Group Financial Controller

Springfield Properties plc is a housebuilder focused on developing a mix of private and affordable housing in Scotland.

The Group operates through two divisions: Private Housing and Affordable. The Private Housing division has historically developed smaller- to medium-sized developments in Scotland, as well as a small number of larger sites – but is now focused on developing a higher proportion of larger village sites. The division’s model primarily focuses on sourcing land in areas with high growth potential and, subsequently, to progress developments through the planning process.

The Affordable division’s operations focus on the development of land into standalone sites that consist entirely of affordable homes. In addition to standalone developments, the Affordable division develops affordable housing on the Group’s private developments under Section 75 agreements, pursuant to which Springfield Properties typically agrees with a local authority to make a contribution of housing, money and/or infrastructure as a condition of planning permission.

The Group specialises in developing difficult sites (often involving several land owners) that require considerable remediation works and/or significant investment in infrastructure prior to commencing development.

Acquisition of Walker Group 

As announced on 1 February 2019, post period, Springfield acquired Walker Holdings (Scotland) Limited (trading as Walker Group), a Livingston-based housebuilder focussed on private housing in the central belt of Scotland, for a net consideration of up to £31m. Walker Group is a high-quality family housebuilder primarily targeting the two- to five-bedroom private home market, on developments of generally 50 to 200 homes.

Its sites are in desirable locations within the Edinburgh commuter belt, therefore expanding the Group’s land bank and sales presence in this popular, high-growth area. On acquisition, Walker Group’s land bank consisted of 1,358 plots (39% of which had planning) across five active and five future sites with a total GDV of £413m.

The acquisition supports and enhances the Group’s existing forecasts and is expected to enhance earnings per share in the current financial year. It utilised and exceeded the Group’s budget for its current financial year for land purchases and the bulk addition of land – adding 10 sites in a single transaction – significantly strengthens the Group’s visibility over projections for the next three years.

In addition, the Walker Group business, brand and culture are an excellent fit with Springfield. Both companies strongly promote an ethos of looking after customers and building quality homes. Walker Group follows a similar strategy to Springfield where it uses its respected position in the local land market to secure sites and utilises its extensive in-house skills and experience to bring future development schemes through the planning system efficiently.

Key Responsibilities – At A Glance:

• The preparation of PLC Board Finance Reports
• Qualified to CA/ACMA/ACCA level
• Research UKGAAP / IFRS requirements along with other regulatory and taxation requirements
• Accurate monthly management accounts and forecasting
• Annual budgeting, regularly forecasting and strategic planning
• Support and lead on identification and delivery of future M&A opportunities
• Statutory Reporting and auditing
• Financial analysis and group consolidation
• Banking
• Manage and motivate our finance team
• Work to strict deadlines
• Financial Systems
• Review existing processes and internal controls in order to make continuous improvements

The ideal candidate will have the drive and enthusiasm to ensure the team succeeds in achieving fixed and demanding deadlines. You will have strong and effective communication and analytical skills along with a passion for developing and mentoring your team.

Previous knowledge of Evision: Site Stream and Mitrefinch systems would be advantageous. In return, we can offer a rewarding career, excellent working conditions, remuneration, long term incentives and prospects with Springfield.

Further Information

For further information or a confidential discussion, please contact Michael Dickson on: michael@fwbparkbrown.com

Or alternatively, you can contact our Edinburgh office by phone on  +44 131 539 7087.