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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and manage month-end processes for a dynamic utilities company.
- Company: Join OCU Group, a fast-growing engineering services provider in the utilities sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, 25 days leave, and on-site gym facilities.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting growth journey with opportunities for career advancement.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with experience in management and statutory accounts.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Finance Manager (12-Month FTC – Maternity Cover, with potential to extend/convert to permanent)
Location: Stockport (Office Based)
Reports to: Financial Controller – Utilities
Department: Group Finance
The Opportunity
We are looking for a Finance Manager to take ownership of the end-to-end financial reporting for our Utilities entity (c. ÂŁ360m turnover). This role is a minimum 12-month maternity cover contract.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a confident finance professional who thrives in a busy, collaborative environment.
About OCU Group
OCU is a leading engineering services provider in the fast-growing utilities space, delivering end-to-end solutions across power, telecoms, water and more. Headquartered in Stockport, our 2,000+ people deliver complex, high-value projects for the UK’s largest utility providers.
In 2022, OCU was acquired by Triton Partners, a private equity firm with €18bn in sales across 50 companies and over 100,000 employees. Since then, OCU has been on an ambitious growth journey—expanding both organically and through acquisitions (14 to date), with revenues now exceeding £1bn.
With a clear vision to reach £3bn in revenue over the next 3–5 years, this is an incredible time to join our team. OCU has also recently launched internationally into New Zealand and Australia, making us one of the most exciting, future-proof businesses in the sector.
What You’ll Do
- Lead end-to-end financial reporting for OCU Utility Services
- Take full ownership of month-end processes, ensuring tight deadlines are met
- Deliver full management accounts packs with commentary, reporting into the Group
- Management, development and effective collaboration with 1-2 direct reports (Management Accountants)
- Lead the annual external audit process for your entity and ensure compliance with statutory requirements
- Review and produce statutory accounts for the Utilities entity, including oversight of small entity reporting
- Partner closely with Commercial, FP&A and transactional teams to provide accurate and timely insights
- Drive improvements in reporting accuracy, controls, and processes
- Contribute to ad-hoc projects, including acquisitions and integration activity
What We’re Looking For
- Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with strong post-qualification experience
- Proven track record producing management accounts and statutory accounts end-to-end
- Collaborative, “no ego” approach – thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments
- Confident communicator – able to engage stakeholders across finance, commercial and operational functions
- Advanced Excel skills (comfortable with large data sets)
- Experience with D365 (desirable)
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to balance detail with big-picture thinking
Why Join OCU?
- Competitive salary + benefits package + company bonus scheme
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Pension contributions
- Newly refurbished Head Office in Stockport with free parking and on-site gym facilities
- A genuine opportunity to grow with a PE-backed, international business scaling at speed
Apply now and be part of OCU’s exciting growth journey
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Finance Manager (12 Month FTC) employer: Opals Group
Contact Detail:
Opals Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager (12 Month FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know someone at OCU. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching OCU’s recent projects and growth plans. Show us you’re genuinely interested in our journey and how you can contribute to our ambitious goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common finance manager interview questions. We want to see your confidence and expertise shine through, so rehearse those responses until they feel natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager (12 Month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Finance Manager role. Highlight your qualifications, especially if you're ACA, ACCA, or CIMA certified, and showcase your experience in producing management and statutory accounts.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role at OCU. Mention your collaborative approach and how you thrive in fast-paced environments, just like we do here at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: In your application, don’t forget to highlight your analytical mindset. We want to see how you balance detail with big-picture thinking, especially when it comes to financial reporting and insights.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opals Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial reporting. Brush up on key metrics and figures related to OCU's turnover and growth plans. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their financial goals.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
OCU values a collaborative approach, so prepare examples of how you've worked effectively with different teams. Think about times when you partnered with commercial or operational functions to drive improvements in financial processes.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions around management accounts, statutory accounts, and compliance. Review your knowledge of D365 and advanced Excel skills, as these will likely come up. Being able to articulate your experience with large data sets will impress the interviewers.
✨Engage with Their Vision
OCU is on an ambitious growth journey, so show that you're excited about their future. Research their recent acquisitions and international expansion. Discuss how you can contribute to their goal of reaching ÂŁ3bn in revenue and how your skills can support this vision.
