Interim Head of Finance / Finance Director

Cognisant is recruiting an interim Head of Finance and Finance Director for a growing residential development business backed by a long-term shareholder. The organisation has significant housing delivery targets over the coming years and requires a commercially minded finance leader to work alongside the senior leadership team during a key phase of growth.

The role spans financial leadership, strategic planning and commercial support. The successful candidate will oversee forecasting, cash flow management, business planning, governance and performance reporting. They will also help embed scalable financial processes and systems, and support funding arrangements involving external partners, joint venture stakeholders and public sector bodies. The position is hybrid, based in Cornwall three days per week, on a rolling three-month contract with potential to transition to a permanent role.

• Lead financial forecasting, cash flow management and business planning across the organisation
• Oversee governance and performance reporting, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Embed scalable financial processes and systems to support a rapidly expanding operation
• Support funding arrangements and engage with external funding partners and joint venture stakeholders
• Liaise with public sector organisations as part of the company's growth programme
• Provide commercially astute financial counsel to the senior leadership team

• Qualified accountant with ACA, ACCA or CIMA designation
• Experience in housebuilding, property development, construction or a similarly project-led environment
• Demonstrated ability to lead financial planning and cash flow management in a growing business
• Comfortable influencing stakeholders at all levels, including external funding partners and joint ventures
• Capable of operating across both strategic and operational finance responsibilities

Cognisant is a specialist search and recruitment business that places finance and commercial professionals into property development and construction businesses. They work with clients at growth and scale-up stages, sourcing interim and permanent talent across the UK.