Project Finance Manager - Lower Thames Crossing

Job Description

Your new roleNational Highways have an exciting opportunity for a Finance Manager to join the team working on the biggest road project (Lower Thames Crossing) in the country which is forecast to spend £6.8bn upon completion. The role will be critical in supporting successfulfinancial outcomes, providing financial support, insight, challenge and partnership to the leadership team of Lower Thames Crossing Directorate at National Highways. Core to the successful delivery of the Programme the role holder will need to be able to buildsustainable processes whilst working in a matrix team to provide assured financial accounts. There will be an expectation that a significant proportion of work will be required at site offices within the proximity of the Lower Thames Crossing area.What youll be leading on

• Ensure financial results are clearly communicated, budgets and forecasted outcomes are reviewed and presented accurately and key issues in business performance are identified and communicated across the Programme, and that options are identified and plansput in place to address deviations from the budget in a clear and timely manner.
• Facilitate the adoption of new business and finance processes and lead their roll-out.
• Ensuring budget holders are equipped with the right information and Financial insight to achieve the financial objectives of the Programme.
• Manage the annual business planning process and longer-term financial planning, using a bottom-up approach. Coordinating those responsible for providing inputs and ensuring that all are aware of key targets, pressures and messages. Networking with ProjectDirectors and Senior Leadership within the Directorate to ensure they are aligned to the target costs agreed.
• Lead and ensure the costing system aligns fully to the finance system and that outputs and reports are consistent and aligned to the Programme and Directorate needs, whilst being able to reconcile and resolve any data issues appropriately when identified.
• Review and assure balance sheet sign off schedules ensuring compliance with financial standards, oversee cash forecast, provision and contingent liabilities.

To be successful

• Chartered qualified accountant with previous finance, governance and commercial experience. Exceptional candidates who can demonstrate experience to a qualified standard may be considered providing significant experience can be shown.
• Experience in working with financial systems to support the business with automation and improved utilisation of the finance IT products.
• Strong awareness of a range of accounting and taxation matters
• Be able to make decisions in meetings whilst showing independence and meeting professional standards.
• Ability to use a communication and influencing style that matches and adapts to the circumstances and audience, including logical persuasion or consensus building in both written and verbal format.

About FinanceOur directorate is responsible for managing the companys £3 billion a year finances, overall governance, assurance and risk management, managing the companys large and dispersed estate, processing damages claims and the operation of the Dart Charge facility.A lot of what we do is like oil in the organisational machinery. We make the business work more smoothly and we help everyone to do their jobs better. Our vision is to work through partnership and collaboration to secure great resource outcomes for the companyand amplify what we achieve with it. The Lower Thames Crossing Finance Division is a new Team set-up within the Finance and Business Services Directorate. The new Divisions strategy is to ensure the right financial support is in place to ensure smooth deliveryof the Programme outcomes. A core objective of the Division will be to ensure all National Highways Finance policies, procedures and governance is embedded across the Programme Team. As well as meeting Financial Standards and governance to Government.A bit about usThe Lower Thames Crossing is the most significant new highways infrastructure in a generation. The crossing will support local and national economic growth, connect communities and provide relief to existing congestion at the Dartford Crossing. This projectwill set the standard for delivery of sustainable road transport into the future.An informal blended working approach has been adopted for many of our roles across National Highways. This is a hybrid role so you can split your time between home and the office.Our benefits package

• Our total reward package includes basic salary, the potential for a performance related bonus, and employer pension contributions of up to 10%.
• Annual Leave starting at 26 days (plus Bank Holidays) rising by 1 day each year up to 31 days (plus Bank Holidays)
• Flexible hours and blended working between base location/home
• Life assurance of 4 times annual salary
• Health and wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, available 24/7 365 days and network of mental health first aiders. Plus, access to a wellbeing app to enhance your self-care 24/7, Occupational health service and flu vaccines
• A cycle to work scheme for the purchase of a bicycle and equipment for healthy, low carbon travel
• Significant investment in your career development, through learning and development, talent management, coaching, mentoring and on job experience

And we are:

• Family friendly with enhanced maternity leave and pay, paternity leave (15 days), shared parental leave, adoption leave. Plus access to financial support for holiday play schemes and paid special leave (up to 5 days pa), eg for caring responsibilities
• Money friendly with access to a discounts platform including over 3000 discounts for supermarkets, eating out, leisure, holidays. Alongside a financial wellbeing programme
• Community friendly - offering paid leave to volunteer, 3 days basic/year plus an extra 3 days to support the national Covid effort