Colas Ltd are a UK subsidiary of the global Colas Group, which operates in over 50 countries worldwide and employs over 55,000 people including over 1500 in the UK across multiple sites. We are specialists in highways construction and have been involved in large-scale UK and international construction projects within the highways, airfields, and marine sectors as well as offering highways maintenance services and manufacturing our own innovative surfacing products. We hold a 'Gold Investor in People' award for continuously developing and rewarding our employees, offering excellent career potential.
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We have an exciting oppprtunity for a Finance Assistant to join our team supporting the CWAC contract in Chester, CH2 4EX. Reporting to the Senior Finance Manager, you will play a key role in supporting the financial management of the Cheshire West & Chester (CWAC) contract. Working closely with both the Finance and Commercial teams, you will provide accurate financial information, support month-end reporting, process financial transactions and help ensure the contract delivers strong financial performance.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is highly organised, confident using Excel and looking to develop their career within a commercially focused finance environment. You will have the opportunity to build strong relationships across the business while contributing to continuous improvement and informed financial decision-making.
You will support the month-end close process, including preparing journals, completing reconciliations and assisting with the production of management accounts. You will accurately process purchase, subcontract and sales invoices within agreed timescales and produce, maintain and enhance Excel reports using functions such as PivotTables, XLOOKUPs and other analytical tools. The role involves analysing financial information, investigating variances and working closely with the Commercial Team to ensure valuations, subcontract costs and accruals are complete and accurate. You will build effective working relationships with Finance, Commercial and Operational colleagues, providing financial support and resolving queries in a timely manner. You will take ownership of your workload, maintain high standards of financial control and compliance, identify opportunities to improve reporting processes and support ad hoc financial analysis and projects as required.
We are looking for someone with previous experience in a finance or accounts environment who is keen to develop their career within management accounting or commercial finance. You will have strong Microsoft Excel skills, including experience using PivotTables, XLOOKUPs, formulas and data analysis, together with excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy. You will be confident working independently, managing your own workload and using your initiative, while also enjoying working collaboratively with colleagues across Finance, Commercial and Operational teams. Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to build effective working relationships. An AAT qualification, or studying towards one, would be advantageous but is not essential. Experience of ERP systems such as JD Edwards would also be beneficial.
Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:
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A salary between £24,784.50 and £30,000
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Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
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Life Assurance Scheme which is x4 basic salary
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25 days annual leave per year + Public Holidays
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Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
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Hybrid Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
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Opportunities to study towards a fully funded Professional Qualification
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Ongoing personal / professional development
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Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online employee benefits portal
At Colas, our culture is guided by four core values: Respect, Commitment, Pioneering, and Sharing. These values shape how we work, collaborate, and grow together. We believe that respect is the foundation of every relationship. By treating others as we wish to be treated, we foster fairness, transparency, and inclusion within our teams and with our clients, communities, and partners. Commitment means dedicating ourselves fully to everything we do. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to make a meaningful impact. With a pioneering spirit, we prioritise bold innovation over blind ambition. We welcome new ideas, invest in our people, and work to deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions that shape the future. Through sharing, we build trust and solidarity, encouraging collaboration and growth at all levels of the business.
Colas Ltd is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that mirrors the communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you want a workplace where your voice is valued and your potential is developed, Colas is the right choice.
Note to Recruitment Agencies
In line with our Company Policy, Colas Ltd has a preference for direct hiring and we will reach out to our PSL (Preferred Suppliers List) agencies if the role is eligible for release. We do not accept speculative CVs from agencies. If a speculative CV is sent, no fee will be applicable.
