Head of Commercial Finance

About the Role

Cairn Homes plc is seeking an experienced Head of Commercial Finance to lead a team of six skilled accountants within the Finance department. Reporting directly to the Director of Finance & Treasury, you will be instrumental in providing financial insight and operational analysis to the leadership team and board, supporting strategic decision-making and financial planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate daily with the Director of Finance & Treasury, spearheading all forward-looking financial and operational analytics for the CEO, CFO, Leadership Team, and Board, including short- to long-term financial planning, budgeting, and reforecasting.
• Manage the delivery of the annual budget, three-year plans, and mid-year reforecasts by coordinating contributions from all business units.
• Lead business partnership efforts across commercial, construction, and sales functions, nurturing strong working relationships with leadership team members to drive success.
• Develop predictive analytics and performance dashboards to enhance decision-making in areas such as work-in-progress, operating expenses, workforce planning, and liquidity management.
• Evaluate financial aspects of key strategic initiatives, including land and business acquisitions, joint ventures, partnerships, debt and deal structuring, ensuring comprehensive financial and accounting review through collaboration with senior leaders.
• Coordinate closely with the Group Financial Controller on annual budgeting, reforecasting, liquidity management, transaction accounting, and integrated financial reporting to ensure cohesive finance function operations.
• Drive ad hoc projects impacting financial or operational aspects of the business as they arise.
• Continuously improve financial modelling techniques to provide timely, value-adding forecasting and strategic options to the business.

Required Experience and Skills

• Qualified accountant with at least three years’ experience in a comparable role.
• Strong ability to apply technical accounting expertise within a commercial context.
• Experience in construction or property sectors is advantageous.
• Effective communicator capable of interacting with all organizational levels across departments.
• Skilled in engaging with senior executives within a corporate headquarters environment.
• Proven capacity to handle multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and operate accurately and attentively in high-pressure, fast-moving settings.
• Self-driven team player who can independently manage the Commercial Finance function and resolve issues proactively.
• Outstanding verbal and written presentation skills.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, including advanced knowledge of Excel.

Working with Cairn

Cairn is committed to creating a workplace where staff feel valued and rewarded. Our compensation packages exceed industry norms and include robust benefits designed to support your wellbeing and career development.

• Competitive salary with performance-related bonuses
• Pension scheme featuring matching contributions
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage with Irish Life Health
• Annual salary reviews
• Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs with funding support
• Paid maternity and paternity leaves
• Additional paid Cairn annual leave days
• Life assurance and income protection plans
• Employee Assistance Programme facilitated by VHI
• Tax saver schemes including travel and bike-to-work
• Active Culture Committee and talent development initiatives
• Approved Profit Sharing Scheme (APSS)
• Role-dependent company vehicle availability

Our Purpose

Cairn’s mission is to build enduring communities where people flourish. Our approach goes beyond construction—it's about fostering connection, belonging, and progress for generations to come. We are committed to shaping a future that is built for good.