Finance Director

Location: Cambridgeshire

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.

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