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- Tasks: Lead financial planning and forecasting for strategic land projects.
- Company: Thakeham transforms new-built developments with a focus on sustainability and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, social events, and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a top-rated company that values diversity and fosters a fun, inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Must be a fully qualified accountant with 5+ years in finance, preferably in real estate.
- Other info: This is a 6-month fixed-term contract with potential for growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Senior Finance Manager / Head of Finance – Strategic Land
Senior Finance Manager / Head of Finance – Strategic Land
2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
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Job Title Senior Finance Manager / Head of Finance – Strategic Land
Role Type 6 month fixed term contract/Full Time
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. Today, Thakeham employs close to 250 people and has a forecasted revenue of £199 million in 2024/25.
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 100 Best Large Companies to Work For 2024.
Our people enjoy excellent rewards and working conditions in an exciting and growing business. We offer exciting career opportunities, and are 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 armed force’s charity Building Heroes, Thakeham operates a Talent for Development outreach campaign for military veterans and college leavers.
Work and fun should not be mutually exclusive and Thakeham offers a range of social events such as quiz nights, BBQs and all staff parties. We run informal lunch and learns and take on charity challenges such as the Housebuilder Challenge. We encourage people to volunteer in their communities, offering two paid 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 groups financial reporting and day to day finance needs are met, these include areas such as budgetary control, business planning, cashflow management, management accounts, statutory accounts, purchase ledger, subcontract ledger, sales ledger, project appraisal and joint venture accounting.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Senior Finance Manager or Head of Finance to lead financial planning, forecasting, and strategic analysis for our land portfolio area of the business.
The Job Role
The successful candidate will;
- Lead financial planning and forecasting activities across the strategic land portfolio, ensuring alignment with long-term business objectives
- Partner with the land and planning teams to evaluate land acquisition opportunities, financial viability, and development scenarios
- Develop and maintain robust financial models to support investment appraisal, land promotion strategies, and exit timing
- Oversee budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and reporting at both project and group levels
- Support the preparation of business cases and board-level reporting for land acquisitions and disposals
- Ensure compliance with financial controls, internal policies, and external reporting requirements
- Liaise with external stakeholders including auditors, funders, planning consultants, and JV partners
- Lead and mentor a small finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and commercial focus
This list is not exhaustive. Tasks will be allocated to reflect increasing levels of development and experience.
The Required Skills
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Minimum 5 years of post-qualification experience, preferably in real estate, land promotion, development, or related sectors
- Strong financial modelling skills and experience in investment appraisal
- Commercial acumen with the ability to interpret planning risks, development timelines, and exit strategies
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Experience with land valuation, option/promotion agreements, and strategic land processes (desirable)
The Benefits
- Salary sacrifice car scheme
- Annual holiday allowance 26 days increasing to 27 after 3yrs service and 28 after 5yrs 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.
#happytotalkflexibleworking
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.
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Senior Finance Manager / Head of Finance - Strategic Land employer: Thakeham
Contact Detail:
Thakeham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Manager / Head of Finance - Strategic Land
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the real estate and finance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet people who work at Thakeham or similar companies. Building these connections can give you insights into the company culture and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Thakeham's projects and values, especially their focus on sustainability and community development. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and demonstrate your alignment with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial modelling and investment appraisal in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully evaluated land acquisition opportunities or managed budgets in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any experience you have in mentoring or leading teams. Thakeham values a culture of continuous improvement, so highlighting your ability to foster growth within a team will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Manager / Head of Finance - Strategic Land
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance, particularly in real estate or land promotion. Emphasise your qualifications and any specific financial modelling skills that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of Thakeham's vision and values. Mention how your experience aligns with their focus on sustainability and community development, and express your enthusiasm for the role.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Since the role involves leading a finance team, be sure to include examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've mentored teams in the past and fostered a culture of continuous improvement.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Provide specific examples of how you've used analytical skills to solve complex financial problems or improve processes. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the strategic analysis required for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thakeham
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Thakeham's company culture. They value diversity and community involvement, so be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their ethos.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
As a Senior Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong financial modelling skills and commercial acumen. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully led financial planning or investment appraisals.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Given the role's emphasis on liaising with external stakeholders, prepare to discuss your experience in managing relationships with auditors, funders, and other partners. Highlight any successful collaborations that resulted in positive outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
You'll be leading a small finance team, so it's crucial to showcase your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've mentored team members or fostered a culture of continuous improvement in previous roles.
