At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and drive performance in a fast-paced infrastructure environment.
- Company: Rapidly growing, private equity-backed infrastructure group in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, and strong career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant impact on growth and integration activities.
- Why this job: Play a key role in shaping financial strategy and gain exposure to high-level decision-making.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with strong contract accounting and leadership skills.
Project Finance Director, PE backed Infrastructure, London (with UK travel)
Salary c£100k + bonus
An exceptional opportunity has arisen to join a rapidly growing, private equity-backed infrastructure group operating across the UK's critical transport 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, resilient and commercially credible finance leader who is comfortable operating in a fast-paced, operationally intensive environment. The successful candidate will provide robust challenge, translate financial information into meaningful commercial insight and influence decision-making across the division.
4 days a week in their central London office
Key responsibilities
- Lead the financial management of a major division operating across a large-scale, contract-led environment.
- Take ownership of contract accounting, including WIP management and Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR).
- Partner with divisional MDs and commercial leaders to support strategic and operational decision-making.
- Drive the budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow management and performance-reporting processes.
- Provide clear commercial insight and constructive challenge to senior stakeholders.
- 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.
- Lead, develop and motivate a small team of qualified finance professionals.
- Build effective relationships across finance, commercial and operational functions.
Key requirements
- Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
- Strong technical understanding of contract accounting, WIP and CVR.
- 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 resilient and credible leadership style, with the confidence to challenge constructively.
- 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.
Why apply?
- Join a rapidly scaling, private equity-backed infrastructure platform with an ambitious growth strategy.
- Gain exposure to significant acquisition, integration and transformation activity.
- Take on a highly visible role with direct access to the CFO and divisional leadership.
- Play a meaningful part in shaping the commercial and financial direction of a growing division.
- Benefit from strong long-term career development potential as the group continues to expand.
Project Finance Manager in London employer: Cedar
Cedar is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of major rail infrastructure projects. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for career progression alongside competitive benefits such as private medical insurance. Join us in a vibrant location where your expertise in M&E construction will be valued and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Finance Manager 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 Project Finance Manager in 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.
