Commercial Finance Manager in Sheerness

Avidety Ltd is a specialist provider of overhead line and underground electricity network construction and maintenance services. As a Tier 1 contractor to a major Distribution Network Operator (DNO), we deliver critical infrastructure projects that support and maintain the UK's power network. As part of our continued growth, we are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Commercial Finance Manager to join our senior leadership team and play a key role in supporting the continued growth of the business. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this is a highly visible role that combines financial leadership with commercial oversight, ensuring projects are accurately captured, invoiced and converted into cash efficiently.

The Role

This is a strategic hands-on position for a high-calibre, commercially astute finance leader who thrives in a fast-paced contracting environment. The successful candidate will take ownership of the company's financial management while working closely with operational teams, project managers and clients to maximise profitability, improve cash flow and ensure robust financial controls. You will play a key role in ensuring all completed works are accurately captured, additional works are identified and recovered, and client submissions are made on time to support efficient billing and payment collection. The role will have direct line management responsibility for the Estimator and Trainee Estimator, ensuring accurate estimating, commercial governance and support for project profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of forecasting and management reporting, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting actuals vs plan, risks and opportunities.
• Produce accurate monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Prepare annual budgets, forecasts and cash flow projections.
• Monitor financial performance and provide insightful commercial analysis to the Managing Director and Board of Directors.
• Coordinate year-end accounts and external audit processes.
• Develop and maintain robust financial controls and reporting systems.

Commercial and Operational Responsibilities

• Manage and support the Estimator and Trainee Estimator to ensure accurate, commercially robust pricing submissions and tender returns.
• Work closely with Project Managers to ensure work packs are accurately completed, submitted and commercially maximised.
• Liaise with clients and operational teams to ensure all completed works are captured and invoiced correctly.
• Ensure all completed works, variations and additional works are accurately captured, evidenced and submitted in accordance with client framework requirements.
• Take ownership of Work in Progress (WIP) reporting and controls, ensuring accurate valuation and timely conversion to invoiced revenue.
• Drive improvements in billing processes, payment collection performance and overall cash flow efficiency.
• Monitor project profitability and provide detailed analysis on contract performance.
• Support project teams with cost control, forecasting and commercial decision-making.
• Ensure contractual milestones and client submission deadlines are achieved to optimise cash flow.
• Develop reporting and KPIs that improve financial visibility across projects and contracts.

About you

• We are looking for a commercial thinker first and foremost —someone who understands how finance drives business success.
• Strong expertise in project-based finance, cashflow management, and financial modelling.
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders, including Boards of Directors.
• Experience in working closely with operational and project delivery teams.
• Strong management accounting, budgeting and forecasting skills and the ability to spot issues, trends and inconsistencies.
• Excellent commercial awareness and analytical ability.
• Advanced Excel and financial systems experience, including Xero or equivalent accounting platforms.
• Ability to challenge, influence and support senior stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• A proactive, problem-solving approach.
• Previous experience managing or mentoring team members.
• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification.
• Experience within utilities, infrastructure, construction, engineering or contracting sectors.
• Knowledge of DNO frameworks and utility contracting environments.
• Experience of project accounting, contract costing and revenue recognition.
• Understanding of NEC and framework-based contracts.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary of £65,000 – £80,000 depending on experience.
• 5 weeks annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
• Company Pension Scheme.
• Life Insurance.
• Perkbox employee benefits.
• Company off-site events.
• Direct access to the Managing Director.
• Long-term career development and progression opportunities.