Finance Manager (FD Designate)

Michael Page (UK); Tonbridge and Malling; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive construction business in England is seeking a Finance Manager or Financial Controller. This role offers the opportunity to advance to Finance Director within a few years. Responsibilities include preparing management accounts, ensuring financial compliance, and leading audits. A fully qualified accountant with strong leadership and communication skills is essential. The position provides a salary of £70-£80,000 along with benefits like a car allowance and pension in a collaborative culture.

Benefits

Car allowance

Pension

Collaborative culture

Qualifications

• Minimum of several years' post-qualification experience.
• Experience in managing finance in a commercial business, preferably in construction.
• Ability to inspire and develop teams.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts and annual statutory reporting.
• Ensure financial controls and compliance with accounting standards.
• Partner with Quantity Surveyors and Commercial teams.
• Lead internal audits and liaise with external auditors.
• Manage payroll and statutory submissions.
• Drive best practice in finance.

Skills

Leadership skills

Excellent communication

Stakeholder management

Solutions-focused approach

Education

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Job description

• Clear progression to Finance Director within 2-3 years
• Growing business with clear ambition

About Our Client

Our client is a progressive, values-driven construction business recognised for innovation and collaboration. They genuinely invest in their people and pride themselves on delivering projects to the highest standards across Kent and the South East.

Job Description

As the Finance Manager / Financial Controller / Finance Director Designate you will enjoy a broad and varied position. You will work very closely with the existing finance director, and you will be looking to make improvements and developments as the company expands and grows.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Preparing monthly management accounts and annual statutory reporting
• Ensuring robust financial controls and compliance with accounting standards
• Partnering with Quantity Surveyors and Commercial teams to support decision‑making
• Leading internal audits and liaise with external auditors
• Managing payroll and statutory submissions
• Driving best practice and process improvements across finance
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders

The Successful Applicant

A successful candidate for this Finance Manager / Finance Director Designate role should ideally meet the following requirements:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with a number of years' post‑qualification experience
• Proven track record managing finance in a commercial business - construction sector experience would be ideal, and preferred, but not essential
• Strong leadership potential with ability to inspire and develop teams
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Commercially astute with a proactive, solutions‑focused approach

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary of £70-£80,000 plus benefits (Car allowance, pension)
• Clear progression to Finance Director within 2-3 years
• Collaborative, award‑winning culture
• Opportunity to influence strategic decisions in a growing business

This is a fantastic opportunity for a Finance Manager or Financial Controller to take on an FD Designate position in a few years as part of carefully managed succession planning. If you meet the requirements and are ready to advance your career, we encourage you to apply.