Chief Financial Officer

Harper May is working with a privately-owned property developer and contractor operating across mixed-use and residential schemes in the South East. The business has completed over £400m in projects over the past five years and is now backed by growth capital to accelerate expansion into new markets and build out its development pipeline. With a strong track record in delivery and an increasingly complex portfolio, the business needs a CFO to embed financial rigour, manage capital deployment, and provide the commercial insight required at Board level. The Role Reporting to the CEO and the Board, the Chief Financial Officer will own the financial strategy, controls, and reporting across the group. This is a hands-on role combining strategic planning with direct oversight of cash, funding, project accounting, and commercial analysis. You will be a key advisor on deal origination, capital structure, and investor relations. • Build and execute the financial strategy to support disciplined growth and shareholder value • Manage funding relationships with investors and lenders; oversee capital allocation and deployment • Lead project-level financial management, including budgeting, cost tracking, and margin analysis • Establish and maintain financial controls, audit readiness, and compliance across the group • Develop the finance team and embed strong processes and accountability • Provide the Board with monthly reporting, forecasts, and commercial recommendations • Support new acquisitions, partnerships, and commercial opportunities with financial due diligence and insight What we are looking for • ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified • Proven CFO or senior finance leadership experience in property, construction, or similar capital-intensive sectors • Comfortable with project accounting, cash flow management, and balance sheet oversight • Experience managing relationships with private equity, growth investors, or institutional lenders • Ability to operate confidently at Board level and articulate financial strategy in commercial terms • Strong leadership capability and appetite to build and shape a growing finance function