On Wellbeing - We offer a number of health and wellness options, including gym membership and cycle to work schemes.
- Healthcare Packages - Private healthcare insurance and medical support, including dental insurance and eyecare vouchers.
- Personal Development - A continuous learning and development programme, including established APC and in‑house mentoring schemes.
- Additional Benefits - We offer a wide range of benefits including a season ticket loan and professional membership subscriptions.
- Exceptional Exposure - You’ll have the opportunity to work on diverse projects across different sectors and regions.
- Social Responsibility - We hold team and social events as well as charity fundraising and volunteering activities.
Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commitment:
We believe in building a diverse and inclusive environment where each person can be themselves, feel valued for their contribution and be challenged and supported to reach their full potential. We have a responsibility to support the communities in which we live and work, and that our workforce should reflect these communities and our clients. Our talent strategy should enable us to overcome bias in the construction industry by recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during any stage of the application or interview process, please contact our recruitment team at: recruitment@uk.rlb.com
Head of Commercial Finance employer: Rider Levett Bucknall
At RLB, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions inclusivity and collaboration. Our hybrid working model and comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salaries and personal development opportunities, empower our employees to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in London, where you will have the chance to work on impactful sustainability projects while enjoying a supportive environment that values your unique contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Finance
✨Tap into Campus Networks
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Rider Levett Bucknall.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Rider Levett Bucknall
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Rider Levett Bucknall.
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✨Network with Industry Professionals
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