Financial Controller

The Lanes Group are the UK's largest independent provider of water and wastewater solutions and services, we play a vital role in always maintaining the seamless operations of the nation's water systems.

Formed in 1992, our half a billion-pound turnover ensures continued expansion for market share. Our key differentiator is our 4000+ staff and our resource pool that includes the most innovative fleet, plant, and equipment the market has to offer.

About the Role:

The Financial Controller will lead the financial reporting, control, and compliance function. This role ensures robust accounting practices, accurate management information, and strong internal controls. Working closely with operational leadership and Group Finance, the Financial Controller will be a key figure in enabling sound financial management in a complex, multi-entity, service-based business.

Hours of Work - Monday to Friday 37.5 per week

Holidays 24 days plus bank holidays

Company Pension and Death in Service

Private Health Care

Company Car Grade 5

Responsibilities - but not limited to:

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Deliver timely and accurate monthly management accounts for multiple divisions.
• Lead statutory reporting and liaise with external auditors for annual accounts.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards (UK GAAP) and Group policies.
• Manage VAT, PAYE, and corporation tax compliance in coordination with external advisors.

Financial Control & Risk Management

• Maintain and continuously improve internal controls and accounting procedures.
• Oversee balance sheet reconciliations and working capital management.
• Implement financial risk mitigation practices across business units.
• Ensure proper cost allocation and revenue recognition for service contracts.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Performance Management

• Lead the annual budgeting cycle and monthly reforecasting.
• Provide insightful variance analysis and commentary to the Group FD and business units.
• Work with operational managers to enhance financial literacy and accountability.

Team Management

• Lead and develop a team of qualified and part-qualified accountants.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational finance support.
• Oversee AP/AR oversight in collaboration with shared services or local teams.

Business Partnering & Project Support

• Support strategic projects such as acquisitions, system implementations, or process automation.
• Provide financial input into bid pricing, commercial contracts, and asset investments.
• Work closely with depots and regional managers to improve job-level margin visibility.

Experience and qualifications required for the role:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
• 5-10 years' experience in financial reporting, preferably in a multi-site or project-based business.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and experience with UK GAAP.
• Proven experience in leading a finance team and managing external audits.
• Proficient in Excel and ERP systems (experience with Sage 200, Dynamics, or similar is a plus).
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage non-financial stakeholders.

This position is open to Internal and External candidates. Any internal candidates currently employed within a division of the Lanes Group must complete an Internal Application form and submit to recruitment.

The Lanes Group plc comprises of a range of established service providers subsidiaries, which complement the specialist service of Lanes, by both work type and geography. Increasing our overall capability, assets and offering to our customers.

Lanes

Lanes I

SUS

Clearflow

AQS

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from under-represented members of the community.

Strictly no agencies please

LAN