At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and oversee cash flow management in a dynamic property business.
- Company: Family-run property business in Southampton with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive leadership team.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and enjoy excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a strategic impact in a growing organisation while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with senior finance leadership experience in an SME environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client is a family-run property business based in Southampton, founded in 2006, with roots through their parent group dating back to 1983. They manage a diverse portfolio across Southern Hampshire — from studio apartments to three-bedroom houses — and welcome tenants from all backgrounds, including those on Universal Credit and housing benefits.
They are seeking an experienced and strategic Finance Director to join their leadership team. The Finance Director will be responsible for the overall financial leadership of the Group, ensuring strong financial control, liquidity management and commercially sound decision-making across the rental and development portfolio.
The Role
This is a hands-on leadership role within the SME environment, requiring direct involvement in cash flow management, banking relations and operational financial oversight. This position is suitable for someone who has full knowledge of property investment, rent collection, managing rent arrears and building construction. The role also includes acting as a deputy to the Managing Director, providing support and cover as required to ensure continuity of leadership and decision-making across the business, particularly in relation to rental/lettings properties and construction projects.
Responsibilities
- Financial Strategy & Leadership
- Provide financial leadership to the Board, supporting strategic decision-making and capital allocation
- Develop and maintain financial strategy aligned with Group growth, asset management and development objectives
- Provide commercial insight on acquisitions, disposals and development schemes
- Provide back-up for the Managing Director as and when required, ensuring seamless business operations, particularly in areas related to rental/lettings properties and construction projects
- Cashflow, Funding & Banking
- Maintain full oversight of Group cash flow, liquidity and funding requirements
- Manage banking relationships, including negotiation of facilities and ongoing lender engagement
- Ensure compliance with all banking covenants and reporting obligations
- Lead funding strategy for development projects and wider Group activities
- Financial Planning & Reporting
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting and cash flow projections across the Group
- Deliver accurate and timely management accounts and financial reporting
- Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts
- Property & Development Financial Oversight
- Oversee financial performance of the rental portfolio, including income, arrears and void levels
- Monitor development spend against budget and ensure cost control discipline
- Provide financial input into development viability and project structuring
- Operational Finance & Controls
- Ensure robust financial processes and governance frameworks
- Oversee statutory reporting, tax compliance (including VAT) and Companies House requirements
- Maintain oversight of creditor and debtor positions, including escalation of key risks
- Commercial & Legal Interface
- Support negotiation and structuring of intercompany and development agreements
- Liaise with external advisors including auditors, tax advisors, banks and solicitors
- Leadership & Accountability
- Lead and develop the finance function to deliver accurate, timely and commercially relevant outputs
- Establish a high-performance culture with clear accountability and ownership
Requirements
- Essential
- Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role within an SME environment
- Strong cash flow and liquidity management experience
- Experience managing banking relationships and funding structures
- Strong commercial judgement and decision-making capability
- Desirable
- Experience in property, rental or development-led businesses
- Experience managing development finance and cost control
- Familiarity with asset-backed lending and covenant structures
- Experience using Xero or similar cloud accounting platforms
What's In It For You
- Competitive salary
- Opportunity to play a strategic role in a growing organisation
- Supportive and collaborative leadership team
- Career development and progression opportunities
What's next? Your data will be handled in line with GDPR.
Locations
Director of Finance (Temporary) in Devon, Northam employer: Talent Finder
Join a vibrant and supportive bakery team in Fenstanton, where your passion for baking can flourish. With 32 days of annual leave, employee discounts, and ample opportunities for career growth, this role as Assistant Head Baker offers a rewarding environment that values quality and teamwork. Be part of a dedicated group committed to producing exceptional baked goods while enjoying a positive work culture that encourages creativity and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance (Temporary) in Devon, Northam
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Talent Finder.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Talent Finder might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance (Temporary) in Devon, Northam
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Talent Finder will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Talent Finder. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Talent Finder confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Finder
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Talent Finder.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Talent Finder that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
