FD Recruit is partnering with an entrepreneurial, privately owned construction sector group to appoint a Finance Director. Established for almost two decades, the group has built an excellent reputation for a premium service and continues to grow, with a clear plan to fund further growth and acquisitions.

This role would suit a CFO or Director of Finance with the experience and capability to lead finance across a group of companies operating independently, acting as a trusted advisor to the owners. The role will start hands-on, focused on the largest business in the group. There is also a need for the FD to be a strategic partner, supporting the owners on growth, new businesses and debt-funded acquisitions, and acting as FD for any businesses added to the group.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the annual budgeting process for every business in the group, working with stakeholders to build budgets they own and are accountable for delivering
• Use approved budgets as the basis for all management accounts, including monthly budget vs actual reporting, variance analysis and forecasting
• Hold regular performance reviews with each business's stakeholders, identifying variances, challenging constructively and agreeing corrective actions
• Produce detailed reporting for each business and present to the owners, highlighting performance against budget
• Provide full financial leadership of the largest business, including management accounts, cash flow, forecasting and reporting to the owners
• Oversee the Finance Managers in each business, ensuring reporting is consistent, accurate and on time
• Own the banking relationship, including facilities, reporting requirements and covenant compliance
• Manage the group's bonding arrangements and maintain strong relationships with bond providers
• Develop and deliver a funding strategy to support growth, including raising and managing debt for acquisitions
• Support the owners in identifying and evaluating acquisitions, including financial modelling, due diligence, deal structuring and post-acquisition integration
• Act as FD for any new businesses brought into the group
• Act as a trusted adviser to the owners, giving clear, honest financial insight on key decisions
• Build and manage strong relationships with external partners, including the bank, bond providers, accounting partner, auditors and tax advisers
• Represent the group professionally with lenders, investors and parties involved in acquisitions or new ventures

Experience and skills required

• Qualified accountant (ICAS, ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with FD or senior finance experience in an SME or multi-entity group
• Experience running a structured annual budgeting process across multiple businesses or divisions
• Proven experience managing banking relationships, debt facilities and covenants
• Experience with bonding facilities, ideally within construction, M&E or contracting
• A track record of acquisitions, including raising acquisition finance and integrating businesses
• Experience working closely with business owners, ideally in a privately owned business
• Sector experience in construction, M&E or related sectors is an advantage
• Hands-on and practical, but able to think strategically
• Able to engage non-finance managers in budgeting and hold them accountable, while keeping good working relationships
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively
• Able to explain financial information clearly to non-finance people
• Trustworthy, discreet and personable: someone the owners will see as a long-term partner in the business

The salary advertised for this role is a guideline and the salary offered will be commensurate with experience.