Job Description

The Senior Project Controller acts as the financial co-pilot to the Operations team, ensuring robust financial control, accurate project reporting, and proactive support in driving profitability and operational performance. The role is responsible for monthly project margin tracking, forecast accuracy, and business partnering with project managers and operational leaders to identify risks, opportunities, and performance improvement measures.


Person Specification Typical Responsibilities

Closing Date:

TBC

Job Location:

Nelson, Head Office Contract Type

Full time
Salary

Competitive
Hours

40 hours per week

Typical Responsibilities

Project Financial Control

Manage the financial performance of assigned projects throughout their lifecycle -- from tender handover to completion. Maintain accurate and timely project cost reporting, including actuals, forecasts, commitments, and accruals. Own the monthly margin tracking and forecasting process, ensuring explanations for variances between forecast, actuals, and prior periods. Support the month-end close process in coordination with central Finance, including journal preparation, WIP calculations, and revenue recognition in line with accounting standards. Monitor project cash flow, billing milestones, and payment schedules to support working capital management.

Business Partnering & Operational Support

Act as a trusted business partner to Project Managers, Construction Managers, and the Operations Director. Support monthly operational review meetings with project-level P&L reporting, variance analysis, and commentary. Drive accountability for project financial outcomes through clear reporting and root cause analysis.

Forecasting & Margin Management

Lead the monthly forecasting cycle, consolidating project data into divisional financial forecasts. Identify and quantify potential margin improvements or risks early, proposing corrective actions.

Key Measures of Success

Accurate and timely monthly project financial reporting. Forecast-to-actual margin variance within agreed thresholds (e.g. 2-3%). Demonstrable impact on project profitability through proactive financial insights. Effective partnership with Operations and Finance, evidenced by consistent delivery of performance KPIs. Continuous improvement in project financial processes and data quality.

Person Specification

Candidates shall be able to demonstrate the necessary qualifications, experience, skills, and traits to meet the requirements set below. Requirements for the role shall be evidenced on the application form and in the interview process. Please use the following as guidance when completing the further information section of your application form.

Qualifications

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Qualifications

Essential / Desirable

To be identified by

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or Engineering (with strong financial background). Essential Application

Experience

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Experience

Essential / Desirable

To be identified by

5-10 years' experience in (project) controlling or financial management serving as a business partner. Essential Application

Skills / Abilities

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Skills / Abilities

Essential / Desirable

To be identified by

Solid understanding of project accounting, cost control, and WIP management. Essential Interview / Application


Strong Excel and ERP system skills (e.g. SAP, Oracle, or equivalent project systems). Essential Interview / Application


Proven ability to interpret and communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders. Essential Interview / Application


Excellent analytical, interpersonal, and influencing skills. Essential Interview / Application


Strong business partnering and communication skills. Essential Interview / Application


Analytical thinker with problem-solving capability. Essential Interview / Application


Resilient, proactive, and collaborative approach. Essential Interview / Application

Other

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Other

Essential / Desirable

To be identified by

Commercially driven and detail-oriented. Essential Interview / Application


High integrity and commitment to continuous improvement. Essential Interview / Application


Commitment to confidentiality and data protection. Essential Interview



Email your CV, job application form and any relevant further information to recruitment@protec.co.uk