Head of Finance, Strategic Land in Billingshurst

Reports to Finance Director

The Company

From day one, Thakeham has been driven by a clear vision: to transform the way people think about new-built developments. Over 20 years later, that ethos is still very much alive, reflected in our numerous awards and reputation in the sector. An infrastructure-led community creator and strategic land promoter, Thakeham is committed to partnerships, innovation and creating amazing places to live and work. We are industry-leading in sustainability and biodiversity. We were one of the first to introduce Zero Bills homes in partnership with Octopus Energy. We pride ourselves on our ‘Infrastructure first’ approach, ensuring communities release the benefits of new development at the outset, rather than later in the process. We deliver social, affordable and retirement housing for a wide range of housing associations and local authorities.

People are Thakeham’s most important asset, and this is reflected in the way we operate. We are proud to be listed in the Top 50 Best Mid‑Sized Companies to Work For 2025. With around 185 employees, our people enjoy excellent rewards and working conditions in an exciting business, offering exciting career opportunities. Thakeham is keen to develop, guide and support our employees, regardless of what stage they are in their careers. We value diversity and encourage people to bring their full authentic selves to work. A Gold Armed Forces Covenant signatory and supporter of the armed forces’ charity Building Heroes, Thakeham operates a Talent for Development outreach campaign for military veterans and college leavers. We combine meaningful work with opportunities to give back, through volunteering and fundraising initiatives that support our communities such as the Housebuilder Challenge and offering two paid volunteering days per year to do so. Where roles allow, our summer hours policy in June, July and August allows people to enjoy longer weekends with their loved ones. A flexible approach to working is available all year round. At Thakeham we build communities, together.

The Department

The Finance department provides support to all areas of the business, ensuring we deliver accurate, timely and relevant financial information. The focus of the department is to ensure all of the group's financial reporting and day-to-day finance needs are met, including budgetary control, business planning, cash‑flow management, management accounts, statutory accounts, purchase ledger, subcontract ledger, sales ledger, project appraisal and joint venture accounting.

The role

• Provide overall financial support to the Strategic Land Managing Director and Finance Director
• Support the Finance Director and COFO on Divisional Projects and preparation of financial analysis for the Board
• Manage and develop a team of two (Management accountant and Finance Apprentice)
• Assist in further development of our Business Unit reporting, leveraging the capabilities of COINS
• Have excellent communication skills, the ability to challenge, and be comfortable operating across departments

Reporting and Forecasting:

• Ownership of month‑end close and associated reporting process for the Business Unit, ensuring accurate and timely reporting of all financial information
• Provide detailed commentary on financial position, including variances to budgets/forecasts/business plans for review by the Finance Director
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation and issue of month‑end reporting packs – to include Business Unit budgeted spend, cash and profit re‑forecasts, business plan review and update, overhead and staff cost analysis
• Prepare the BU business plan, budget/forecast, and half‑year reforecast reports
• Support the FC/Finance Director in maintaining Balance Sheets and overseeing working capital management
• Responsible for control and review of staff and non‑staff overheads in the BU, assisting the FC/Finance Director with reporting and forecasting across the business
• Issuing and management of the BU reporting timetable which meets deadlines set by the FC/Finance Director
• Prepare financial planning and scenario modelling for the BU MD and Finance Director
• Responsible for the preparation and submission of the Business Unit monthly 5‑year rolling Business Plan Forecast
• Work closely with the BU management team and Finance Director to review and analyse Option/land promotion costs, and in turn ensure option budget and cash‑flow forecasts are maintained and updated in line with reporting timetables
• Drive the development and implementation of financial models to inform management decision making, including but not limited to: Strat Land appraisals for complex developments, Development project appraisals (to inform development or land sale strategy), Strategic Land Business Plan model
• Support the Finance Director in ensuring the collective team prepare and update Strategic Development Appraisals/models to enable the BU Managing Director, Finance Director, and management team to review and evolve strategy for maximising value out of controlled land options
• To the extent required, liaise with external modellers to ensure accuracy and integrity of modelled positions that inform Business Unit reporting

Process and Controls:

• Responsible for the Strategic Land Finance Process and Control Framework
• Own the implementation and documentation of Finance process management, policies and controls for the Business Unit
• Periodic review of processes, policies and controls to drive improvements across the Business Unit

Cashflow and analysis:

• Own the weekly, monthly, and business plan cashflow submissions for the Strategic Land Business Unit
• Responsible for cashflow analysis, variance, risk and opportunity reporting, scenario analysis
• Work closely with the Finance Director to assess Option WIP for impairment, and to assess ongoing viability of land option bank

Other ad hoc:

• Support the review/due diligence process for new option/land opportunities
• Support Land remediation and R&D tax credit claims
• Support the FC in the Purchase to Pay process as required

This list is not exhaustive. Tasks will be allocated to reflect increasing levels of development and experience and business needs.

The required skills

• Qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA) with 3+ years’ post‑qual experience
• Strategic Land and/or Housebuilding sector experience
• Advanced Excel and database management
• Demonstrable experience in Management Reporting, analysis and budgetary control
• Problem‑solving and financial analytical skills
• Ability to assess and analyse
• Commercially astute
• Understanding of a wide range of projects
• Strong and demonstrable track record of interacting well with large range of stakeholders across the business

The Benefits

• Salary sacrifice car scheme
• Annual holiday allowance 26 days increasing to 27 after 3 years service and 28 after 5 years service (plus bank holidays)
• Life assurance
• Private medical insurance
• Health screening
• Flexible working hours in a modern office environment / Working from Home Policy
• Excellent development and progression opportunities for the right candidate
• Company Social events
• Plus a whole range of other employee benefits that we can tell you all about, our employees are rewarded for their performance, attitude and results.

Thakeham is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and treating people fairly. We will treat all job applicants and employees equally regardless of age, race, religious belief, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation or disability. We welcome applicants from all sectors of society and we are committed to promoting an inclusive environment for all.