At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and reporting for a dynamic civil engineering division.
- Company: Join W M Donald Ltd, a respected name in civil engineering.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, stable employment, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with senior management and enhance finance processes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategies and support operational success.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong financial control and reporting experience.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
- Job Vacancy: Divisional Finance Controller
- Location
- Office & Site Based
- Employment Type
- Full-Time
- Reporting to
- Finance Director / CFO
About Us
W M Donald Ltd is a leading civil engineering contractor with a strong reputation for quality, safety, and innovation.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Divisional Finance Controller to join our team and take ownership of the financial management and reporting of the Division.
The successful candidate will provide timely and accurate financial information, commercial support and financial insight to support operational and strategic decision-making across the business.
About The Role
The Divisional Finance Controller will be responsible for the effective financial control and reporting of the Division, ensuring financial performance is accurately reported, effectively managed and aligned with the Company's business aims and objectives.
Working closely with the Finance Director, the role will provide financial insight, challenge and support to operational and commercial teams, helping to ensure the Division operates in a financially controlled, cost-effective and sustainable manner.
The role will also be responsible for maintaining robust financial controls and processes, monitoring financial performance and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, profitability and the quality of financial information.
Key Responsibilities
- Take overall responsibility for the financial control and reporting of the Division.
- Prepare, review and deliver accurate monthly management accounts and financial reporting within agreed deadlines.
- Provide clear analysis of divisional financial performance, including turnover, gross profit, overheads, operating profit, cash flow and key financial indicators.
- Lead the month-end close process, ensuring journals, accruals, prepayments, provisions, reconciliations and other accounting entries are completed accurately and on time.
- Review actual performance against budgets, forecasts and prior periods, identifying significant variances and ensuring appropriate corrective actions are agreed and monitored.
- Lead the preparation, maintenance and regular review of divisional budgets and financial forecasts.
- Provide financial challenge and support to operational and commercial managers in relation to budgets, costs, profitability and financial performance.
- Monitor project and contract financial performance, including revenue recognition, costs, margins, work in progress, accruals, provisions and anticipated final outcomes.
- Review project and contract financial information with relevant managers and identify financial risks, opportunities and areas requiring management action.
- Monitor and manage divisional cash flow and working capital, including debtors, creditors, payment cycles and cash collection.
- Review customer and subcontractor balances and ensure appropriate action is taken to manage outstanding balances and reduce financial risk.
- Ensure robust financial controls are maintained across the Division and that Company policies and procedures are consistently followed.
- Ensure accounting systems and financial data are maintained accurately and in accordance with Company financial controls.
- Support the administration, maintenance and development of Microsoft Business Central and other financial systems.
- Support the preparation of quarterly VAT returns and other statutory or external reporting requirements.
- Provide financial information and analysis to support commercial and operational decision-making.
- Identify financial risks and ensure these are communicated to the appropriate management team with suitable mitigation actions.
- Assist with the review of statutory accounts and year-end financial information.
- Act as a point of contact for external auditors and provide accurate and timely information in response to audit requests.
- Lead and support the development and continuous improvement of finance processes, systems and controls.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, strengthen controls and improve the quality and timeliness of financial information.
- Provide financial guidance, support and coaching to finance and non-finance colleagues as appropriate.
- Actively contribute to business-wide reporting, financial improvement and system enhancement initiatives.
Essential Requirements
- Fully qualified accountant - CA, ACCA or CIMA
- Strong technical accounting knowledge, including management accounts, statutory accounts, VAT and audit.
- Strong knowledge of contract accounting, WIP and percentage completion methods.
- Experience of managing month-end close, audit and regulatory compliance.
- Proven experience of financial control, reporting and cash flow management in a commercial environment.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines.
- Previous experience as a Finance Controller, Senior Finance Manager or similar senior finance role.
- Ability to work on own initiative, meet financial and company deadlines and work effectively as part of a team.
- Experienced Microsoft 365 user.
- Proficiency with ERP/accounting systems.
Why Join Us?
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Long-term, stable employment with a respected civil engineering contractor
- Opportunities for training and career progression
- Opportunity to play a key role in the financial management and development of the Division
- Work closely with senior management and operational teams
- Opportunity to contribute to business-wide financial improvement and system enhancement initiatives
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Divisional Finance Controller employer: WM Donald
W M Donald Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a collaborative work culture where your contributions directly impact the successful delivery of civil and infrastructure projects in the vibrant Aberdeen area. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ongoing training and development opportunities, ensuring that our team members thrive both personally and professionally while enjoying the benefits of working in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Divisional Finance Controller
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like WM Donald. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Divisional Finance Controller
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 WM Donald.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on WM Donald's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at WM Donald
✨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 WM Donald.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at WM Donald will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former WM Donald employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
