Finance Director (ID: X7RUIK03)

Finance Director - Nicholls Countryside Construction Group

Nicholls is seeking a Finance Director with strong financial expertise and broad commercial experience, ideally within the construction or related manufacturing sectors. This is a permanent, full-time, office-based position aimed at continuing the development and improvement of the Group’s financial processes.

About Nicholls:

Founded in 2002 by Ben and Richard Nicholls, Nicholls is a fast-growing, privately-owned business located in West Sussex. With significant expansion over the past five years, the company now employs more than 80 staff. The group operates through three distinct but interrelated divisions:

• Nicholls Boreholes & Ground Source (www.nichollsboreholes.co.uk): Specializes in the design, installation, and maintenance of renewable and sustainable solutions, including water boreholes, river-sourced, and open-loop Ground Source Heat Pump Systems for both domestic and commercial clients.

• Nicholls Construction (www.nichollsltd.com): A multi-award-winning construction division focusing on country house renovations and new build developments, with a commitment to "creating beautiful homes for clients."

• Nicholls Licensing & Consulting (www.nichollslc.co.uk): Provides specialist licensing and regulatory consultancy services to help both commercial and residential clients achieve water mitigation solutions for their projects.

Corporate Ethos:
The owners are passionate about quality, innovation, client relationships, and creating a work environment that is both enjoyable and rewarding.

Role Overview:

The Finance Director will play a key role in shaping the company’s financial strategy and supporting the senior management team with essential financial insights. This person will work closely with the company’s principals to help develop strategies and provide management information to guide decision-making. A hands-on approach is essential, balancing both strategic leadership and day-to-day financial responsibilities. The role involves overseeing a small, dedicated finance team.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant (CIMA, ACA, or ACCA), with at least 3-5 years of experience at the Finance Director level, ideally within the construction, renewables, or related manufacturing sectors.

Salary & Benefits:
Competitive salary, performance-based pay, and benefits package, subject to experience and company performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure financial integrity and strong corporate governance.

• Manage financial and project costs effectively.

• Develop and implement KPIs in collaboration with key stakeholders.

• Prepare year-end statutory accounts for audit.

• Oversee company accounts, ensuring robust controls and reconciliations.

• Assist in the development of the company’s business plan.

• Lead the adoption of the upgraded SAGE accounting system (SAGE 200).

• Prepare budgets, forecasts, cash flow analysis, and monitoring.

• Oversee and manage the company’s IT infrastructure.

• Manage and develop the existing finance team.

• Ensure compliance with corporate taxes (including R&D claims).

• Review and advise on commercial contracts as required.

• Identify opportunities to increase profitability and implement cost/value management initiatives across divisions.

• Develop and maintain pricing matrices for new sales opportunities.

• Prepare monthly management accounts and profitability analysis by division and project.

• Drive efficiencies in reporting processes and introduce fresh ideas, innovation, and best practices.

Essential Skills & Requirements:

• Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACA, or ACCA).

• Strong management and cost accounting skills.

• Excellent communication skills with all business stakeholders.

• Experience working within an SME/private business (ideally £15-£50m turnover).

• Hands-on approach, comfortable working in a small finance team of 3-4 staff.

• Ability to prioritize, manage workload, and pay attention to detail.

• Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work independently.

What We Value:

• Alignment with our core values: Excellence, Teamwork, Professionalism, Pride, Commitment, and Fun.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

• Ability to organize resources and plan ahead.

• A proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

Job Type:
Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Casual dress code

• Company events

• Free parking

Additional Information:

• Ability to reliably commute five days a week

• Experience: Finance Director (4 years required), Construction (8 years required)

• Language: English (required)

• Licence/Certification: Driver's license (required)

• Work Authorization: UK (required)

• Work Location: In person

If you’re a proactive, strategic thinker with the ability to balance both hands-on tasks and big-picture decision-making, we’d love to hear from you!