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