At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: This is a 6-month fixed-term contract with potential for growth.
- 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.
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
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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.
Seniority level
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Mid-Senior level
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Finance and SalesIndustries
Real Estate, Building Construction, and Construction
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#J-18808-LjbffrSenior Finance Manager / Head of Finance - Strategic Land in Billingshurst employer: Thakeham
Thakeham is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to employee development and a vibrant work culture that prioritises both professional growth and personal well-being. With a focus on sustainability and community-building, employees enjoy flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and a range of social events that foster camaraderie and inclusivity. As a Top 100 Best Large Company to Work For, Thakeham offers a rewarding environment where individuals can thrive while contributing to meaningful projects in the real estate sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Manager / Head of Finance - Strategic Land in Billingshurst
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Thakeham. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Manager / Head of Finance - Strategic Land in Billingshurst
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 Thakeham.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Thakeham's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thakeham
✨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 Thakeham.
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✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Thakeham will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Thakeham employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.