At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform data into insights and influence business performance as a Commercial Accountant.
- Company: Join Progress Rail, a global leader in locomotive manufacturing and maintenance.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, tailored training, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by partnering with teams to drive continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with strong communication and analytical 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)
ABOUT PROGRESS RAIL - ELECTRO-MOTIVE DIESEL:
Progress Rail - Electro-Motive Diesel is a subsidiary of Caterpillar, specialised in manufacturing, maintaining and overhauling diesel-electric locomotives across the world. For more than half a century, Electro-Motive Diesel has hauled freight and passengers, powered ships, and generated electricity for over 100 countries around the globe. Becoming a part of Electro-Motive Diesel means becoming a part of a challenging and bright future in our global marketplace.
PROGRESS RAIL VALUES:
- Safety - Care, Learn, Prevent
- Integrity - Do the Right Thing
- Teamwork - Win Together
- Excellence - Be the Best
- Commitment - Own the Outcome
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.
HOW TO APPLY:
To be considered for this role, please click on the link provided. If you would like any further information about this vacancy before applying, please feel free to contact Taher Rahman at our Sandiacre site. We would politely request no agencies please.
Commercial Accountant employer: Progress Rail
Progress Rail - Electro-Motive Diesel is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Sandiacre where Commercial Accountants can thrive. With a strong focus on employee development through tailored training and company-funded qualifications, alongside a generous benefits package including a competitive salary, pension contributions, and wellness support, we foster a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace that values integrity and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know someone at Progress Rail. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your financial analysis skills and understanding the company’s values. Show how you can be a true Business Partner by discussing how you’ve influenced performance in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job alerts! Regularly check our website for new openings and apply directly. It shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your fit for the position!
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, forecasting, and any relevant qualifications like CIMA or ACCA. We want to see how you can turn data into insights that drive business 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 your ability to build relationships and your proactive approach to identifying improvement opportunities. Let us know how you can contribute to our culture of continuous improvement.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Commercial Accountant, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. In your application, give examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams or presented financial reports. We love seeing strong communicators who can influence decision-making!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at Progress Rail!
How to prepare for a job interview at Progress Rail
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial Accountant, you'll be expected to handle financial data with ease. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to influence business decisions in the past. This will show your potential employer that you can turn numbers into actionable insights.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with Progress Rail's operations and how they impact financial performance. Research their recent projects or contracts and think about how you could contribute to their success. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your ability to align financial strategies with business goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially those related to budgeting, forecasting, or contract management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Commercial Accountant, you'll need to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders. Practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms and be ready to discuss how you've built relationships across teams. This will highlight your ability to be a true business partner.
