Finance Associate

John Laing Group is a leading international investor and active asset manager of core infrastructure assets. With a history of investing in over 150 core infrastructure assets, John Laing has transformed communities worldwide. Previously listed on the London Stock Exchange, the company was taken private in 2021 by KKR’s Diversified Core Infrastructure Fund (DCIF), which has raised over US$14bn from investors like pension funds, insurance companies and sovereign wealth funds. John Laing operates in seven countries and employs over 100 people across offices in London, Dublin, Amsterdam, Melbourne, Sydney, New York and Bogota. With a $3 billion global portfolio, the firm’s strategy under DCIF ownership is to develop/buy, hold and grow sustainable greenfield and brownfield infrastructure projects, businesses and platforms.

Under KKR’s ownership, John Laing has transformed into an exciting, dynamic core infrastructure investment platform with expansive growth. Our operational highlights include:

• Exponential growth: more than doubled AUM in the 2 years since KKR take private.
• Ready access to capital: via KKR funding platform, deployed c. £1.3bn in the last two years.
• Outsized returns / “Smart” transactions: 70% of transactions have achieved outsized returns.
• Active asset manager: leading bids and playing an active role post-acquisition.
• Global but nimble organisation: benefits from a global footprint while reacting swiftly to opportunities.
• Recognised leader in Greenfield: choice of investment partner for complex greenfield development.
• A new force in core midmarket brownfield: successfully acquired 11 brownfield assets since the KKR take private.

On greenfield, John Laing partners with global, leading construction companies to deliver PPP projects in transportation, social, and energy infrastructure, while also investing in mid-market businesses with long-term, resilient cash flows. On brownfield, John Laing invests in operating assets, mid-market businesses and platforms that manage physical assets with long-term, predictable and resilient cash flows which are less cyclical or correlated to the broader economy.

THE ROLE AND OPPORTUNITY

As an Associate in the Group Finance team, you will play a crucial role in managing financial controls and treasury operations. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with various departments, ensuring accurate financial reporting, effective cash flow management, and compliance with regulatory requirements. You will be responsible for overseeing financial statements, managing treasury activities, and supporting strategic financial initiatives. This role is perfect for a recently qualified accountant who is a proactive individual with strong analytical skills and a passion for driving financial performance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Entity Accounting: Oversee accounting for UK holding companies and support the preparation of monthly management accounts, including variance analysis and KPI tracking. Provide direction to the outsourced finance team.
• Cash Flow Management: Review cash flow reporting for various entities. Ensure timely processing of cash yields from projects through the holding structure.
• Financial Reporting: Oversee the preparation of semi-annual and year-end consolidated group accounts under FRS 102 and fair value accounting. Oversee the preparation of individual entity annual accounts. Assist with the preparation of annual tax computations and returns, including the preparation of transfer pricing calculations.
• Audit and Compliance: Manage queries from auditors and support the audit process. Ensure company secretarial compliance and maintain records through close liaison with company secretary and external registered agents. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Banking Management: Act as the primary point of contact for bank administration, including oversight of mandates, management of access to banking portals and monitoring service levels.
• Treasury Operations: Act as the operations lead for the company’s debt and guarantee facilities, working closely with the Investment Finance team to understand existing facilities, upcoming changes and ongoing operational requirements (drawdowns, repayments, interest settlement, covenant reporting).
• Cash Management: Oversee the company’s cash operations, to include using forecasting tools to monitor transactions and liquidity requirements, performing weekly cash reviews, managing deposit and FX spot requirements.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with various departments to gather financial data and insights, ensuring accurate and timely reporting. Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Internal Controls and Process Improvement: Develop and implement internal control policies and procedures to ensure the integrity of financial data. Identify opportunities for process improvements and contribute to the implementation of best practices in financial reporting and treasury management.
• Ad Hoc Tasks: Handle various ad hoc tasks, including reviewing and approving purchase orders, resolving invoice and expense queries, and supporting strategic financial initiatives.

VALUES & BEHAVIOURS

We look for people who live our values in their day-to-day work. At this level we expect you to demonstrate the following behaviours aligned with our four core values:

• Excellence: Deliver high-quality work and continuously seek to improve. Develop unique expertise in your area of responsibility. Bring new ideas to the table and consider external perspectives to enhance performance.
• Transparency: Share knowledge and insights openly with colleagues. Be transparent about challenges and seek assistance proactively. Participate in discussions to challenge and improve team processes.
• Creativity: Engage in open discussions and share creative ideas freely. Collaborate with colleagues from different teams to enhance innovation. Contribute to a trustful environment that supports rapid innovation.
• Care: Show empathy and support for colleagues' well-being and growth. Engage in open and respectful communication to encourage diverse viewpoints. Contribute to projects that have a positive impact on local communities.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE

Required: Recently qualified accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA or equivalent), with 1 to 3 years Post Qualified Experience. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with teams inside and outside of Finance. Experience in financial reporting including consolidated accounts. Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities. Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.

Preferred: Experience in financial control and treasury management. Experience within investment management or financial services, ideally within infrastructure or real assets, and with an understanding of asset valuations. An active interest in, and demonstrable experience of, process improvement in finance workflows. Knowledge of industry-specific regulations and compliance requirements. Proficiency in financial software and tools.