Commercial Finance Manager, Multi-site Real Estate

Commercial Finance Manager

Hybrid / London, UK

A rapidly expanding UK developer and operator of multi-site nurseries and childcare services is seeking an experienced Commercial Finance Manager to join its head office team. The business operates multiple modern childcare settings across the UK and is continuing to grow through new site development, long-term leasing, and significant capital investment. The role offers the opportunity to directly support the company\’s ambitious expansion by strengthening financial insight, controls, and strategic decision-making.

The Commercial Finance Manager is a pivotal, hands-on position responsible for the end-to-end financial management of both operational sites and ongoing development projects. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and commercial analysis across the group. You will provide clear, actionable insights to senior leadership, ensure strong financial discipline across the business, and enhance systems and processes as the organisation scales.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual performance reports for each operational location.
• Deliver consolidated P&L, variance analysis, and commentary for management review.
• Provide detailed revenue, cost, and margin analysis to support commercial decision-making.
• Conduct profitability assessments, scenario modelling, and financial reviews for existing and future sites.
• Support senior leadership with board packs, strategic presentations, and investor / lender reporting.
• Analyse contractor staffing costs, marketing ROI, and other business initiatives.
• Track capital expenditure and work-in-progress across multiple development projects.
• Monitor spend against approved budgets and flag variances or risks.
• Provide regular financial updates to project and leadership teams.
• Oversee cash flow forecasting and liquidity planning on a rolling basis.
• Identify potential cash pressures or surpluses and advise on mitigations or financing needs.
• Lead the annual budgeting cycle and periodic reforecasting.
• Work cross-functionally to gather assumptions and produce consolidated financial plans.
• Investigate variances and recommend corrective actions.
• Coordinate loan drawdowns and manage lender reporting requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of financing utilisation and covenant compliance.
• Act as the primary contact for lender and investor financial queries.
• Drive continuous improvement of finance processes, reporting, and internal controls.
• Lead or support the implementation of upgraded financial systems or dashboards.
• Develop robust procedures to support scalable growth.

About you

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with strong technical accounting skills.
• 5+ years of experience in finance or management accounting, ideally within a multi-site, operational, or project-focused environment.
• Strong experience with project accounting, capital expenditure tracking, or real estate / build development is beneficial.
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling capability; confident working with accounting and reporting systems.
• Excellent communication skills, able to translate complex financials for non-finance stakeholders.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and proactive, with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-growing, evolving environment.