Head of Finance

deverellsmith; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 15% pension contribution

Discretionary annual performance bonus

Flexible benefits and well-being initiatives

Generous parental leave policies

Flexible working 1–2 days per week working from home

Job summary

A growing real estate investment firm in Manchester is seeking a Head of Finance to create and lead a new finance function. This pivotal role includes developing financial capabilities for a residential property portfolio, building a high-performing team, and ensuring best practices in financial operations. Candidates should possess extensive experience in property management finance, strong technical skills in accounting, and effective stakeholder communication. This position offers significant career progression and the chance to influence the company's strategy.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in residential property management finance.
• Proven ability to build and develop finance teams.
• Strong technical expertise in property accounting and controls.
• Proficiency with Excel and financial modelling.
• Desirable SAP/Fusion and multi-entity cash flow experience.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a high-performing property management finance team.
• Oversee end-to-end financial operations including monthly reporting and budgeting.
• Act as the senior financial stakeholder providing performance insights.
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, controls and regulatory requirements.
• Drive system and process improvements, including upgrades, automation and onboarding of new portfolios and developments.
• Work closely with internal operational and finance teams to support strategy, mobilisation and ongoing business performance.

Skills

Residential property management finance experience

Team building and development

Property accounting expertise

Stakeholder management

Advanced Excel and financial modeling

Education

Degree in accounting/finance

Tools

Qube PM

SAP/Fusion knowledge

Job description

Base Pay Range

We are partnering exclusively with a rapidly expanding real estate investor and operator that is entering a major phase of growth. Our client is creating a brand-new property management finance function and is seeking a Head of Finance to build, lead and shape this department from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a function at inception and influence the evolution of a high-growth business over the next five years.

Opportunity

Based in Manchester, the successful candidate will have full responsibility for developing the finance capability supporting a growing residential property portfolio. You will design the structure, build the team, implement best‑practice processes and establish a robust financial framework that will scale with the business. This is a pivotal leadership role with clear long‑term progression.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and lead a high‑performing property management finance team.
• Oversee end‑to‑end financial operations including monthly reporting, cash flow, budgeting and forecasting.
• Act as the senior financial stakeholder, providing performance insight and analytical support to leadership teams.
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, controls and regulatory requirements.
• Drive system and process improvements, including upgrades, automation and onboarding of new portfolios and developments.
• Work closely with internal operational and finance teams to support strategy, mobilisation and ongoing business performance.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive experience in residential property management finance (typically 5+ years).
• Proven ability to build and develop finance teams.
• Strong technical expertise in property accounting and controls.
• Operational proficiency with Qube PM (preferable).
• Highly effective communicator with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling capability.
• Desirable: SAP/Fusion and multi‑entity cash flow experience.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Opportunity to create and lead a finance function from day one.
• A high‑growth environment with significant planned scale over the next five years.
• Genuine career progression as the department and wider business expand.
• Ability to influence strategy, structure and long‑term financial operations.

Benefits Package

• Up to 15% pension contribution.
• Discretionary annual performance bonus.
• Flexible benefits and well‑being initiatives.
• Generous parental leave policies.
• Flexible working 1–2 days per week working from home.

The organisation is committed to building an inclusive, supportive and high‑performing environment. Colleagues are encouraged to develop, progress and contribute to a culture that values diversity, well‑being and professional growth.

Seniority Level

Director

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Accounting/Auditing, Finance, and Management