At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management in a dynamic energy infrastructure division and drive performance.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing, private equity-backed infrastructure group in the UK's energy sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and hands-on leadership experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead and develop a talented finance team while influencing key decisions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while shaping financial strategies.
- Qualifications: Strong contract accounting skills and experience in a complex, project-based setting.
The predicted salary is between 69750 - 85250 £ per year.
Business Unit Finance Director (Projects), PE backed Energy Infrastructure, London (with UK travel)
An exceptional opportunity has arisen to join a rapidly growing, private equity-backed infrastructure group operating across the UK's critical energy and power sectors.
The business is entering an ambitious phase of development, with a clear strategy to exceed £1bn in revenue through a combination of strong organic growth and continued acquisition activity.
This is a highly visible divisional finance leadership role within a commercially focused and acquisitive environment.
Reporting directly to the CFO, the successful candidate will partner closely with divisional Managing Directors and senior commercial and operational leaders to drive performance, strengthen financial control and support the integration of newly acquired businesses.
This is not a traditional, desk-based finance position.
It requires a hands‑on, confident and analytical finance leader who is comfortable operating in a fast-paced, project and contract-based environment.
The successful candidate will provide robust challenge, translate financial information into meaningful commercial insight, influence decision-making across the division and bring confidence and support to the finance team.
Based in London, with time spent at other UK business locations as necessary
Key responsibilities
- Lead the financial management of a major division operating across a large‑scale, contract‑led environment.
- Oversee contract accounting, including WIP management, and influence the Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) process.
- Partner with divisional MD's and commercial leaders to support strategic and operational decision‑making.
- Own cash‑flow forecasting and drive the budgeting, forecasting and performance‑reporting processes.
- Prepare the monthly management accounts and reporting packs.
- Manage balance sheet reviews and provide financial input into bids and tenders.
- Provide clear commercial insight and constructive challenge to senior stakeholders, including Business Unit MD's
- Support the financial and operational integration of newly acquired businesses.
- Strengthen financial controls, reporting processes and governance across the division.
- Identify commercial risks and opportunities across contracts and projects, getting to grips with complex and challenging contracts.
- Lead, develop and motivate a small team of qualified finance professionals, bringing confidence and support to the team.
- Build effective relationships across finance, commercial and operational functions.
- Key requirements
- Strong technical understanding of contract accounting, WIP and CVR, gained in a project or contract-based environment.
- Experience working within a fast‑paced and operationally complex business.
- A commercially astute approach, with the ability to interpret performance and influence senior decision‑makers.
- A confident, analytical and resilient leadership style, with the credibility to challenge constructively, including at Business Unit FD level.
- Strong business‑partnering skills across finance, commercial and operational teams.
- The ability to balance strategic leadership with a willingness to remain hands‑on.
- Experience leading and developing finance teams.
- Previous exposure to a private equity‑backed, acquisitive or high‑growth environment would be advantageous.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Business Unit Finance Director (Projects) in City of London employer: Cedar
Join a dynamic London-based organisation that values innovation and collaboration, offering a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to continuous training and growth opportunities while working on prestigious M&E projects. The supportive work culture encourages teamwork and creativity, making it an excellent place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Unit Finance Director (Projects) in City of London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Cedar. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Unit Finance Director (Projects) in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Cedar.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Cedar's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Cedar.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Cedar will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Cedar employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
