At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance strategies and operations for sustainable water projects in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Costain, a leader in creating connected, sustainable infrastructure across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, matched pension contributions, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant culture focused on innovation, sustainability, and community impact.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with 10+ years of senior finance experience.
- Other info: We value diversity and inclusivity, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Due to continued growth, the position of Head of Finance (Water) has become available to join our established team.
This role will require 3 days in our London office.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a career enhancing project where you will be a welcomed member of the wider team. Costain are looking for skilled people who’ll help us shape, create and deliver pioneering solutions that transform the performance of the infrastructure ecosystem across the UK. Together we are creating connected sustainable infrastructure to help people and the planet thrive.
This position has a competitive salary dependent on skills and experience, in addition to a fantastic benefits package including pension contribution matched up to 10%.
We have a vibrant, challenging and growing business, with project environments that provide tremendous opportunities for everybody. We know that by being a more diverse company we will be more innovative, have a greater understanding of our clients’ needs and will deliver smarter, more inclusive solutions for them. Our goal is to have a workforce that is representative of society and the communities in which we work. As an inclusive, family friendly employer we believe that everyone matters, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone has the same opportunities to be able to reach their full potential.
Role Requirements
- Qualified accountant with 10+ years post-qualified experience
- Strong business partner and operational experience in a senior finance role
- Demonstrable experience in presenting and influencing commercial and financial outcomes within a complex business
- Demonstrable experience of supporting and influencing a business, its strategy and ultimately financial performance
- Champions Sustainability Safety, Health and Environment by putting personal safety and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do and helping the environment and communities to thrive
- Having integrity by always doing the right thing in the right way
- Must be customer focussed by striving for excellence through understanding, anticipating and meeting their needs
For a full job description, please contact quoting the vacancy number.
About Costain
At Costain, we help to improve people’s lives by creating connected, sustainable infrastructure that enables people and the planet to thrive.
We work together to shape, create, and deliver pioneering solutions that transform the performance of the UK’s infrastructure ecosystem across energy, water, transportation and defence markets. Through our collaboration with customers, partners, communities, and wider industry we will deliver an infrastructure fit for a better future.
Your application
Should you require any adjustments to support you in your application, please do not hesitate to contact us:
We welcome all applicants regardless of age, race, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, socioeconomic background and physical or neurological disabilities.
We welcome you to ask about the flexibility you need for dynamic working, such as working part-time, remote working, or compressed hours. In return, we will explore what is possible.
To find out more about our Inclusion strategy, please visit our ED&I page:
Right to Work & Security Checks
Understandably given the nature of our business, everyone who is employed at Costain must undergo thorough referencing checks. We will need different information depending on the job we have offered you. For all roles, we’ll carry out a criminal record check and we’ll ask to see evidence that you have the legal right to work in the UK.
For some of our roles, you may be required to obtain and maintain security clearance of at least Security Check level (or SC clearance). To satisfy the requirements, you will need to have been a legal UK resident for a minimum of 5 years and have successfully completed all stages of the vetting process.
Closing date
Please note that Costain reserves the right to bring forward the closing date of any of its job vacancies if we receive a suitable number of quality applications from which to make a shortlist. Therefore, we recommend that you apply as soon as possible rather than wait until the published closing date.
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that discloses they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer.
It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.
For more details please go to the Disability Confident website:
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Head of Finance (Water) employer: Costain Group PLC
Contact Detail:
Costain Group PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance (Water)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with Costain's commitment to sustainability and how it impacts their projects. Highlight your experience in sustainable finance practices during discussions to show alignment with their values.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've influenced financial outcomes in complex business environments. This will demonstrate your strong business partner skills and operational experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the current trends in the water infrastructure sector in the UK. Being knowledgeable about industry challenges and innovations will help you engage meaningfully with the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Emphasize your customer-focused approach by sharing instances where you've anticipated client needs and delivered exceptional service. This aligns with Costain's goal of understanding and meeting client expectations.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance (Water)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications as a qualified accountant with over 10 years of post-qualified experience. Emphasize your strong business partner and operational experience in senior finance roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, demonstrate your ability to present and influence commercial and financial outcomes. Share specific examples of how you've supported and influenced business strategies and financial performance.
Showcase Your Commitment to Sustainability: Since the role champions sustainability, include any relevant experiences or initiatives where you have prioritized safety, health, and environmental considerations in your previous roles.
Highlight Your Customer Focus: Illustrate your customer-focused approach by providing examples of how you've strived for excellence in understanding and meeting client needs. This will align well with the company's values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Costain Group PLC
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
As a candidate for the Head of Finance position, it's crucial to highlight your extensive experience as a qualified accountant. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your 10+ years of post-qualified experience that demonstrate your ability to influence financial outcomes in complex business environments.
✨Emphasize Sustainability and Integrity
Costain values sustainability and integrity highly. During the interview, share your experiences where you championed sustainability initiatives or made decisions that prioritized ethical considerations. This will show that you align with their core values.
✨Demonstrate Business Partnership Skills
Highlight your operational experience and how you've successfully partnered with other departments to drive financial performance. Prepare to discuss specific strategies you've implemented that supported business objectives and improved overall outcomes.
✨Prepare for Cultural Fit Questions
Costain is committed to diversity and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a diverse workplace and how your background and experiences can help foster an inclusive environment. This will demonstrate your alignment with their company culture.