Finance Director

Finance Director

A fast-growing construction company based in Cambridge seeks to appoint a Finance Director to lead on all aspects of financial management and strategy.

Led by a senior management team of experienced construction professionals, this principal contractor business has a robust order book for 2026, with a forecast turnover of 20 million plus.

Specialising in the housing and care sectors for both public and private sector clients, projects currently cover the southeast and east of the country, with growth confidently expected into other regions.

The Finance Director's role

The successful Finance Director will work closely with the Managing Director and Board to shape financial strategy, ensure regulatory compliance, optimise cash flow and profitability, and provide strategic insight to drive business growth and sustainable expansion. Key areas of responsibility include:

• Financial Strategy and Planning
• Financial Management and Reporting
• Construction-Specific Financial Management
• Cash Flow and Working Capital Management
• Systems, Controls, and Compliance
• Leadership and Team Development

This is a new position building on the existing structure of external accountancy services and in-house finance administration. As a new role, it offers the opportunity for the successful Finance Director to fully own and grow the function.

The Finance Director

The successful Finance Director will be a strategic thinker with commercial acumen and problem-solving skills. Leadership skills, adaptability, and attention to detail are also key. This is an ambitious, growing business so an understanding and judgement of risk/reward is required. Key criteria are:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with substantial post-qualification experience
• Proven experience at senior finance level within the construction, civil engineering, or contracting sector
• Demonstrable track record in managing finance functions for companies with turnover of 20 million or above
• Strong technical accounting knowledge with expertise in construction industry-specific accounting including revenue recognition (IFRS 15), contract accounting, and valuations
• Comprehensive understanding of Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), payment regulations, and retentions management

In addition, the following are desirable attributes:

• Experience in high-growth or start-up environments, ideally with involvement in scaling businesses from inception
• Experience with project accounting software systems (e.g., Coins, Sage 300 Construction, Conquest, or similar)
• Previous involvement in business development, mergers, acquisitions, or fundraising activities
• Experience in implementing financial systems and processes from scratch or during significant business transformation
• Knowledge of alternative funding mechanisms such as invoice discounting, supply chain finance, or project financing

In Return?

• 80,000 - 120,000 depending on experience
• Performance-related bonus scheme
• Company pension scheme
• Company car or car allowance
• Private health insurance
• Professional development support including CPD and relevant training
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Flexibility for hybrid working once established

If you are an experienced finance professional in the construction sector, based within commutable distance of Cambridge, please contact Tom Harrison at Foster & May for a confidential discussion about this role.

Ref: TH589FD

Finance Director / Financial Management / Senior Finance Manager / Construction / COINS / Cambridge