Finance Assistant

CK Rail is a specialist rail business with extensive knowledge and experience built through many years of multi-disciplined strategy and delivery. We pride ourselves on being globally managed and locally delivered, ensuring that international best practice is applied with local understanding.

Our ethos “Driving innovation through collaboration” reflects our commitment to excellence, teamwork, and sustainable growth within the rail industry. We focus on building collaborative relationships that drive strategic development through successful project delivery.

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with accounting experience or who is studying towards a professional qualification (AAT/ACCA/CIMA) to develop their career within a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation.

Role Overview

The Finance Assistant will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day financial operations of CK Rail. This includes assisting in the preparation of management accounts, maintaining accurate financial records, processing financial transactions, supporting payroll activities, and contributing to reporting and compliance requirements.

Working closely with the Finance Manager, Finance Controller, and wider project and commercial teams, the Finance Assistant will help ensure the accuracy, efficiency, and integrity of the company’s financial processes in line with statutory obligations and internal IMS procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Operations

· Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts and financial reports.

· Process purchase and sales invoices, ensuring accuracy, correct coding, and timely entry into the finance system.

· Perform bank reconciliations and assist with daily cashflow monitoring.

· Support the preparation of VAT returns and other HMRC compliance submissions.

· Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis activities.

· Maintain accurate financial records and ledgers.

· Liaise with suppliers and customers to resolve account or payment queries.

· Support preparation of year-end audit files and liaise with external auditors as required.

· Provide ad hoc financial analysis, reporting, and administrative support to the Finance Team.

· Assist with monthly payroll processing, including timesheet collation, checking overtime, validating rate accuracy, and ensuring payroll data is submitted accurately and on time.

· Support payroll compliance activities, including employee record updates, HMRC submissions, and reconciliations.

Systems and Process Improvement

· Ensure all financial data is processed accurately and in compliance with company procedures.

· Support continuous improvements to finance processes and reporting systems.

· Assist with maintaining finance-related documentation in line with ISO and IMS standards.

Collaboration and Support

· Work closely with Finance, Commercial, Operations, and HR teams to ensure the integrity of financial and payroll information across projects.

· Provide support to operational teams on procurement, expenses, coding queries, and cost reporting.

· Contribute to maintaining a proactive, compliant, and positive financial culture.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

· Time-served experience (minimum 1–2 years) in a finance, payroll, or accounting role, ideally within construction, engineering, or infrastructure.

· Qualified or studying towards AAT, ACCA, or CIMA (or equivalent).

· Sound understanding of accounting principles and financial processes.

· Experience supporting payroll activities, such as timesheet checking, payroll data entry, or payroll administration.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and finance software such as Sage, Xero, or similar.

· High numerical accuracy and strong attention to detail.

· Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.

· Effective verbal and written communication skills.

· Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

· A proactive, reliable, and professional approach.

Desirable Skills and Attributes

· Experience in the rail, construction, or infrastructure sectors.

· Understanding of payroll processes including statutory payments, pension contributions, and HMRC payroll legislation.

· Knowledge of VAT, CIS (Construction Industry Scheme), and payroll compliance.

· Experience in audit preparation, reconciliations, and management reporting.

· Familiarity with ERP or financial management systems.

· Interest in digital transformation and continuous improvement within finance.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Compliance and IMS Responsibility

CK Rail operates under an Integrated Management System (IMS) certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. This system ensures that quality, environmental stewardship, and health and safety remain central to operations. Each team member, including the Finance Assistant, is responsible for:

· Upholding procedural compliance and maintaining accurate financial and payroll records.

· Supporting internal and external audits.

· Contributing to continual improvement within financial and administrative processes.

· Ensuring all activities align with CK Rail’s values and IMS commitments.

Personal Attributes

· Professional, courteous, and trustworthy.

· Eager to learn and grow within a fast-paced environment.

· Positive attitude with a problem-solving approach.

· Strong team player with a collaborative mindset.

· Committed to continual improvement and professional development.

· High level of confidentiality when handling financial and payroll information.

About CK Holdings

CK Rail is part of CK Holdings, a progressive group of innovative businesses supported by a central leadership team committed to excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The group structure promotes shared expertise, best practice, and operational efficiency, enabling each company to achieve sustained growth and outstanding client satisfaction.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £24,420.00-£30,404.67 per year

Benefits:
• Canteen
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free or subsidised travel
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site gym
• On-site parking
• Paid volunteer time
• Private medical insurance
• Sick pay
• Work from home

Work Location: In person