At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage finances for exciting construction projects and influence real-time financial decisions.
- Company: Dynamic civil engineering firm delivering major infrastructure projects across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Join a small team and make a significant impact on project finances.
- Why this job: Gain valuable insights into finance while working on high-value projects that shape the future.
- Qualifications: Strong Xero and Excel skills, with a background in finance or construction.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 41000 £ per year.
As part of a small team, this role takes full ownership of financial operations for multiple live civil engineering and construction projects and shapes how finance supports real-time construction delivery.
You will move beyond back-office support by directly managing project finances worth millions, giving you hands-on influence over spend tracking, forecasting, and reporting. This exposure will deepen your understanding of construction cash flows and sharpen your decision-making confidence.
This on-site Finance Assistant role is based in Rochester where your involvement spans across teams and projects. Your insights will reach the MD, giving you visibility and credibility at the highest level.
As an expert with Xero and Excel, you will manage subcontractor CIS, VAT support, cost code validation, and month-end close skills that position you for senior finance or commercial operations work in the future.
What you will do as Accounts and Finance Administrator:
- Manage day-to-day finances through Xero, overseeing spend and income across 10+ active projects. You will create client and project records, reconcile accounts, and resolve queries to keep the ledger accurate and reliable.
- Produce weekly cost reports, forecast financial trends, and present updates to the MD, giving you exposure to strategic decision-making and reporting beyond pure administration.
- Work closely with suppliers, subcontractors, and internal teams to keep payments, cashbook entries, and cost codes accurate.
- Support VAT returns and month-end processes, rounding out your technical finance experience.
What you will need:
- Strong experience using Xero and Excel in a finance or accounts environment.
- Previous exposure to construction, civil engineering, or related project-based sectors.
- Good understanding of CIS and how construction finance operates day-to-day.
About the company:
A civil engineering and construction business delivering major infrastructure projects across the UK. Project values range from £3m to £14m, giving you exposure to high-value, complex finance operations.
Please click the Apply button. Don’t worry if your CV isn’t up to date. Just send what you have and we’ll deal with that later.
Locations
Finance Assistant in Kent, Rochester employer: The CDR Collective
As a Finance Assistant at our civil engineering and construction firm in Rochester, you'll be part of a dynamic team that values your contributions to high-stakes financial operations. We offer a collaborative work culture where your insights directly influence project outcomes, alongside opportunities for professional growth in finance and commercial operations. With competitive benefits and the chance to engage with senior management, this role is perfect for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Assistant in Kent, Rochester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance and construction sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions. You never know who might have a lead on that Finance Assistant role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your Xero and Excel skills. Be ready to discuss how you've managed project finances in the past. Show them you can handle the pressure of real-time financial operations!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your career goals. Use our website to find roles that excite you, and tailor your approach to each one. Quality over quantity, folks!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Assistant in Kent, Rochester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience with Xero and Excel in your application. We want to see how you've used these tools in real-life situations, especially in finance or accounts roles.
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect your experience in construction finance or project-based sectors. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we do at StudySmarter.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your key achievements and skills stand out without any fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, don’t stress if your CV isn’t perfect; just send what you have!
How to prepare for a job interview at The CDR Collective
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around Xero and Excel. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in previous roles, particularly in managing project finances or handling VAT returns.
✨Understand the Construction Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the basics of construction finance and cash flows. Knowing how CIS works and being able to talk about your experience in project-based sectors will show that you’re not just a numbers person but also understand the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific financial situations, like reconciling accounts or forecasting trends. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed similar challenges.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role involves working closely with various teams, so be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated with suppliers or internal teams to resolve queries and keep projects on track.
