Group Financial Controller

An outstanding opportunity has arisen for an experienced Group Financial Controller to join a substantial and growing multi-business group headquartered in Carlisle. Operating across a number of complementary sectors including construction, civil engineering, infrastructure, utilities and specialist services, the Group comprises 14 businesses, employs more than 350 people and operates from eight locations across the UK. This is a high-profile finance leadership appointment offering breadth, complexity and influence.

Reporting to the Group Finance Director, you will take responsibility for the finance function across the operating businesses. The opportunity This is much more than a reporting-focused Financial Controller position. The successful individual will be expected to lead with solutions, challenge constructively and continually look for ways to improve how finance supports the wider business. You will enjoy working cross-functionally, building strong relationships with commercial and operational teams and translating financial information into meaningful insight that helps people make better decisions.

The environment is fast-paced and evolving, so you will need to be comfortable balancing the detail with the bigger picture – maintaining strong financial control whilst driving improvements in reporting, systems, processes and performance. There is also a real appetite to embrace technology, automation and AI tools, exploring how these can improve efficiency, accuracy and the quality of financial insight across the Group.

Key responsibilities You will have a broad remit, including:
Delivering weekly flash reporting, providing timely visibility of performance, key trends and areas requiring action Ownership of monthly and year-end consolidated reporting across the Group Leading the finance function across multiple operating companies, including eight direct reports Leading budgeting, rolling forecasts, variance and sensitivity analysis Working closely with commercial and operational teams around CVRs, WIP, cost-to-complete, project margins and overall contract performance Developing and improving management dashboards and KPI reporting, turning financial and operational data into clear, actionable insight Taking ownership of group cash flow forecasting, liquidity and working capital Overseeing debtor collections, supplier payments and key financial commitments Leading audit processes across the operating businesses Continually improving financial controls, reporting and processes Playing a key role in the integration and harmonisation of finance systems Championing technology, automation and appropriate AI tools to create a smarter and more efficient finance function Identifying issues early and taking a solutions-led approach to resolving them Coaching and developing the finance team, creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement Partnering senior leadership and contributing financial insight to strategic decision-making and future growth About you We are looking for a fully qualified accountant – ACA, ACCA or CIMA – who combines strong technical capability with commercial awareness, energy and confident leadership.

You are likely to have operated within an operationally complex or project-led organisation, with construction, infrastructure, utilities or a related sector particularly relevant.

Experience of CVRs, WIP, cost-to-complete, retentions, project margins and cash management would be highly advantageous, alongside the ability to develop insightful reporting and dashboards that support both finance and operational decision-making.

Experience with in a multi-entity or Group environment is desirable, particularly where this has involved consolidation,…