Operational Finance Director
Company: AECOM
Role summary
Operational Finance Director is a role at AECOM in London, England, United Kingdom (hybrid). Posted 2026-10-19. Experience level: 10+.
- Job title
- Operational Finance Director
- Company
- AECOM
- Location
- London, England, United Kingdom
- Work arrangement
- hybrid
- Category
- Software Engineering
- Experience level
- 10+
- Date posted
- 2026-10-19
This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a senior finance role at AECOM, a company dedicated to building a better world. You'll be instrumental in shaping financial operations and driving strategic initiatives, with ample room for professional growth and impact.
Job description
Company Description
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
We’re looking for a commercially astute Finance Director to partner with senior leadership, drive profitable growth and shape business strategy. You’ll lead financial performance, forecasting, cash flow and risk management, using financial insight to influence key decisions on pricing, market expansion and transformation. A senior leadership role combining strategic influence, commercial impact and finance team leadership.
Finance Leadership & Performance
Own monthly financial results, reporting and analysis, driving performance against plan and outlook across revenue, EBITA/NSR, operating cash flow and DSO.
Lead forecasting, annual planning and financial outlooks, ensuring predictable results and clear accountability.
Deliver actionable financial insight to the senior leadership team, highlighting performance, risks, opportunities and growth potential.
Commercial Strategy & Risk Management
Partner with the Managing Director and practice leaders to drive profitable growth, pricing strategy, market expansion and portfolio decisions.
Identify and mitigate commercial and operational risks, maximising opportunities and protecting business performance.
Shape bid strategy, contract profitability and working capital, ensuring robust risk, contingency and cash flow management.
Project Finance & Working Capital
Oversee project accounting, budgets, estimates at completion (EAC) and accurate month-end revenue recognition.
Drive cash flow and working capital performance through rigorous WIP, accounts receivable, billing and collections reviews.
Challenge project performance and balance sheet positions, ensuring appropriate provisions, contingencies and financial controls.
Governance, Controls & Compliance
Champion strong financial governance, SOX compliance and adherence to the Sub-Delegation of Authority.
Ensure robust project controls, accurate statutory reporting and compliance with US GAAP, UK GAAP, IFRS and company policies.
Lead audit readiness and proactively address financial and operational control risks.
Transformation & Continuous Improvement
Drive finance transformation, process optimisation and operational efficiency across the business.
Champion AI, automation and digital solutions to improve reporting, decision-making and productivity.
Embed a culture of continuous improvement across finance and operational teams.
Strategic Partnership & Client Focus
Act as a trusted commercial partner to the Managing Director, practice leaders and wider senior leadership team.
Translate complex financial data into clear, compelling insights that influence business decisions.
Deliver practical, innovative finance solutions that meet internal and external client needs.
Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, coach and develop a high-performing finance team, building capability, engagement and future leadership talent.
Drive performance management, succession planning, professional development and inclusive leadership.
Influence strategic direction as a member of the Transportation UK&I Senior Executive Team and Regional Finance Leadership Team.
Champion AECOM’s Safety, Health & Environment commitments, core values, ethical standards and compliance responsibilities.
Qualifications
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor's degree; a professional finance qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or overseas equivalent) or MBA is preferred.
15+ years of demonstrated finance experience, including senior leadership of an operational finance function in a project-based or professional services business.
Experience as a member of an executive team, partnering with senior business leaders to shape strategy.
Strong working knowledge of revenue recognition and project accounting.
Skills
Strong commercial acumen, financial modelling and business analysis skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial systems and reports.
Proven ability to analyse and present financial insight clearly to audiences with financial and non-financial backgrounds, and to influence senior stakeholders.
Track record of delivering measurable improvement in profitability, cash and forecast predictability.
Well-developed interpersonal, presentation and communication skills, with proven ability to build productive relationships at all levels.
Able to lead, motivate and develop a regionally spread team.
Able to work productively in a dynamic, high-pressure environment and meet deadlines.
Experience of finance transformation, ERP and automation or AI adoption is an advantage. M&A or restructuring experience is desirable.
Additional Information
Knowledge
Proficient in Microsoft Office packages.
Prior use of Oracle and IBM Cognos / TM1 is an advantage.
Experience of working in a SOX environment is desirable.
Essential Performance Criteria
Strong team leader with excellent interpersonal skills who supports and develops staff.
Effective leader with tenacity and drive to ac