1. Job purpose
To lead and deliver the full finance function for RPL Construction Ltd, ensuring accurate, timely and compliant financial records, payroll and reporting, while owning the company budget, forecasting and financial planning. The role covers the whole company, including projects delivered nationwide and both the Isle of Wight and Luton offices, and is based at the Newport office on the Isle of Wight. The Finance Manager reports to the Managing Director and provides reliable management information to support pricing, cash flow planning, contract performance and statutory compliance.
2. Key responsibilities
Financial strategy, budgeting and forecasting
· Prepare the annual company budget in conjunction with the Managing Director, and set departmental and contract-level budgets
· Produce rolling cash flow, turnover and profitability forecasts, and re-forecast as trading conditions change
· Build financial models and scenario plans to support business planning, growth decisions and new contract bids
· Advise the Managing Director on financial strategy, business performance, margin improvement and long-term financial sustainability
· Monitor and manage working capital, treasury and banking facilities, including overdraft, loan and asset finance arrangements
· Appraise capital investment and expenditure proposals (plant, vehicles, IT, premises), including payback and return on investment analysis
· Lead corporation tax planning with the company accountant, and ensure tax-efficient structuring of company decisions
· Maintain the company risk register from a financial perspective, including credit risk, contract risk and cash flow risk
· Manage the relationship with the bank, accountant, auditors and insurance broker, and support annual insurance renewals
· Provide board-level reporting, including a monthly finance pack with KPIs, commentary and recommended actions
· Support strategic decisions on pricing, overhead recovery, resourcing and contract selection
Company-wide and nationwide project oversight
· Oversee the finance function for the whole company, reporting performance by contract, office and cost centre as well as company-wide
· Ensure consistent finance processes, controls and system use across every office, contract and site nationwide
· Allocate and monitor overheads, plant and shared costs fairly across offices and contracts, including travel and accommodation on nationwide works
· Work with office and contract teams to set and monitor budgets within the overall company plan
Financial control and reporting
· Own and maintain the accounting records in Xero, ensuring the ledgers are accurate, current and reconciled
· Prepare monthly management accounts, including profit and loss, balance sheet, and commentary on variances against budget
· Produce weekly and monthly cash flow forecasts and report on cash position to the directors
· Maintain the fixed asset register and post depreciation, accruals, prepayments and journals
· Prepare year-end files and act as the main point of contact for the company accountant and auditors
Purchase and sales ledger
· Manage the purchase ledger, including supplier invoice processing, statement reconciliation and payment runs
· Manage the sales ledger, raising client invoices and applications for payment in line with contract terms
· Own credit control, chasing aged debt and escalating overdue accounts
· Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards and company card spend
Payroll and subcontractors
· Run end-to-end payroll in BrightPay, including starters, leavers, statutory payments, RTI submissions and pension auto-enrolment
· Administer CIS: verify subcontractors with HMRC, deduct correctly, issue payment and deduction statements, and file monthly CIS returns
· Maintain accurate records of subcontractor payments, retentions and insurance/compliance status alongside the office team
Compliance and statutory obligations
· Prepare and submit VAT returns, including correct treatment of the construction industry domestic reverse charge
· Ensure compliance with HMRC deadlines for PAYE, CIS, VAT and pensions
· Support Companies House filing requirements and provide financial information for tender submissions, PQQs, insurance renewals and accreditation audits (Constructionline, CHAS, SafeContractor)
Commercial and contract support
· Work with Contracts Managers to track project costs against budget and report on contract profitability
· Support valuations, applications for payment, variations and final accounts
· Provide cost data and rate analysis to support tender pricing and open-book contracts
· Identify cost savings, margin risks and areas for commercial improvement
Systems, process and controls
· Maintain and improve finance processes, controls and documentation
· Champion best use of Xero and BrightPay, including integrations, automation and reporting
Ensure records are filed and retained in line with company document control and GDPR requirements
3. Qualifications and training
Essential
· AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting, or ACCA/CIMA part-qualified, or qualified by experience in a comparable Finance Manager role
· Demonstrable practical training or experience in Xero (accounting) and BrightPay (payroll)
· Working knowledge of HMRC requirements for PAYE, RTI, CIS, VAT and Making Tax Digital
· GDPR and data protection awareness
Desirable
· ACCA, CIMA or ACA fully qualified, or actively studying with a recognised body
· Xero Advisor Certification and Xero Payroll Certification
· BrightPay product training or certification
· CIPP Certificate/Foundation Degree in Payroll Administration, or IAB/ICB payroll or bookkeeping certification
· CIS and construction domestic reverse charge VAT training
· Credit management qualification (CICM) or equivalent practical training
· Full UK driving licence
Continuing professional development
RPL Construction supports ongoing professional development. We will fund and give study time for relevant qualifications, CPD and system training, including professional body membership fees where the qualification is relevant to the role.
This job description outlines the main duties of the role and is not exhaustive. Duties may be reviewed and amended in discussion with the postholder to reflect the needs of the business.
Pay: £42,000.00-£52,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
