At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform data into insights and influence business performance as a Commercial Accountant.
- Company: Join a diverse and inclusive team at Progress Rail, a leader in the industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and tailored training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with excellent career growth and employee recognition schemes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by partnering with teams to drive continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with strong communication and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you a Commercial Accountant who thrives on turning data into meaningful insight and influencing business performance? Reporting to the Head of Finance, you’ll work closely with senior stakeholders to support strategic decision‑making, delivering accurate and timely financial analysis that drives real impact. As a true Business Partner, you’ll challenge performance and collaborate with operational teams to identify opportunities, improve outcomes, and help embed a culture of continuous improvement across the business.
The Role
- Partner with Operational and Contract Managers to deliver accurate monthly forecasts and clear visibility of contract profitability.
- Review contracts to understand financial implications and ensure appropriate controls are in place.
- Support new bids and tenders with robust financial input and commercial insight.
- Ensure accurate and compliant revenue recognition in line with long‑term contract accounting principles.
- Work closely with the billing team to ensure timely and accurate invoicing.
- Provide regular performance analysis and cost centre reporting to senior management.
- Deputise for the Head of Finance when required.
- Support budgeting and forecasting cycles, with a focus on sales, margins, and performance vs. plan.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to standardised reporting and best practice across the business.
- Support audit requirements, ensure adherence to accounting policies, and meet all reporting deadlines.
The Candidate
- Qualified Accountant (CIMA/ICAEW/ACCA).
- Excellent Communicator with a proven ability to build relationships at all levels across the business.
- Confidence to travel to depots regularly to meet with Business Partners.
- Attention to detail and have a ‘right first time’ attitude.
- Ability to produce and present business cases/reports.
- Self‑motivated and flexible individual who is a strong team player.
- Proactive approach to identification and resolution of improvement opportunities.
- Ability to adapt to change quickly and prioritise multiple demands.
- Ability to understand the business strategy and make decisions within the context of the bigger picture.
- Up to date working knowledge and experience of current Accounting Regulations.
- Experience of ERP systems, Microsoft Office packages, particularly Excel.
Benefits
- Competitive salary + company bonus.
- Tailored training and development, including company‑funded external qualifications where relevant.
- Generous pension scheme with 7% employer contribution.
- Life assurance at 3.5× your salary.
- Employee Assistance Programme for confidential wellbeing support.
- Discounted gym membership – up to 25% off at 4,000+ UK gyms.
- Fuel card savings of 2–3p per litre at 3,500 stations, including BP, Esso and Shell.
- Employee recognition schemes celebrating great work.
- 33 days’ holiday per year (inclusive of bank/public holidays).
Equal Opportunities
Progress Rail is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We value and embrace diversity of thought, background and unique experiences and we pride ourselves on being an inclusive workforce and culture.
Commercial Accountant employer: Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company
At Progress Rail, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and continuous improvement. Located in Sandiacre, our team enjoys competitive salaries, generous benefits including a robust pension scheme and tailored training opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth. With a strong commitment to diversity and employee wellbeing, we create an inclusive environment where every voice is valued, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
Contact Details:
Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Accountant
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend networking events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and understanding their values and goals. Practice common interview questions and think about how your skills as a Commercial Accountant can directly benefit them. Remember, we want to see your personality shine through, so be yourself!
✨Showcase Your Skills
Bring your A-game by showcasing your financial analysis skills and any relevant projects you've worked on. Use real examples to demonstrate how you’ve influenced business performance in the past. We love seeing candidates who can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest job openings and updates there. Let’s get you on board with us at Progress Rail!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Commercial Accountant role. Highlight your experience with financial analysis and business partnering, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how you can turn data into insights that drive performance!
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. Mention specific examples of how you've influenced business decisions in the past and how you can bring that expertise to our team.
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your qualifications like CIMA, ICAEW, or ACCA. We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but also has a solid understanding of current accounting regulations. Make sure this stands out in your application!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to influence business decisions in the past. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to turn numbers into actionable insights.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves partnering with various stakeholders, think about how you can convey your communication skills. Be prepared to share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with operational teams or influenced senior management. Show them you're not just a number cruncher but a true business partner.
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
The job requires someone who can adapt quickly to change. Think of instances where you've had to pivot your approach or manage multiple demands. Highlight your proactive attitude towards identifying improvement opportunities and how you've implemented changes in previous roles.
✨Master the Technical Skills
Make sure you're familiar with the latest accounting regulations and ERP systems. Brush up on your Excel skills, as they'll likely come up in discussions. You might even want to prepare a quick demonstration of how you've used these tools to enhance reporting or forecasting in your previous positions.
