Work Order Settlement Specialist

The Role:

As the lead specialist for work order settlement and capitalisation, you will help ensure financial processes are applied consistently and in line with internal controls, FRS102 regulations and company policies.

You'll play an important role in supporting the accurate transfer of costs between operational and capital expenditure, helping to maintain financial accuracy across the business. Working closely with senior managers and directors, you'll provide guidance, insight, and technical knowledge on financial settlement processes while helping to improve the effectiveness of key systems, including SAP and MARS.

This is a varied role that combines financial governance, data analysis, systems knowledge, stakeholder collaboration and operational support. It's well suited to someone who enjoys solving problems, improving processes and working with others to deliver positive outcomes.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Act as a key adviser for work order settlement, capitalisation, and financial governance across Water and Wastewater operations.
• Oversee approximately £25m of annual cost settlements, ensuring alignment with internal controls, FRS102 requirements, and financial policies.
• Investigate and resolve SAP and MARS system issues, identifying underlying causes and supporting the implementation of effective, long-term solutions.
• Produce analysis, reporting, and financial insights to support informed decision-making at senior management and director level.
• Review work orders, accruals, depreciation, and asset costs to ensure appropriate financial treatment and accurate reporting.
• Develop and deliver training, coaching, and practical guidance to support compliance and build capability across a wide user community.
• Build strong working relationships with operational, finance, and asset management teams, helping to improve processes and enhance ways of working.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of financial and operational systems, processes, and controls.

This role may not be eligible for sponsorship

What You'll Bring:

• Degree-level qualification (or equivalent experience) with strong financial, analytical, and data interpretation skills.
• Strong knowledge of capitalisation rules, financial controls, FRS102, and audit requirements.
• Advanced SAP and Excel skills, with experience analysing large datasets and interpreting complex financial information.
• Good understanding of asset management principles, maintenance activities, and work order settlement processes.
• Experience investigating complex issues, identifying root causes, and contributing to process improvements.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage effectively with colleagues at all levels, from operational teams through to directors.
• A proactive and customer-focused approach, with the ability to prioritise workload, provide constructive input, and work collaboratively to achieve positive outcomes.

This role requires regular regional travel and therefore, a full UK driving licence is required.

What We Offer:

• A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service (increases one day per year), in addition to 8 bank holidays
• A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
• Up to 7.5% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
• MyGymDiscounts - gym and wellness benefit that offers up to 25% off on gym memberships and digital fitness subscriptions
• Best Doctors
• Salary Finance
• Wealth at Work courses
• Deals and discounts
• EVolve Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Mental health first aiders
• ShareBuy
• MORE Choices flexible benefits
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Salary - 51,233
Work Type - Onsite
Job Location - Lingley Mere (UU), Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3LP
Role Type - Permanent
Employment Type - Full Time
Working Hours - 37 hours per week

United Utilities’ (UU) purpose is to deliver great water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West of England. We are committed to providing our services in a way that respects the environment, supports the economy, and benefits society.

We value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves.

We uphold our ethics, values and business model to fulfil our mission and, by setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable long-term value for our colleagues, customers and communities. Whether you work with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation to be part of.

We’ve got a lot to offer. You’ll be part of a thriving FTSE 100 company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution.

We rely on every employee to ensure our customers receive the best possible service, day in, day out. In return, we ensure that you will be well rewarded for your efforts, from an excellent salary through to development opportunities that will really kick start a thriving career here at UU.