Cedar
Divisional Finance Director

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Divisional Finance Director - Rail Infrastructure, PE-backed Group, London (with UK travel)
Salary £90-£100k + bonus
This is an opportunity to lead finance for the rail infrastructure division of a fast-growing, private equity-backed group delivering critical work across the UK's transport and power networks.
The group has a clear ambition to grow beyond £1bn in revenue through organic growth and further acquisitions. As Divisional Finance Director for Rail, you will play a key part in delivering that plan.
Reporting directly to the CFO, you will be the senior finance partner to the divisional Managing Director and leadership team, in a role with genuine visibility across the group. You will help shape commercial decisions, strengthen financial control and support the integration of acquired businesses.
The role suits a hands-on, confident and analytical finance leader who enjoys being close to the operation. Rail work is project and contract-based, and contracts can be complex. You will bring clarity to the numbers, challenge constructively and give both the business and your team confidence in finance.
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Based in London, with time at other UK business locations as necessary
Why this role
- A divisional FD position with a direct reporting line to the CFO.
- A seat at the table in a PE-backed group with a clear growth and acquisition strategy.
- Real breadth: complex contracts, bids and tenders, integrations and team leadership.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the finance function for the rail division in a project and contract-based environment.
- Oversee contract accounting and WIP, and influence the Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) process.
- Own cash-flow forecasting, and lead budgeting, forecasting and performance reporting for the division.
- Prepare the monthly management accounts and reporting packs.
- Manage the balance sheet and provide financial input into rail bids and tenders.
- Get to grips with complex and challenging contracts, identifying commercial risks and opportunities early.
- Act as a trusted business partner to the divisional MD and commercial and operational leaders.
- Provide clear insight and constructive challenge to senior stakeholders, including Business Unit FDs.
- Support the financial and operational integration of newly acquired businesses.
- Strengthen financial controls, reporting and governance across the division.
- Lead and develop a small team of qualified finance professionals, bringing confidence and support.


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Key requirements
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
- Solid technical grounding in contract accounting, WIP and CVR, gained in a project or contract-based environment.
- Rail or wider infrastructure experience would be an advantage.
- A track record in fast-paced, operationally complex businesses.
- Strong commercial judgement, with the ability to turn performance data into decisions.
- A confident, analytical and resilient style, with the credibility to challenge at Business Unit FD level.
- Strong business-partnering skills across finance, commercial and operational teams.
- Comfortable combining strategic leadership with a hands-on approach.
- Experience of leading and developing finance teams.
- Exposure to private equity-backed, acquisitive or high-growth businesses would be an advantage.
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