Finance Director – Real Estate Finance
My client is an exciting start-up non-bank lender. They are building their team and looking for a qualified Finance Director to get involved from the very beginning.
Overview
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Finance Director to lead and oversee the company’s financial operations. This is a hands-on leadership role suited to a qualified accountant with a strong background in financial services and a proven ability to balance strategic financial management with day-to-day operational oversight.
You will play a key role in ensuring financial integrity, supporting business growth, and delivering insightful financial reporting to drive informed decision-making.
Responsibilities
- Lead the preparation and presentation of monthly management accounts, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow reports, and key performance indicators.
- Oversee all accounting and bookkeeping activities, ensuring accurate and timely recording of financial transactions.
- Manage payroll and pension administration, including statutory reporting and compliance with UK employment regulations.
- Oversee employee expenses, ensuring appropriate review, reconciliation, and approval processes are maintained.
- Administer and monitor staff bonus and commission schemes, ensuring accuracy and alignment with company policies.
- Perform and review bank reconciliations, investigating and resolving discrepancies as required.
- Ensure the accurate administration of statutory payments, including sick pay, maternity pay, and other employee entitlements.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes, providing strategic financial guidance to the leadership team.
- Deliver meaningful financial analysis and business insights to support commercial decision-making and operational performance.
- Coordinate year-end financial reporting and act as the primary liaison with external accountants and auditors.
- Maintain robust financial controls, policies, and governance frameworks, ensuring ongoing compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements.
- Identify and implement process improvements, driving efficiencies across finance operations and systems.
- Support wider business initiatives, growth strategies, and financial planning activities as the company continues to expand.
Treasury & Cash Management Responsibilities
- Prepare and present regular treasury and liquidity reports to senior management, providing clear visibility of the company’s cash position and funding requirements.
- Monitor daily cash balances and oversee cash flow forecasting to ensure sufficient liquidity across all business operations.
- Manage banking relationships, including liaison with banking partners, account administration, and optimisation of banking services.
- Oversee the movement of funds between accounts and entities, ensuring efficient cash utilisation and adherence to internal controls.
- Develop and maintain short- and long-term cash flow forecasts to support strategic planning and operational decision-making.
- Monitor foreign exchange exposures and support the management of currency-related risks where applicable.
- Ensure treasury activities comply with company policies, regulatory requirements, and risk management frameworks.
- Provide analysis and reporting on working capital, liquidity metrics, and cash management performance.
- Support the evaluation of financing options and capital requirements to facilitate business growth and strategic initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to improve treasury processes, controls, and reporting capabilities.
What you will Bring
- Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or equivalent).
- Minimum of 5 years’ post-qualification experience in a senior finance role.
- Previous experience within the financial services sector, specifically lending, is highly desirable.
- Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, statutory payments, and pension administration.
- Proven expertise in management accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and reconciliations.
- Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with accounting and financial management systems.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate financial information into actionable business insights.
- Excellent organisational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
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