Job Description

The Senior Finance Manager is the embedded finance lead within project(s) acting as business partner to the project / portfolio team. The role holder will work in partnership with project teams, including commercial and project managers, delivering reporting, robust forecasts and provide challenge and insights on performance through a solid understanding of business / project deliverables. The role holder will have responsibility for P&L, cash and balance sheet performance, understanding risk and supporting finance best practice.

As business partner, support the project delivery teams on all financial matters, including cost and cash control, risk management and project end value and profit forecast. Provide accurate financial reporting and forecasting for the project / portfolio, working closely with the commercial team to challenge and advise on the impact of change and identifying and mitigating financial risks and delivering opportunities. Act as a catalyst for change, and identifying and delivering opportunities for improvement to financial processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial reporting and month end close process for the project/portfolio 
• Support the Project Director and work with the commercial team in the production & review of the Contract Leaders Report (CLR) highlighting any performance variances
• Produce and review the monthly management accounts pack with project leadership 
• Support internal project reviews, challenging to ensure project risks, opportunities and forecasts are accurate and fully understood
• Provide support and challenge for business forecasting and budgeting 
• Ensure reporting & forecasting represents a fair & accurate reflection of contract and cost performance in line with accounting standards. Cash
• Ensure accurate and timely billing of costs to the client, supporting commercial teams to minimise WIP and achieve cash collection targets. 
• Manage cash balances and ensure cash forecasts robust, accurately reported and provide insight into actual variances from forecast
• Ensure prompt payment of suppliers with appropriate approvals in line with company targets Financial Control and Administration 
• Lead period end processes in line with project & group timetables
• Maintain and review balance sheet reconciliations ensuring all items remain current and recoverable 
• Control and manage the contract Project Bank Accounts
• Ensure costs are accurately accrued within E1 and oversee/maintain accurate processes and records to manage plant, material and subcontract ledgers, weekly timesheet records and expense payments 
• Lead as required on external client audits and financial audits. Commercial
• Provide financial input into and support analysis of any commercial change proposals 
• Provide analysis to highlight any areas for efficiency and input to any associated business cases.
• Support other analytical or process development exercises as necessary.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Qualified accountant with 4+ years post-qualified experience 
• Excellent Excel spreadsheet and analytical skills
• Proven experience in business partnering & influencing business decisions 
• Good communicator and self-starter, able to work remotely
• Strong systems skills. 
• Dynamic Working offered, some roles may require location specific working or travel
• Professional Accounting qualification.