Optimum Recruitment Group are proud to be working on a fantastic opportunity that has arisen for an Investment Reporting & Financial Analysis Manager for an amazing growth business based in Blackburn.
Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, this is a high-visibility, hands-on role that acts as the primary analytical bridge between the Finance team, the Project Development team, the Investment Committee, and their institutional investors. You will be expected to dive deep into complex financial models and project valuations, ensuring complete accuracy and integrity, before translating those technical findings into compelling reports and presentations. This role is not purely management; the successful candidate must be willing to own the analysis, roll up your sleeves, and directly perform the necessary financial modelling and data synthesis required for high-stakes decision-making.
Key Accountabilities:
* Financial & Insight Analysis: Apply strong accounting knowledge to interpret and analyse financial statements and investment results, synthesising complex financial data into clear, actionable insights that drive senior decision-making by the CEO/CFO and Investment Committee.
* Budgeting and Forecasting: Collate and coordinate the budget and forecasting process, ensuring alignment with the strategic plan and investor expectations.
* Investment Committee (IC) Material: Prepare, synthesise, and present complex financial information and project proposals for review by the Investment Committee. This includes writing executive summaries and preparing presentation slides that clearly articulate project risk, sensitivity analysis, return, and valuation.
* Financial Model Review & Assurance: Directly review, challenge, and stress-test complex financial models (DCF, NPV, IRR calculations) used for project sanctioning and valuation purposes covering SPV, AssetCo, and consolidated group levels.
* Techno-Economic Model (TEM) Liaison: Act as the critical link between the Project Development team’s TEMs and the financial models, translating technical inputs (e.g., thermal output, consumption) into robust financial forecasts.
* Valuation Monitoring: Routinely track and update business valuation and Enterprise Value (EV) calculations based on actual financial performance and the secured order book, reporting key variances to senior management.
* Process Improvement & Collaboration: Drive improvements in reporting processes and documentation across the team. Collaborate with internal teams (Project Delivery, FP&A, Financial Control, etc.) to ensure timely and accurate collection of input data.
* External Investor Reporting: Own the end-to-end production of bespoke quarterly and ad-hoc financial and operational reports required by our external debt and equity partners. Ensure timely delivery, accuracy, and adherence to specific covenant and contractual reporting requirements.
* Statutory & PLC Readiness: Ensure all external financial reports and disclosures adhere to best practice standards and maintain strong internal controls, providing support for statutory accounts production and adherence to PLC financial governance and reporting standards.
* Stakeholder Liaison: Act as a central point of contact for external communication regarding financial performance, project updates, and data queries from investors and financial due diligence advisors.
The Ideal Candidate Profile:
* Qualification: Fully Qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent relevant qualification (e.g., CFA).
* Experience: Significant experience (5+ years) in a corporate finance, investment banking, transaction services, or FP&A role within the infrastructure, utilities, or renewable energy sector. Proven exposure to Public Limited Company (PLC) financial governance, compliance, or statutory reporting standards is highly desirable. Experience presenting to senior stakeholders (Board/IC) is essential. Strong understanding of debt covenants and valuation metrics.
* Model Expertise (Mandatory): Advanced financial modelling skills (including Excel mastery) with proven ability to build, review, audit, and interrogate complex project finance or valuation models without relying on a dedicated team.
* Soft Skills: Must possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills, exceptional ability to distil complex financial data into clear insights that drive decision-making, and demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across functional teams
The organisation offers a competitive package based on skills and experiences