Finance Manager

Role - Finance Manager/Cost Manager

Location - Craigavon/Belfast

Salary - £43,000-£50,000

The Cost Manager will be responsible for the commercial and project control of Operations, with a particular focus on the management of applications, valuations, claims, and payment processes to ensure healthy cashflow across the organisation. Reporting directly to the Company Secretary, the Cost Manager will oversee project accounting activities while leading the end-to-end management of customer claims, contract valuations, debt recovery, and subcontractor payment processes.

The role is critical in maintaining strong working capital performance, ensuring timely revenue recognition, maximising cash collection, and supporting the financial stability of projects and the wider business.

Key Responsibilities:

Commercial and Cashflow Management

• Oversee the management of all applications for payment, valuations, claims, variations, and final accounts across the business.
• Ensure customer claims are prepared, submitted, tracked, and recovered in a timely and accurate manner.
• Monitor outstanding debtors and implement proactive measures to accelerate cash collection.
• Work closely with Contract Managers and QS's to maximise recoverable revenue and minimise payment delays.
• Produce and maintain cashflow forecasts, highlighting risks and opportunities to the Board of Directors.
• Identify and resolve payment disputes, commercial issues, and contract-related challenges.
• Develop and improve systems and controls to enhance cashflow performance and working capital management.

Financial Management

• Ensure accurate project cost reporting and reconciliation of revenue, costs, and margins.
• Analyse project performance and provide meaningful commentary to support business decision-making.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Monitor project profitability and advise management on commercial risks and opportunities.
• Ensure financial controls and reporting processes are maintained to a high standard.

Subcontractor and Supplier Management

• Oversee Supply Chain Manager as point of escalation for supply chain payment issues.
• Ensure subcontractors and suppliers are paid accurately and on time, maintaining strong commercial relationships.
• Review subcontractor account reconciliations and resolve disputes promptly.
• Monitor retention balances, contra charges, and final account settlements.
• Support procurement and operational teams in commercial negotiations where required.

Leadership and Stakeholder Management

• Act as a senior commercial adviser to the Company Secretary and wider leadership team.
• Build strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and guidance to finance and commercial team members.
• Drive continuous improvement in commercial reporting, financial controls, and cash management processes.
• Contribute to strategic business planning and performance improvement initiatives.

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, company policies, and financial regulations.
• Maintain robust records supporting claims, valuations, and financial reporting.
• Support internal and external audit requirements.
• Assist with risk management and mitigation relating to commercial and financial matters.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Cash collection performance and debtor days.
• Accuracy and timeliness of applications, valuations, and claims submissions.
• Forecast cashflow accuracy.
• Timely payment of subcontractors and suppliers.
• Reduction in aged debt and disputed accounts.
• Working capital improvement.

Skills and Experience:

Essential Criteria

• Significant experience in a senior cost management, commercial management, or financial management role.
• Extensive experience managing applications for payment, contract claims, valuations, and final accounts.
• Proven ability to manage cashflow and working capital within a project-based environment.
• Strong commercial awareness and contract administration experience.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced Excel and reporting capabilities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable

• Experience within construction, engineering, infrastructure, manufacturing, or project-led businesses.
• Professional qualification such as CIMA, ACCA, ACA, RICS, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of relevant contract forms and payment legislation.
• Experience implementing financial or commercial process improvements.