Finance Manger

• Role purpose

The Finance Manager takes full ownership of the day-to-day finance function for the Southeast (Southern) division, based at Ruskin House, Battle, and for the new Wessex division. The role drives financial health, statutory compliance and commercial insight.

The Southeast runs a high volume of jobs each month, each with its own costs, valuation and application cycle, so the role has real scope to shape how finance operates. Wessex is currently reported within London and is planned to become a stand-alone division in 2027.

• Key responsibilities

2.1. Accounting, month end and financial control

Coordinate and deliver a timely, accurate divisional month-end close, working with the central and offshore finance teams to support the overall McAllister close.

Oversee purchase invoice coding and authorisation, supplier reconciliations and payment runs, sales invoicing, bank and control account reconciliations, journals, prepayments and fixed asset registers.

Maintain and strengthen internal controls, and act as final authoriser for Accounts Payable and supplier payment runs.

Lead preparation for the annual year-end audit and act as the main contact for external auditors for both divisions.

2.2. Work in progress, accruals and stock

Own the weekly and monthly assessment of work in progress (WIP) and the value of work done.

Make sure accruals reflect committed cost and work delivered, including materials and plant costs incurred ahead of billing.

Oversee month-end stock assessment across depots, with an accurate and timely monthly stock review and report.

2.3. Commercial finance and business partnering

Prepare and present monthly management accounts, with variance analysis and KPIs, for local reviews and McAllister’s monthly reporting to the Vortex Group.

Analyse cost against value at job, contract and divisional level to spot margin erosion early, and partner operational and commercial teams on budgeting, forecasting and cash – challenging constructively where the numbers don’t support the plan.

Lead the annual budget for the Southeast and Wessex divisions and support the wider McAllister budget process.

Support the monthly application cycle with the commercial team, reconciling applications to work orders and supporting subcontractor payment certification.

2.4. Tax and statutory compliance

Oversee accurate, on-time VAT returns and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) submissions to HMRC for both divisions.

2.5. Systems and continuous improvement

Improve how data is captured, reported and used, replacing manual, spreadsheet-based work with better processes, automation and streamlined reporting.

3 How success is measured

Month-end close delivered to timetable with accurate, fully reconciled accounts

WIP, accrual and stock valuations accurate and supported

Management accounts and Group reporting delivered on time

Clean year-end audit for both divisions

VAT and CIS returns submitted accurately and on time

4 Living the Vortex Way

Everyone at McAllister is expected to live our values – We are safe · We do it right · We think big · We win together · We are driven – and our habits: always safe, always driven, always doing the right thing, always communicating and always quality. As a leader, you will also demonstrate the Vortex leadership habits: strategic thinking, demonstrating ownership, building winning teams, managing conflict and risk, and inspiring others.

5 General responsibilities

Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of others, follow all health, safety and environmental rules, and lead by example on safety.

Comply with the McAllister UK Employee Handbook and Company policies and procedures, including those on equality, data protection and conduct.

Complete all required training and maintain the competence, qualifications and professional development needed for the role.

Travel to Wessex, depots, project sites and other Company offices as required.

Carry out any other reasonable duties in line with the level and purpose of the role.

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive and may be amended from time to time to reflect changes in business needs, the role, responsibilities and capabilities, following consultation with the postholder.

• Person specification

This brief person specification sets out the qualifications, experience and attributes we would look for if we were recruiting to this role.

Criteria

Essential

Desirable

• Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA or ACA) with 2+ years’ post-qualification experience

Experience

• Owning month-end close, WIP and management accounts for a business or division
• Supporting operational and commercial teams as a finance business partner
• Contracting, construction, utilities or another high-volume job-costing business
• Year-end audit lead
• Private equity-backed or group reporting environment

Knowledge and skills

• Good knowledge of UK tax, including VAT and CIS
• Advanced Excel (financial modelling, macros and data analysis)
• Mid-tier ERP accounting software
• Process automation or reporting tools (for example Power BI)

Personal attributes

• Hands-on, organised and deadline-driven
• Confident challenging the numbers and improving how things are done
• Lives the Vortex values

Other

• Able to work from Ruskin House, Battle, and travel to Wessex
• Full UK driving licence

Want to be part of one of the country’s fastest growing infrastructure businesses? The Vortex Companies, LLC delivers cutting edge trenchless technologies and turnkey services to make the worlds water cleaner and we’re growing every day!

We think BIG about solving the world’s toughest challenges in failing water, sewer and industrial infrastructure.

At Vortex, you will be surrounded with a culture that puts your safety first in all we do. If you like a fast-paced environment, a team structure that provides support, training, and development, then apply today!