Cedar M&E Ltd.
Finance Controller & Commercial Administrator
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Company: Cedar Mechanical & Electrical Ltd
Location: Hockley, SS5 4PZ
Job type: Full-time
Salary: Dependent on experience
Working hours: 08:00 - 16:00
About Cedar M&E
Cedar Mechanical & Electrical Ltd is a growing mechanical and electrical contractor delivering projects across the commercial, education and construction sectors. Due to continued growth and an upcoming change within our team, we are looking for an experienced, organised and approachable Finance Controller and Commercial Administrator to take responsibility for our day-to-day financial administration, payroll, purchasing and subcontractor accounts.
This is a varied and important position within the business. The successful candidate will work closely with the Managing Director, project management team, subcontractors, suppliers, accountants and clients’ commercial teams.
Key Responsibilities
Accounts and Financial Control
- Managing the day-to-day finance function using Xero and Equa.
- Maintaining accurate purchase and sales ledgers.
- Raising sales invoices and monitoring outstanding payments.
- Processing supplier and subcontractor invoices.
- Reconciling bank accounts, credit cards and supplier statements.
- Managing aged debtors and creditors.
- Preparing and submitting VAT returns.
- Managing CIS deductions, subcontractor verification and monthly CIS returns.
- Liaising with our external accountant and providing information for management and year-end accounts.
- Maintaining accurate financial records and supporting documents.
- Monitoring cash flow and upcoming payment commitments.
- Producing regular financial reports for the Managing Director.
- Assisting with project cost allocation and ensuring expenditure is recorded against the correct project codes.
Payroll
- Preparing and processing weekly and/or monthly payroll.
- Managing employee starters, leavers, holidays, deductions, pensions and payroll records.
- Processing subcontractor payments and issuing CIS payment and deduction statements.
- Responding to payroll queries from employees and subcontractors.
- Ensuring payroll information is accurate and submitted on time.
- Liaising with HMRC, pension providers and our external accountant where required.
Purchasing and Supplier Management
- Carrying out purchasing for the management team and site teams.
- Raising and issuing purchase orders.
- Placing orders with approved suppliers and subcontractors.
- Checking supplier and subcontractor invoices against purchase orders and agreed rates.
- Setting up new supplier and subcontractor accounts.
- Managing credit applications and maintaining supplier relationships.
- Investigating and resolving invoice, delivery and pricing queries.
- Ensuring purchases are correctly authorised and allocated to the relevant project.
- Supporting the team with material enquiries, quotations and order tracking.
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Subcontractor Administration
- Acting as a key point of contact for subcontractors.
- Assisting with subcontractor onboarding and maintaining accurate records.
- Checking subcontractor insurance, qualifications and required documentation.
- Processing subcontractor applications, invoices and payment information.
- Managing CIS verification and deductions.
- Communicating clearly and professionally regarding payments, paperwork and account queries.
- Building positive working relationships while ensuring company processes are followed.
Commercial and Project Reporting
- Experience in the following areas would be highly beneficial, although training can be provided:
- Working with Quantity Surveyors and commercial teams.
- Assisting with monthly project cost reports and cost-value reconciliation.
- Producing reports showing committed costs, actual costs and forecast costs.
- Monitoring project budgets and identifying overspend or incorrect cost allocation.
- Maintaining variation and application-for-payment records.
- Supporting the preparation and submission of payment applications.
- Reviewing payment notices, remittance advice and subcontractor applications.
- Providing accurate financial information to support project and commercial decisions.
Skills and Experience
Essential
- Previous experience in a finance, accounts or financial administration role.
- Strong working knowledge of Xero.
- Experience using Equa or a similar finance or construction management system.
- Experience processing payroll.
- Good knowledge of VAT and CIS requirements.
- Experience with purchase ledgers, sales ledgers and bank reconciliations.
- Confident using Microsoft Excel, Outlook and general office software.
- Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
- Confident and professional communication skills.
- Good people skills and the ability to build relationships with employees, suppliers and subcontractors.
- Able to work independently, take ownership of tasks and maintain confidentiality.
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Desirable
- Previous experience working for a construction, mechanical, electrical or building-services contractor.
- Experience working with Quantity Surveyors or commercial managers.
- Experience producing project cost reports or cost-value reconciliations.
- Knowledge of applications for payment, retentions, variations and construction payment processes.
- Experience managing supplier credit accounts and purchasing.
- An AAT qualification or other relevant bookkeeping/accounting qualification.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone dependable, approachable and commercially aware who is comfortable taking ownership of the company’s day-to-day finance and administrative processes.
You will need to be confident dealing with a wide range of people, from site operatives and subcontractors to suppliers, accountants and Quantity Surveyors. You should be able to communicate clearly, remain organised under pressure and follow financial controls while still helping the wider team get what they need.
Experience within the construction or M&E industry would be a significant advantage, but we are equally interested in candidates with strong financial experience who are willing to learn the commercial side of the business.
What We Offer
- A key role within a growing and ambitious M&E contractor.
- A varied position with genuine responsibility and autonomy.
- The opportunity to help improve and develop our financial and commercial systems.
- A friendly and supportive working environment.
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Company pension.
- Holiday entitlement.
How to Apply
Please send your CV together with a brief covering letter outlining your relevant experience, particularly your knowledge of Xero, payroll, VAT, CIS, purchasing and construction cost reporting.
Cedar Mechanical & Electrical Ltd is an equal opportunities employer.
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