Location: Chelmsford
Contract Type: Interim (3-6 months)
Day Rate: £400-£500 per day DOE
Overview
We are supporting a leading construction business in the appointment of a Senior Finance Manager to provide immediate leadership across financial reporting, audit, and control.
This is a high-impact role requiring an experienced contractor who can take ownership from day one, operate with minimal supervision, and provide stability during a critical period. The role will suit an individual comfortable working in a complex, multi-entity environment with significant joint venture exposure.
Key Responsibilities
Full ownership and oversight of balance sheet integrity, including review, challenge, and sign-off of reconciliations
Leading the response to external audit requests (PwC), acting as the primary point of contact and ensuring timely, accurate delivery
Managing audit processes across a portfolio of joint ventures, ensuring supporting documentation and system outputs are robust and audit-ready
Driving improvements in financial controls, processes, and reporting standards
Overseeing and supporting the posting and review of general ledger journals, ensuring accuracy and compliance
Providing leadership on technical accounting and reporting issues, resolving complex queries efficiently
Supporting VAT-related queries, including investigation and resolution of blocked VAT items
Extracting, analysing, and validating financial data from systems to support reporting and audit requirements
Partnering with internal stakeholders across finance and operations to ensure alignment and delivery
Key Requirements
Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
Strong track record in financial reporting and balance sheet ownership within a complex environment
Extensive experience managing external audits and dealing with senior auditors
Proven ability to operate at a senior level, taking ownership and leading processes independently
Strong technical accounting knowledge and attention to detail
Advanced understanding of double entry, journals, and financial controls
Confident stakeholder engagement across finance and non-finance teams
Highly Desirable
Experience within construction / housebuilding environments
Strong working knowledge of COINS ERP system
Experience managing or reporting on joint ventures (JVs)
Exposure to Anaplan or similar planning/reporting tools
Candidate Profile
Senior, credible finance professional able to lead from the front
Comfortable working in ambiguity and driving outcomes without detailed direction
Strong problem-solving capability with a hands-on approach
Able to quickly embed into a team
Salary description
£400.00 - £500.00 per day