At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for exciting rail infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join RTS Infrastructure, part of the dynamic Arriva Group.
- Benefits: Key leadership role with career development in a growing international transport group.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for continuous improvement and team development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of rail while influencing business performance and decision-making.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with experience in financial control and project-based environments.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Financial Controller RTS Infrastructure (Part of Arriva Group)
Holbeck, Leeds | Full Time | 40 Hours per Week
Help Shape the Future of Rail Infrastructure
RTS Infrastructure is a trusted provider of rail infrastructure, construction and depot services across the UK. Based in Leeds, we work with major rail industry clients, delivering projects that keep the UK's rail network moving. Following our acquisition by Arriva Group, we're entering an exciting new chapter of growth, investment and opportunity as part of one of Europe's leading passenger transport organisations. We're looking for an experienced Financial Controller to join our leadership team in Holbeck. This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified finance professional to take ownership of the finance function within a growing infrastructure business, providing financial leadership, commercial insight and robust governance across the organisation. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you'll lead and develop a finance team whilst working closely with senior stakeholders, project teams and operational leaders to drive business performance and ensure strong financial control.
Why Join RTS Infrastructure?
As part of Arriva Group, you'll be joining a business with ambitious growth plans in the UK rail sector. Our recent acquisition strengthens our position within rail infrastructure, broadens our service offering and creates exciting opportunities for our people and our customers.
This role offers:
- A key leadership position within a growing and evolving business
- The opportunity to shape financial strategy and governance
- Exposure to major infrastructure and construction projects
- Close collaboration with senior operational and commercial stakeholders
- The chance to influence business performance and decision-making
- Career development opportunities within an international transport group
- A collaborative and forward-thinking working environment
The Role
The Financial Controller is responsible for leading the finance function and ensuring the delivery of accurate financial reporting, effective financial controls, strong cash management and robust governance across the business. You'll combine strategic financial leadership with hands‑on project accounting oversight, supporting a portfolio of construction and infrastructure projects while ensuring the highest standards of financial management.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Control & Reporting
- Lead the month-end and year-end reporting processes
- Produce accurate management accounts, KPI reporting and financial insights
- Maintain ownership of balance sheet and profit & loss integrity
- Manage balance sheet reconciliations, accruals and prepayments
- Ensure compliance with accounting standards, financial governance requirements and internal controls
- Support statutory reporting and external audit activities
- Drive continuous improvement across finance systems, reporting and processes
Planning, Forecasting & Business Partnering
- Lead annual budgeting and forecasting activities
- Develop meaningful financial reporting and performance dashboards
- Provide financial analysis, insight and challenge to senior management teams
- Partner with operational stakeholders to identify risks, opportunities and efficiency improvements
- Support strategic and operational decision‑making across the business
Project Accounting & Commercial Oversight
- Oversee the financial management of construction and infrastructure projects
- Ensure accurate reporting of project performance, profitability and revenue recognition
- Manage Work in Progress (WIP), accrued income and project accounting controls
- Review and challenge project budgets, forecasts and Cost Value Reconciliations (CVRs)
- Monitor project costs, revenues, margins and commercial risks
- Deliver detailed project performance analysis and commentary to senior stakeholders
- Coordinate cash flow forecasting, working capital improvements and debt management activities
- Support project teams in achieving commercial and contractual objectives
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, coach and develop a finance team of four
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement
- Set objectives and performance measures for team members
- Ensure effective financial control processes and segregation of duties
- Act as a role model for company values and behaviours
About You
You'll be an experienced finance leader with a strong background in financial control, business partnering and project-based environments. You'll be comfortable operating both strategically and operationally, building strong relationships across finance and non-finance teams.
Essential Qualifications
- Qualified Accountant (ACCA or CIMA)
- Minimum three years' post-qualification experience
Essential Experience
- Previous experience as a Financial Controller, Finance Manager or Senior Finance Business Partner
- Experience within construction, engineering, infrastructure or project-based environments
- Strong background in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting and governance
- Experience maintaining effective financial controls and balance sheet ownership
- Project accounting and commercial finance experience
Essential Skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strong commercial awareness and analytical capability
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
- Experience using Sage 50 accounting software
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail
- Ability to influence and challenge stakeholders constructively
- Strong relationship-building and team leadership skills
- A proactive approach with a focus on continuous improvement
Arriva is a leading provider of passenger transport across Europe, employing around 34,400 people and delivering around 1.6 billion passenger journeys. With buses, trains, coaches, trams, waterbuses, bike-sharing systems, on-demand transport solutions and a rolling stock leasing company, Arriva proudly connects people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably across 11 countries, delivering these services in a better way, every day. The activities of Arriva are divided into four business units: UK Bus, UK Trains, The Netherlands and Mainland Europe. Arriva has passenger transport operations in the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom, and also operates a rolling stock leasing company in Romania.
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Financial Controller in Leeds employer: RTS Infrastructure Ltd
RTS Infrastructure, part of the Arriva Group, is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment in Holbeck, Leeds. With ambitious growth plans in the UK rail sector, employees benefit from career development opportunities, exposure to major infrastructure projects, and the chance to shape financial strategy within a forward-thinking organisation. Join us to be part of a team that values accountability, continuous improvement, and strong leadership in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Leeds
✨Tap into Campus Networks
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We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to RTS Infrastructure Ltd.
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How to prepare for a job interview at RTS Infrastructure Ltd
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with RTS Infrastructure Ltd.
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✨Network with Industry Professionals
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