Dron & Dickson group are specialists in integrated supply, installation and maintenance of harsh & hazardous electrical equipment and cable supply. Based at six UK locations, we provide Wholesale, distribution, specialist E&I inspection, maintenance and project services to all parts of the Offshore & Onshore Energy sector, Pharmaceutical, Marine and many other industries. Managed from our UK locations, our services operate within the UK, Europe, Africa and Asia.
Purpose: ‘Everyone Home Safe’ – An encapsulation of the right for everyone to return from work safely and promote their wellbeing; this applies to Dron & Dickson staff and all who come in to contact with our work activities. Our systems, processes and cultures coupled with our supply and services ensures people, plant and the environment are kept safe. The primary purpose of this role is to ensure sound financial practice within the Engineering Services department to provide a safeguard against unethical or incorrect financial practices and therefore help to increase assurance for Dron & Dickson whilst promoting employee wellbeing and innovation by cultivating an environment that encourages employees to develop and learn, to boost employee satisfaction and productivity.
Objective: Provide sound financial management information and advice to senior management, ensuring alignment to corporate objectives and financial regulations and controls are adhered to. This includes identifying, recommending, and developing improvements in financial information and processes to senior managers. This role requires building a partnership and strong relationships with the Engineering Services team and providing support for commercial decision making.
Our Culture & Values: Our Values aim to underpin and create a positive culture and working environment as well as set behavioural expectations. We are committed to investing in our workforce as we recognise people as our greatest asset. Contribution towards the company’s culture and core values are required as part of this role.
Our Value acronym AGILE represents qualities associated with being responsive, flexible and adaptable to change which collectively have been identified as key differentiators that offer us competitive advantage. The behaviours for each value are highlighted below:
Reporting to: Financial Controller.
Direct Reports: Engineering Finance Team (2/3).
Role Overview
Dron & Dickson is seeking an experienced Finance Manager for our Engineering Services division to lead and develop a small team of finance assistants during a time of growth and adaptation. The successful candidate will be responsible for all engineering related finance processes and reporting. This will include reviewing the existing processes and making improvements for the future including introducing and implementing automation/artificial intelligence initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce administrative burden.
A key aspect of the role is working closely and effectively communicating with colleagues in our Engineering Services operations team to ensure Finance has accurate information for customer invoicing and enabling provision of reliable analysis and reports to the business.
Strategic Leadership & Management Responsibilities:
·Embed strategic planning practices across the engineering finance function by developing and executing processes aligned with organisational objectives.
·Act as a financial business partner to our engineering services department, contributing to informed decision-making.
·Foster inter-departmental relationships to ensure financial processes align with operational needs.
·Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, reporting and processes.
·Participate in current company-wide automation/AI initiatives to the extent applicable within engineering finance to optimise processes and reduce administrative workloads.
·Responsible for team development and learning by establishing and monitoring personal development plans for all direct reports.
·Set clear expectations and objectives for direct reports which are monitored and updated during regular performance reviews.
Operational Responsibilities:
·Preparation of monthly engineering finance reporting including detailed margin analysis and forecast.
·Responsible for engineering month end process including preparation of engineering month end journals and reconciliations in line with finance dept timetables.
·Co-ordinate Engineering Services budget & reforecast processes including sales & margin financials and overhead requirements provided by Engineering Services management.
·Monitoring of engineering performance against budget and forecast, investigating and reporting on variances.
·Review & analyse financial performance of projects after completion, supporting investigation & learnings on margin variances.
·Report & review engineering proposal data, analysing win/loss trends and actively look for improvements.
·Overall responsibility for all engineering related invoicing undertaken by direct reports.
·Overall responsibility of all offshore payroll, PSC payments undertaken by direct reports, ensuring accuracy of processing and adherence to legislation.
·Oversee the maintenance of the Job Costing system including changes to manpower rates and other charges.
·Manage engineering materials and stock controls within the ERP system, ensuring cost and profit allocation in line with proposals and business unit requirements.
·Delivery and reporting of engineering finance KPI’s.
·Support engineering tender process by assisting with/reviewing financial modelling.
·Provide financial viewpoint for analysis on client contracts and provide support on annual rate review calculations.
·Pro-actively seek efficiency improvements & cost saving opportunities to improve financial performance with engineering and the wider company.
·Adhere to company confidentiality policy as set out in contract of employment, with particular emphasis on non-divulgence of sensitive financial information.
·Maintain good communications with internal & external clients.
·Ad hoc duties as requested by management.
HSEQ Responsibilities:
·Comply with all relevant policies and procedures as documented in Dron & Dickson’s integrated management system.
·Ensure the Company meets its statutory obligations in all areas pertaining to health, safety and welfare at work, including statutory training and reporting.
·Ensure all health and safety training is undertaken within the team.
·Ensure a safe workplace environment without risk to health.
·Take a proactive approach to continuous improvement and development of the company’s systems and processes.
Core Skills and Competencies:
·Strong leadership skills with experience in coaching, mentoring, and managing teams to achieve success.
·Proven ability to create an environment of trust, constructive feedback, and recognition.
·Excellent verbal and written communication skills, tailored to diverse stakeholders.
·Demonstrate emotional intelligence, with the ability to empathise, influence, and resolve conflicts effectively.
·Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable strategies and initiatives.
·Proficient in modern business tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, ERP systems and data visualisation tools).
·Ability to prioritise workloads, meet deadlines, and maintain excellent attention to detail under pressure.
·Resilient and growth-oriented, embracing challenges and continuous learning.
·Strong problem-solving skills with creativity and a focus on innovative solutions.
·Commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace culture.
·Flexible, adaptable, and delivery-focused with a dynamic and energetic approach.
·Confident and professional in challenging management or business units constructively.
·Strong presentation and stakeholder engagement skills at all organisational levels.
·Takes accountability for managing personal performance and delivering results.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
·Recognised Accounting qualification (i.e. CIMA/ACCA/ICAS)
·Proven experience in managing direct reports
·Project accounting experience (desirable)
·Contract accounting experience (desirable)
·The role requires occasional travel to other company offices (primarily Aberdeen) to meet with Engineering Services colleagues
·Participation in social and business networking may be expected
·A proactive approach to continuous improvement and development is essential
Dron & Dickson is committed to supporting the professional growth of its employees. The Finance Manager will receive a tailored personal development plan designed to prepare them for future roles as they arise alongside the companies continued growth.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of Dron & Dickson’s Engineering finance team and contribute to its continued growth and success.
Hours of work:
* Mon to Thurs: 8.30am – 5pm
* Fri: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Benefits Package:
* Pension: 3% Company Contribution, minimum 5% employee contribution
* 33 days annual leave (inclusive of 8 public holidays).
* Annual bonus if targets met (not guaranteed)
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Critical Illness Cover: £20,000
* Bike 2 Work Scheme
* Life Assurance: 2 x Annual Salary
* Enhanced Maternity Pay
* Enhanced Paternity Pay
* Perks & Discounts