Commercial Finance Controller in London

Commercial Finance Controller in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Cedar

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial management and drive performance in a fast-growing infrastructure business.
  • Company: Join a dynamic, PE-backed infrastructure company making waves in the UK.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, car allowance, and career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Fast-paced environment with significant growth and transformation opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be a key player in shaping a rapidly evolving division with real impact.
  • Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in contract-led environments and strong stakeholder influence.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

An exceptional opportunity to join a fast-scaling, private equity-backed infrastructure business operating across the UK’s critical transport and power sectors. The business has entered an ambitious growth phase, with a clear strategy to exceed £1bn through a combination of organic growth and ongoing acquisitions.

This is a highly visible divisional leadership role within a commercially driven and acquisitive environment. The successful candidate will partner directly with senior operational leadership, helping to drive performance, integration and financial control across a rapidly evolving business division.

This is not a traditional “sit behind the numbers” finance role. The position requires a hands-on, resilient and commercially credible finance leader who is comfortable operating in a fast-paced operational environment and influencing senior stakeholders across finance, commercial and operational teams.

Reporting directly to the CFO, you will play a key role in supporting divisional growth, driving commercial performance and embedding robust financial controls across the division.

Key responsibilities:
  • Leading divisional financial management across a large-scale contract-based environment
  • Managing contract accounting, WIP and CVR (Cost Value Reconciliation)
  • Supporting the integration of newly acquired businesses within the division
  • Partnering closely with divisional MDs and commercial leadership teams
  • Acting as a strategic finance lead across operational and commercial decision making
  • Driving forecasting, budgeting and cashflow management
  • Providing robust challenge and commercial insight to senior stakeholders
  • Leading and developing a small team of qualified finance professionals
  • Building strong relationships across finance, operational and commercial functions
The Candidate:

The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant with experience operating within a complex, contract-led environment.

Experience sectors:
  • Infrastructure
  • Energy
  • Defence
  • Facilities Management
  • Engineering or other project/contract-centric businesses
Key requirements:
  • Strong understanding of contract accounting, WIP and CVR
  • Experience operating within fast-paced, operationally intensive businesses
  • Commercially astute with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
  • Resilient personality with the confidence to challenge effectively
  • Comfortable operating within a demanding, high-growth environment
  • Prior exposure to acquisitive or PE-backed environments would be advantageous
Why Apply:
  • Opportunity to join a rapidly scaling PE-backed infrastructure platform
  • Exposure to significant acquisition activity and business transformation
  • Highly visible role with direct access to senior leadership
  • Genuine opportunity to influence and shape a growing division
  • Strong long-term growth trajectory and career development potential

Commercial Finance Controller in London employer: Cedar

Join a dynamic and rapidly growing private equity-backed infrastructure business in London, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of critical transport and power sectors. With a strong focus on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and the opportunity to influence senior leadership decisions, this position offers not just a job, but a meaningful career path in a high-growth environment. Enjoy competitive compensation, including a generous bonus and car allowance, while being part of a team that values resilience, commercial insight, and strategic thinking.

Cedar

Contact Details:

Cedar Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Controller in 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 Commercial Finance Controller in London

Financial Management
Contract Accounting
WIP (Work In Progress) Management
CVR (Cost Value Reconciliation)
Forecasting
Budgeting
Cashflow Management

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.