Head Of Finance

Deverell Smith; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading real estate investor in Manchester seeks a Head of Finance to create and lead a new finance function from inception. In this pivotal role, you will develop the financial capability for a growing property portfolio and shape processes that support a high-growth business. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in residential property finance and will oversee financial operations while ensuring compliance. This role offers significant career progression and the opportunity to influence strategic financial outcomes.

Benefits

Up to 15% pension contribution

Discretionary annual performance bonus

30 days holiday plus bank holidays

Flexible benefits and well-being initiatives

Generous parental leave policies

Flexible working 1/2 days per week working from home

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in residential property management finance.
• Experience in building and leading finance teams.
• Strong technical accounting and controls expertise.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a high-performing property management finance team.
• Oversee financial operations including reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Provide performance insight and analytical support to leadership.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
• Drive system and process improvements.

Skills

Residential property management finance experience

Finance team development

Property accounting expertise

Stakeholder management

Advanced Excel and financial modelling

Tools

Qube PM

SAP/Fusion

Job description

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.

The 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 on boarding 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

• Our client offers a comprehensive suite of benefits, including:
• Up to 15% pension contribution
• Discretionary annual performance bonus
• 30 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Flexible benefits and well-being initiatives
• Generous parental leave policies
• Flexible working 1/2 days per week working from home

Culture & Environment

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.