CFO & Real Estate Investment Manager

Trident International Associates; City Of London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading real estate firm in London is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join their executive team. This pivotal role includes driving the financial strategy, overseeing compliance, and managing investor relationships. The ideal candidate will be a Chartered Accountant with prior experience as a CFO in real estate and a strong track record in financial leadership. This position promises a dynamic environment focused on operational excellence and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualification experience as a Chartered Accountant.
• Previous experience in a CFO or senior finance role within real estate.
• Strong understanding of institutional capital, debt structuring, and FCA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Drive group strategy and business performance with the CEO.
• Oversee group financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance.
• Lead financial structuring and manage debt facilities.
• Implement finance system enhancements and transformation initiatives.

Skills

Financial leadership

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder engagement

Team development

Education

Chartered Accountant (ACA, ACCA, or equivalent)

Job description

CFO - REIM - OUR CLIENT is a high-performing, vertically integrated real estate business with a reputation for delivering exceptional returns through operational excellence. Since its inception, the business has partnered with institutional and private capital to acquire, manage, and develop commercial and mixed-use real estate assets across the UK.

With a sharp focus on value creation and in-house execution capabilities spanning investment, development, and property management, our client has tripled its AUM over the past few years and continues to expand rapidly. With a national operational footprint, the business is entering an exciting new phase of growth.

The Role - Overview & Responsibilities

Our client is seeking a commercially minded and strategically driven Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join the executive leadership team. This is a pivotal Board-level appointment with responsibility for leading the entire finance function and playing a central role in shaping business strategy and investor engagement.

Strategic & Financial Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and Board to drive group strategy, business performance, and value creation.
• Contribute to investment decisions and commercial direction at Investment Committee level.
• Lead and oversee fund, group and property finance.

Financial Operations & Governance

• Oversee group financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and KPI frameworks.
• Ensure robust financial controls and full regulatory compliance (including FCA requirements).
• Manage audit, tax, risk, and compliance functions across the group.

Capital & Deal Structuring

• Lead financial structuring and debt origination for real estate investments.
• Manage relationships with lenders and oversee the ongoing management of debt facilities.

Operational Excellence

• Identify and implement finance system enhancements and automation opportunities.
• Lead finance transformation initiatives and elevate team performance across all finance areas.

Investor & Stakeholder Management

• Maintain strong relationships with investors, lenders, and capital partners.
• Ensure timely, transparent, and accurate reporting to all stakeholders.

The Individual - Attributes & Experience

The successful candidate will be a high-calibre finance leader with experience operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial real estate environment. They will combine commercial acumen with strong technical expertise and have a track record of building and leading high-performing finance teams.

Key Requirements

• Chartered Accountant (ACA, ACCA, or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience.
• Previous CFO or senior finance leadership role within the real estate sector.
• Strong understanding of institutional capital, debt structuring, and FCA-regulated businesses.
• Demonstrated experience in deal execution and lender engagement.
• Proven leadership in finance transformation, systems implementation, and team development.
• Highly credible at Board level, with excellent stakeholder and communication skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate strategically and tactically.

Desirable

• Background / exposure to private equity or fund management structures.
• Experience in managing complex investor relationships, including family offices and institutions.
• Proven delivery of operational efficiencies through digital and AI-enabled tools.