Job Description

CK Rail is a specialist rail business with extensive knowledge and experience built through many years of multi-disciplined strategy and delivery. We pride ourselves on being globally managed and locally delivered, ensuring that international best practice is applied with local understanding.

Our ethos "Driving innovation through collaboration" reflects our commitment to excellence, teamwork, and sustainable growth within the rail industry. We focus on building collaborative relationships that drive strategic development through successful project delivery.

The Financial Controller will be responsible for managing the full financial function of CK Rail, including accounting, reporting, budgeting, cash flow, and compliance.

This role will provide strategic insight and operational control over financial performance while ensuring compliance with statutory, tax, and internal reporting requirements. The Financial Controller will lead and develop the finance team, ensuring alignment with CK Rail's corporate objectives, policies, and Integrated management System (IMS).

The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a sound understanding of construction or rail finance, and the ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on operational management.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

Lead the preparation and delivery of monthly management accounts, board reports, and statutory financial statements.

Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of all financial data and reporting processes.

Manage cash flow forecasting, working capital, and liquidity to support project delivery and business growth.

Oversee balance sheet reconciliations, accruals, and prepayments.

Lead the year-end process, including coordination with external auditors and production of audit files.

Ensure compliance with all HMRC and tax reporting obligations (VAT, CIS, PAYE, Corporation Tax).

Budgeting & Forecasting

Develop and manage annual budgets and reforecasting cycles, ensuring alignment with business strategy.

Provide financial insights and analysis to support decision-making at board and operational levels.

Monitor and report on project profitability, variance analysis, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Work closely with project and commercial teams to ensure financial targets are met.

Governance & Compliance

Maintain robust financial controls and ensure adherence to CK Rail's policies and internal procedures.

Support the integration of financial processes within the company's Integrated Management System (IMS).

Ensure compliance with statutory, audit, and tax regulations, as well as CK Rail's corporate governance framework.

Implement process improvements and system enhancements to increase efficiency and transparency.

Leadership & Team Management

Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Support and oversee the work of Finance Assistants and Apprentices, promoting professional development and training.

Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Commercial, and HSQE departments to support project delivery and business growth.

Strategic Support

Act as a key advisor to the CEO and Directors, providing financial insight to inform strategic decisions.

Contribute to business planning, forecasting, and risk management.

Participate in board meetings and support business cases, tenders, and investment proposals.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with post-qualification experience.

Proven experience in a Financial Controller, Finance Manager, or Senior Accounting role, ideally within the rail, construction, or infrastructure industry.

Strong technical accounting knowledge and understanding of UK GAAP and relevant tax legislation.

Demonstrated experience in managing financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting processes.

Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience using accounting or ERP systems (e.g., Sage, COINS, SAP, or similar).

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.

Experience managing external audits and liaising with professional advisors.

Ability to work effectively under pressure, managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Desirable Skills and Attributes

Experience working within a project-based accounting environment (rail, engineering, or construction).

Knowledge of CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) and retention accounting.

Familiarity with ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems and integrated compliance frameworks.

Understanding of sustainability, carbon reporting, and ESG principles.

Strong commercial acumen and understanding of contract management.

Proven track record of team development and mentoring.

Continuous improvement mindset and ability to drive efficiency through innovation.

Compliance and IMS Responsibility

CK Rail operates under an Integrated Management System (IMS) certified to ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management). This system underpins every aspect of our operations, ensuring that quality, environmental, and safety standards remain at the forefront of all business activities.

Each team member, including the Financial Controller, is responsible for maintaining compliance, supporting continuous improvement, and driving a culture of operational excellence and sustainability. This includes ensuring accurate financial reporting, upholding procedural integrity, and identifying opportunities to enhance financial control and governance within day-to-day operations.

Personal Attributes

Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness.

Professional, ethical, and committed to maintaining confidentiality.

Motivational leader with a collaborative and supportive approach.

Detail-oriented and organised, with the ability to see the bigger picture.

Adaptable and resilient, able to operate effectively in a changing environment.

Passionate about excellence, continuous improvement, and innovation.

About CK Holdings

CK Rail is part of CK Holdings, a progressive group of businesses united by a central leadership team driven by innovation, collaboration, and excellence. The shared expertise within the group enhances individual company performance, enabling the delivery of sustainable, integrated, and high-quality outcomes that exceed client expectations.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 55,000.00-70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Employee discount Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site parking Private dental insurance Private medical insurance Sick pay
Work Location: In person