At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial governance and reporting while developing high-performing finance teams.
- Company: Join Wood, a global leader in energy and materials consulting.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and tailored professional development.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and global connections.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial performance across diverse projects.
- Qualifications: Professionally qualified accountant with strong leadership and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 66150 - 80850 £ per year.
Wood has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Finance Manager to join its Regional Finance Team on a permanent basis. Reporting to the Financial Controller for UK & Europe, this role is a key member of the Regional Financial Controller Team, playing an important part in supporting financial governance, reporting, and business performance across the region. This position is based in Reading and operates on a hybrid working arrangement, with attendance in the office required three days per week.
The Senior Finance Manager is responsible for ensuring compliance with external financial reporting requirements and maintaining strong financial governance across the region. The role provides stewardship of the regional balance sheet, overseeing multiple legal entities and complex finance activities across the UK. You will lead and develop high-performing finance teams, while ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of statutory, monthly, and quarterly reporting. The role also supports regional forecasting and budgeting processes, providing financial insight that drives business performance and decision-making.
In addition, you will maintain accountability for internal controls and governance, while playing a key role in the ongoing transformation of the finance operating model through process improvement, greater cross-functional integration, and operational efficiencies.
Expected:
- Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA, or equivalent) with a strong foundation in accounting, finance, and financial reporting
- Experienced in financial controllership, statutory reporting, technical accounting, and corporate governance
- Proven ability to manage external audit processes and build effective relationships with Big Four auditors and senior stakeholders
- Experience operating within complex, multinational, matrix organisations, with the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups
- Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing high-performing teams and leading business and finance transformation initiatives
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities, with a focus on driving continuous improvement
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to engage and challenge at senior leadership level
- Experience leading change in fast-paced, evolving environments while maintaining strong financial controls and operational excellence
Responsibilities:
- Lead UK controllership activities, ensuring strong financial governance, compliance, and stewardship across all legal entities
- Drive implementation of the UK finance operating model, enhancing collaboration across finance functions
- Oversee the preparation and delivery of statutory accounts, ensuring compliance with IFRS, UK GAAP, and regulatory requirements
- Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting across the UK
- Own and maintain the UK financial governance framework, controls, reporting, and finance systems
- Develop and lead a high-performing finance team through coaching, succession planning, and capability building
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning, providing challenge and insight to improve financial accuracy
- Partner with the Regional Financial Controller to deliver strategic priorities, strengthen governance, and improve business performance
- Act as the key liaison with Group Tax and Treasury teams, providing financial information and resolving queries
- Lead finance-related systems initiatives and oversee support for global ERP platforms
- Deliver financial insights on country costs, identifying opportunities to improve profitability, cash flow, and operational performance
- Own month-end close activities, balance sheet stewardship, working capital management, cash flow forecasting, and entity result consolidation
Wood is a global leader in consulting, engineering and operations for the energy and materials sectors. With 33,000 people in around 50 countries, Wood supports clients across the full asset lifecycle, delivering safe, predictable outcomes while enabling resilient operations and a lower carbon future.
Diversity Statement: All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.
Senior Finance Manager - Property Accounting in Reading employer: Wood Group
Wood Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. With flexible hybrid working options from locations like Aberdeen, Glasgow, Stockton, or Staines, employees enjoy a healthy work-life balance while engaging in impactful projects within the Energy sector. The company is committed to employee growth, providing ample opportunities for professional development and advancement in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Manager - Property Accounting in Reading
✨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 Wood Group. 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 Senior Finance Manager - Property Accounting in Reading
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 Wood Group.
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 Wood Group'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 Wood Group
✨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 Wood Group.
✨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 Wood Group 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 Wood Group 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.