Director of Finance

Director of Finance & Corporate Services Job Summary Be First is evolving rapidly, with increasing scale, complexity, and strategic importance. The Finance & Corporate Services Director is a key strategic leader and full member of the Be First Executive Team, responsible not only for leading the organisation’s financial strategy and performance but also for the effective operation of a suite of corporate and strategic support functions central to the company’s success. This role strengthens and integrates our financial leadership, governance, business support, HR/OD and portfolio oversight into a single strategic function that enables Be First to deliver its commercial, operational and regeneration objectives efficiently, transparently and in line with best practice. The post-holder will support the Managing Director, Executive Team and Board; ensure that governance and compliance frameworks across the company are effective; lead strategic and operational HR/OD; and play a pivotal role in shaping, developing and delivering Be First’s Business Plan and commercial strategy. This role requires a collaborative, commercially‑minded, emotionally intelligent leader who brings both strategic perspective and operational grip in a lean, dynamic and fast‑paced organisation. Job Salary circa £135k p.a. + company benefits including membership of the discretionary Performance Related Pay scheme Job Description Key Strategic Responsibilities Financial Leadership Lead Be First’s financial strategy, planning, analysis and reporting, ensuring financial resilience and commercial effectiveness. Oversee accurate and timely monthly and quarterly accounts; ensure business plans clearly articulate the company’s strategic direction. Manage preparation of annual IFRS‑compliant accounts, achieving a clean audit opinion and effective external audit relationship. Maintain robust internal controls at corporate and project level, including liaison with the Audit Committee and internal auditors. Ensure appropriate and effective engagement with relevant external bodies including regulators, HMRC, ONS, ombudsmen. Ensure LBBD Finance fully understands the company’s financial position, risks, opportunities and strategic requirements. Strategic Leadership of Governance Provide executive leadership for governance across the whole organisation, ensuring Be First’s portfolio of delivery is governed efficiently, transparently and to the highest standards. Ensure performance reporting, financial reporting and project/portfolio reporting are integrated, effective and aligned with strategic objectives. Oversee Be First’s Corporate Risk Register, Financial Risk Management and Corporate Compliance frameworks, ensuring risks are identified, monitored and actively managed. Lead effective governance of procurement, ensuring processes deliver best Value for Money and support commercial and regeneration outcomes. Ensure the accurate recording and tracking of Board, Audit Committee and Executive actions, minutes and decisions. Strategic Oversight of Business Support & Corporate Functions Lead and develop a high‑performing Business Support function incorporating (in addition to responsibility for Finance and Financial Support Services and functions set out in “1) Financial Leadership” above): Portfolio Management & PMO‑related functions – ensuring portfolio‑level oversight, challenge, assurance, and business plan interrogation. BIM & Information Management – ensuring consistent, high‑quality information standards across development programmes. Executive Support – ensuring strategic and efficient administrative support to senior leaders. Administrative Support – ensuring professional support to the wider organisation enabling operational efficiency. Strategic & Operational HR and Organisational Development Lead Be First’s HR and OD strategy, ensuring the organisation attracts, develops and retains the talent required to deliver its mission. Oversee operational HR including payroll, employee relations, performance management and workforce development. Work with the Remuneration Committee as required. Champion organisational culture, leadership development, talent management and workforce planning. Contribution to Business Planning & Commercial Strategy Act as a key architect of the company’s Business Plan, shaping long‑term commercial and operational strategy. Provide expert insight to the MD, Board and Executive on strategic, commercial, financial and organisational issues. Leading development and scoping commercial opportunities relating to the functions within the scope of this role (e.g. marketing the framework for use by other organisations, LAs). Horizon scan for emerging risks, opportunities, policy shifts and market conditions that may affect Be First. Ensure corporate governance and financial management support innovation, growth and commercial performance while safeguarding Be First’s reputation. Principal Duties Lead, manage and develop direct reports and a multi‑disciplinary team across Finance, Governance, HR/OD, Business Support, PMO‑related functions and corporate support functions. Provide clear, concise advice to the Board and Executive, enabling effective decision making on complex strategic and financial matters. Act as the “go‑to” senior leader for cross‑cutting issues without a natural home, taking ownership with strategic clarity and operational confidence. Support the MD in managing key relationships with the shareholder (LBBD), partners, contractors and stakeholders. Ensure organisational processes are streamlined, efficient and continuously improved. Person Specification Qualified accountant (ICAEW or CIMA preferred) with at least 10 years’ PQE. Prior experience as a Finance Director, Deputy FD, or equivalent leadership role across finance, governance and corporate services. Demonstrated ability to lead at Executive Team level with strong strategic insight, commercial acumen and political awareness. Proven experience leading governance, risk, compliance and performance management frameworks. Experience leading HR, OD or people‑related functions (strategic and operational). Strong leadership skills, able to inspire teams and build collaborative relationships across disciplines. Excellent judgement, maturity and ability to act as a strategic sounding board for senior leaders. Ability to simplify complex issues and present them concisely to senior audiences. Results‑driven, resilient and committed to continuous improvement. Strong interpersonal skills, able to listen, persuade and influence. Experience in local government and/or property development is advantageous. Educated to degree level with an additional business qualification. Experience developing organisation‑wide strategic and operational plans. Experience leading corporate support functions in a commercially‑driven public‑purpose organisation. Influence, motivate and develop others. Build productive relationships internally and externally. Manage finances and resources effectively across all areas of responsibility. Lead organisational change and promote professional development. Maintain a customer‑focused, performance‑driven approach. #J-18808-Ljbffr