Finance Director | Southampton | Full Time | £60,000+ per annum
Our client is a family-run property business based in Southampton, founded in 2006, with roots through their parent group dating back to 1983.
They manage a diverse portfolio across Southern Hampshire — from studio apartments to three-bedroom houses — and welcome tenants from all backgrounds, including those on Universal Credit and housing benefits.
They are seeking an experienced and strategic Finance Director to join their leadership team. The Finance Director will be responsible for the overall financial leadership of the Group, ensuring strong financial control, liquidity management and commercially sound decision-making across the rental and development portfolio.
The Role
This is a hands-on leadership role within the SME environment, requiring direct involvement in cash flow management, banking relations and operational financial oversight.
This position is suitable for someone who has full knowledge of property investment, rent collection, managing rent arrears and building construction.
The role also includes acting as a deputy to the Managing Director, providing support and cover as required to ensure continuity of leadership and decision-making across the business, particularly in relation to rental/lettings properties and construction projects.
Responsibilities
Financial Strategy & Leadership
Provide financial leadership to the Board, supporting strategic decision-making and capital allocation
Develop and maintain financial strategy aligned with Group growth, asset management and development objectives
Provide commercial insight on acquisitions, disposals and development schemes
Provide back-up for the Managing Director as and when required, ensuring seamless business operations, particularly in areas related to rental/lettings properties and construction projects
Cashflow, Funding & Banking
Maintain full oversight of Group cash flow, liquidity and funding requirements
Manage banking relationships, including negotiation of facilities and ongoing lender engagement
Ensure compliance with all banking covenants and reporting obligations
Lead funding strategy for development projects and wider Group activities
Financial Planning & Reporting
Oversee budgeting, forecasting and cash flow projections across the Group
Deliver accurate and timely management accounts and financial reporting
Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts
Property & Development Financial Oversight
Oversee financial performance of the rental portfolio, including income, arrears and void levels
Monitor development spend against budget and ensure cost control discipline
Provide financial input into development viability and project structuring
Operational Finance & Controls
Ensure robust financial processes and governance frameworks
Oversee statutory reporting, tax compliance (including VAT) and Companies House requirements
Maintain oversight of creditor and debtor positions, including escalation of key risks
Commercial & Legal Interface
Support negotiation and structuring of intercompany and development agreements
Liaise with external advisors including auditors, tax advisors, banks and solicitors
Leadership & Accountability
Lead and develop the finance function to deliver accurate, timely and commercially relevant outputs
Establish a high-performance culture with clear accountability and ownership
Requirements
Essential
Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role within an SME environment
Strong cash flow and liquidity management experience
Experience managing banking relationships and funding structures
Strong commercial judgement and decision-making capability
Desirable
Experience in property, rental or development-led businesses
Experience managing development finance and cost control
Familiarity with asset-backed lending and covenant structures
Experience using Xero or similar cloud accounting platforms
What's In It For You
Competitive salary
Opportunity to play a strategic role in a growing organisation
Supportive and collaborative leadership team
Career development and progression opportunities
What's next? It's easy! Click “APPLY” now! We can't wait to hear from you!
Your data will be handled in line with GDPR
TPBN1_UKTJ