Finance Manager

Purpose of the role

Colas Ltd is a UK subsidiary of the global Colas Group, which operates in over 50 countries worldwide and employs over 55,000 people. We are specialists in highways construction and have been involved in large scale UK and international construction projects within the highways, airfields and marine sectors as well as offering highways maintenance services and manufacturing our own innovative surfacing products. We hold a ‘Gold Investor in People’ award for continuously developing and rewarding our employees, offering excellent career potential.

At Colas Ltd. we are looking for a Finance Manager to join on a 12 months FTC based in Solihull (B37 7YB). You will work in our Asset Management workstream. Our Asset Management teams are leading within the highways industry providing full Asset Management services from survey, design and concept through to construction and maintenance. We work on high profile projects within the infrastructure industry such as highway maintenance, surfacing and traffic management.

The Finance Manager will play a pivotal and driving part in supporting the wider team in the management of budgets and providing timely financial insight and analysis. Reporting into the Commercial Finance Manager (TBC), the Finance Manager supports and, in some areas, takes the lead, in the day to day management of budgets for their business areas, working independently and directly with different departments. 

Main Responsibilities

As a Finance Manager you will be driving contract financial control and reporting to provide greater insight into the business thereby highlighting opportunities to increase profitability whilst maintaining close collaboration between Project management, Commercial team and Commercial Finance Manager to ensure fair contract positions are reported (Work in Progress, Measure Reserves, Stocks, Accruals, Remedial provisions, Risks and Opportunities, Debt) .  You will need to maintain a strong focus on cash through supervision of cash flow forecasts, debt collection and also foster relationships at all levels within the business to promote the value of the Finance function and actively develop and implement financial best practices. You will be a crucial part of the team in influencing decision making to ensure systems & processes meet all the essential requirements of the client and Head Office; Ensure compliance with group accounting policies for financial reporting, highlighting any potential issues to senior management. As part of the role, you will prepare accurate monthly management accounts, with particular focus on end of quarter and end of year closure. You will support the month end reporting package for the Contracting North and analyse the variances between the actual and forecasted result. You will be responsible in ensuring all costs are captured and allocated to projects and/or departments accurately, effectively and in a timely manner, with a strict application of company governance and policies. To complete any other tasks assigned by the line manager.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a Qualified Accountant IMA/ACCA/ACA or equivalent. They will have a minimum of 5 years post qualification relevant experience as a Finance Manager, working within a construction and infrastructure services sector. The ability to influence, challenge and support both financial and non-financial managers, along with being able to deliver credible analysis and insight into the results. 

Package Description

Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:

• A salary of £45,000 and £60,000 (12 months FTC) - PLUS Company Car/Car Allowance
• Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
• Life Assurance Scheme which is x4 basic salary
• 25 days annual leave per year + Public Holidays 
• Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
• Hybrid Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
• Opportunities to study towards a fully funded Professional Qualification
• Ongoing personal / professional development
• Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online employee benefits portal

In line with our Company Policy, Colas Ltd has a preference for direct hiring and we will reach out to our PSL (Preferred Suppliers List) agencies if the role is eligible for release. We do not accept speculative CVs from agencies. If a speculative CV is sent, no fee will be applicable.