About Us
Opus Utility Solutions is a privately owned civil engineering and multi-utility company based in Culcheth, Warrington, UK. With over 20 years’ experience and a workforce of more than 200 employees, we have built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget.
As a fast-growing SME, we are seeking a commercially astute Assistant Financial Controller to play a key role within our finance function. This is an excellent opportunity to join an ambitious business and contribute to our continued growth and success.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Group Finance Director in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
- Assist with the coordination of external audits and liaise with auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies
- Provide financial analysis and insights to support strategic decision-making
- Play a key role in the implementation of a new financial system, including supporting colleagues and driving automation improvements
- Following system implementation, take ownership of project financials, ensuring:
- Accurate cost allocation
- Clear variance analysis against budgets
- Preparation of individual project P&Ls
- Close collaboration with Project Managers to reflect true project performance
- Monitor cash flow and deliver both short-term and long-term forecasts, recommending improvements where appropriate
- Support month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and integrity of financial data
- Lead cost control initiatives and identify opportunities for operational and financial efficiencies
- Contribute to ongoing system and process improvements across the finance function
- Partner with key departments (Commercial, Operations, Procurement) to ensure accurate reporting and provide meaningful financial insight
- Support, coach, and develop team members where required
- Ensure compliance with accounting standards, regulations, and internal policies
Experience & Skills
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar role
- Experience within utilities, construction, or infrastructure sectors is desirable but not essential
- Fully qualified (ACCA/CIMA/ACA) or strong qualified-by-experience candidates will be considered
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel
- Experience working with financial systems and process improvements
- Previous experience supporting or managing a small team is desirable
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work with both finance and non-finance stakeholders
- Commercially aware with a proactive, problem-solving mindset