The opportunity
We are looking for an experienced Finance Manager to take day-to-day ownership of the finance function for an established, privately owned property group.
This is a hands-on senior role with real autonomy. You will lead and develop a small finance team, take responsibility for management reporting and financial control, and work directly with the Directors to provide meaningful financial information that supports commercial decisions across the Group.
There is also genuine scope to improve systems, processes, controls and management information as the business continues to develop.
About us
Lainston Services Limited provides finance and management services to an established, independently owned property investment group with substantial residential and commercial property interests.
We are a relatively small, hands-on business with direct access to the people making the decisions. We value accurate information, commercial thinking, common sense and people who take responsibility for getting things done.
The role provides exposure to a varied property portfolio and the opportunity to understand both the numbers and the commercial decisions behind them.
What you'll be doing
- Taking day-to-day responsibility for the effective running of the finance function.
- Managing, supporting and developing a team of 2–3 Finance Assistants.
- Preparing and delivering accurate management accounts and financial reporting.
- Producing and reviewing Profit & Loss accounts, debtor and creditor reporting and supporting financial analysis.
- Completing balance sheet, loan and inter-company reconciliations, together with accruals, prepayments and control accounts.
- Providing Directors with timely and meaningful financial information, highlighting trends, risks and areas requiring attention.
- Overseeing tenant and client accounting across residential and commercial property interests.
- Managing client accounting using Qube and Re-Leased property management software.
- Preparing and submitting quarterly VAT returns and maintaining an understanding of the VAT treatments relevant to the Group.
- Overseeing the outsourced payroll process and associated workplace pension administration.
- Preparing accounts through to trial balance and supporting external accountants and auditors at year-end.
- Preparing budgets, forecasts, financial projections and covenant compliance calculations as required.
- Developing stronger financial reporting, controls, systems and processes across the business.
About you
You are likely to already be working as a Finance Manager, Management Accountant, Assistant Finance Manager or in another senior finance position with a strong level of responsibility.
You don't necessarily need to come from a property background, but you will need strong accounting fundamentals, good commercial judgement and the confidence to take ownership.
We are open to ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified or part-qualified candidates, as well as strong candidates who are qualified by experience.
You will ideally bring:
- Strong management accounting and financial reporting experience.
- Experience managing or supervising members of a finance team.
- Good knowledge of month-end processes and financial controls.
- Experience preparing VAT returns.
- The ability to interpret and explain financial information clearly.
- Strong commercial awareness and sound professional judgement.
- Experience improving financial processes, controls or systems.
- Confidence communicating with Directors and senior colleagues.
- Strong Excel skills and experience using accounting software.
Experience within property investment, property management, lettings or development would be particularly useful, but is not essential.
Knowledge of QuickBooks, Qube, Re-Leased or similar systems would also be helpful.
This is a genuinely hands-on Finance Manager role. You will lead and develop the team while remaining close enough to the detail to step in, investigate issues and ensure the numbers are right.
Why join us?
This is an opportunity to take on a meaningful senior finance position within an established property group, with genuine ownership of the finance function and direct exposure to senior decision-makers.
You will have the opportunity to influence how financial reporting, systems and processes operate while gaining exposure to varied residential and commercial property interests.
For the right person, there is scope for the role and level of responsibility to develop alongside the business.
What we offer
- Salary of £45,000–£52,000, determined by experience, qualifications and technical knowledge.
- Full-time, permanent position.
- Monday to Friday, 9.00am–5.30pm.
- Southampton-based role.
- Workplace pension scheme.
- Annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
- Support for relevant professional development, where appropriate.
Application process
Please apply with your CV.
Suitable candidates will be invited to a short initial screening call, followed by a face-to-face interview with senior members of the business.
Shortlisted candidates may then be asked to complete a brief practical finance exercise before a final-stage meeting.
The process is designed to be straightforward and efficient, while giving both sides a proper opportunity to assess the fit.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £45,000.00-£52,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
- What is your current accounting qualification status?
- Are you able to work full-time from our Southampton office, Monday to Friday?
- How many years of management accounting or financial reporting experience do you have?
- Have you prepared management accounts, including P&L and balance sheet reconciliations, as part of a month-end process?
- Do you have experience managing or supervising members of a finance team?
- Have you prepared and submitted VAT returns?
Work Location: In person
