Job Description
ROLE PURPOSE To provide strong financial governance, insight, and leadership across an Operating Unit, ensuring accurate reporting and robust financial control. The role supports a diverse portfolio of major infrastructure projects (circa eight core projects) across transport and civil engineering sectors, while contributing to the wider Operating Unit finance leadership agenda. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Financial Leadership & Governance
* Lead and develop a project accounting team, embedding a safety‑first and high‑performance culture where finance is a value‑adding partner to project delivery teams
* Act as a key business partner to senior operational, commercial, and divisional stakeholders
* Apply strong commercial judgement and project scrutiny to drive sustainable project profitability
* Ensure consistent application of internal project reporting and review procedures, supporting training and continuous improvement
Project & Performance Management
* Review and challenge project financial performance at forecast, review, and performance meetings
* Provide clear insight into project balance sheets including cash, WIP, receivables, and payables, and forecast the impact of project changes on these KPIs
* Support strong project governance, controls, and compliance across the portfolio
Reporting & Forecasting
* Oversee the timely production of accurate, insightful monthly management accounts in line with internal and external accounting standards
* Lead and coordinate quarterly forecasting cycles, working closely with commercial and operational teams to produce high‑quality reporting packs
* Ensure transparent and compliant financial reporting aligned to accounting, tax, and regulatory requirements
Controls, Audit & Compliance
* Ensure financial processes and controls are consistently applied, identifying and implementing improvements where appropriate
* Manage interim and year‑end external audit processes
* Support client audit activities in collaboration with project teams
* Contribute to statutory reporting, internal audit, and project‑level financial reviews as required
Continuous Improvement & Technical Excellence
* Embed a continuous improvement mindset to drive efficiency, customer focus, and team engagement
* Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant accounting standards and regulatory changes, ensuring policies and procedures remain compliant
SUCCESS MEASURES
* High‑quality, accurate, and timely financial reporting
* Strong project financial performance supported by effective governance and control
* Positive feedback from senior stakeholders and project teams
* Well‑run, engaged, and high‑performing finance team
* Continuous improvements in financial processes and systems
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
* Proven experience in infrastructure, construction, utilities, or engineering‑led environments
* Strong background in project accounting and project finance
* Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent preferred)
* Excellent understanding of financial and management accounting within a complex ERP environment
* ERP system experience essential (modern cloud‑based systems preferred)
* Highly analytical, detail‑focused, and commercially astute