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- Tasks: Lead financial management, budgeting, and reporting while supporting operational teams.
- Company: Join a respected, family-run Civil Engineering business in Manchester.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, supportive team environment, and long-term growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing company with a down-to-earth culture.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 5+ years in senior finance roles, preferably in Construction.
- Other info: This role requires on-site presence 5 days a week.
The predicted salary is between 78000 - 182000 £ per year.
My client, a well-established, family-run Civil Engineering business based in Manchester, is looking for a hands-on Finance Director to join their leadership team and help steer the business through its next phase of growth. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you’ll play a critical role in shaping the financial strategy of the company while remaining actively involved in the day-to-day financial operations. This is a highly visible, practical role requiring someone who thrives in a fast-paced, no-nonsense environment and values working closely with both operational and site teams.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting
- Produce and present monthly management accounts and financial reports to the board
- Manage cash flow, working capital, and funding requirements
- Oversee payroll, invoicing, credit control, and compliance
- Partner with operational leaders to support project costing and commercial decisions
- Ensure financial controls, systems, and processes are robust and scalable
- Liaise with external accountants, auditors, and stakeholders
- Support the MD with strategic planning and investment decisions
The role requires you to be on site 5 days.
About You:
- Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with at least 5 years in a senior finance role
- Experience working in a SME, preferably within Construction or Civil Engineering
- Comfortable rolling up your sleeves and taking ownership of finance operations
- Strong commercial acumen and excellent attention to detail
- Confident communicator who can build relationships across the business
- Driven, down-to-earth, and aligned with a family-business culture
What they offer:
- A key leadership role in a respected, growing business
- A supportive and inclusive team environment
- The chance to make a real difference and influence the direction of the company
- Competitive salary of up to £130k with long-term growth potential
If you’re a commercially minded finance professional who wants to move beyond the corporate world and truly get involved in the nuts and bolts of a growing, family-led business — we’d love to hear from you.
Financial Director employer: SJC Partners
Contact Detail:
SJC Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network within the construction and civil engineering sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and connect with professionals who are already in similar roles. This can help you gain insights into the company culture and potentially get a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company thoroughly. Understand their projects, values, and recent developments. This knowledge will not only help you tailor your conversations but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience in financial management. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets, forecasts, and cash flow in previous roles, especially in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to collaborate with operational teams. Highlight instances where you've partnered with non-financial colleagues to drive project success or improve financial processes, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in financial management, particularly in budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. Emphasise your qualifications (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) and any relevant experience in the construction or civil engineering sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your hands-on approach to finance operations. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to financial strategy and operational success in previous roles, especially in SMEs.
Highlight Soft Skills: In your application, emphasise your communication skills and ability to build relationships across teams. The role requires collaboration with operational leaders, so showcasing your interpersonal skills will be crucial.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: Demonstrate your understanding of commercial decisions and project costing in your application. Provide examples of how your financial insights have positively impacted business outcomes in past positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at SJC Partners
✨Show Your Hands-On Experience
As a Finance Director, it's crucial to demonstrate your hands-on experience in financial management. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgeting, forecasting, and reporting in previous roles, especially in a fast-paced environment.
✨Understand the Business Culture
Since this is a family-run business, it's important to align with their culture. Research the company’s values and be ready to explain how your personal values resonate with theirs. Highlight your ability to work closely with operational teams and your appreciation for a collaborative environment.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to financial controls, cash flow management, and compliance. Brush up on relevant regulations and best practices in the construction or civil engineering sectors, as this knowledge will showcase your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
As a confident communicator, you’ll need to build relationships across the business. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated financial information to non-financial stakeholders in the past, and be ready to present your ideas clearly during the interview.
