Project Accountant

Robert Half is partnering with a well-established engineering business based near Kidlington to recruit an experienced Project Accountant. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a busy programme finance function within a technically complex, multi-project environment, supporting delivery teams with robust financial control, reporting and commercial insight.

This role would suit a finance professional who enjoys working closely with delivery and programme teams, translating operational activity into accurate financial data, and who is comfortable balancing multiple deadlines in a fast-paced setting.

The Role

Reporting into the finance leadership team, you'll take ownership of the financial health of a portfolio of active projects, acting as the go-to finance contact for programme managers and senior stakeholders.

Commercial & Proposals

• Review and sign off the financial assumptions underpinning new customer proposals before they go out the door
• Build out project plans, work packages and schedules to support future bids and contract submissions

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Own the forecast update cycle, feeding into the wider annual operating plan and flagging any deviation from budget
• Keep project cost data accurate, with correct cost allocation and up-to-date hours bookings across the portfolio
• Identify and manage financial risk across your project portfolio

Reporting & Governance

• Produce monthly project reviews and forecast-to-completion updates, checking labour and third-party costs are booked correctly
• Support the month-end close process, applying the correct accounting treatment across projects
• Act as first point of contact for all project-related finance queries, providing challenge and support to delivery teams as needed
• Respond to ad hoc financial requests from the wider programme
• Monitor compliance with internal policy, accounting standards and risk management procedures
• Maintain project financial data within the company's ERP system, liaising with IT on any reporting changes required
• Support internal and external audit processes, answering project-related queries as they arise

What You'll Need

Essential

• Solid background in financial controlling and/or project/programme reporting
• Strong grasp of core accounting principles
• Confident communicator, both written and verbal, with strong report-writing skills
• Proficient in MS Office, particularly Excel
• Comfortable juggling multiple priorities and working to tight deadlines
• Good understanding of work package management and control
• Working knowledge of risk management principles
• A methodical, organised approach to planning and tracking
• Professional accountancy qualification, or actively working towards one (part-qualified considered)

Desirable

• Experience with a major ERP system
• Prior experience in project accounting
• Exposure to government or public-sector commercial and accounting frameworks
• Awareness of single-source procurement/contract regulations

The Package

• £60,000 - £65,000 depending on experience
• Hybrid working - 3 days per week in the office, 2 days per week WFH
• Strong company pension contribution
• Private medical cover
• Annual leave that increases with length of service
• Bonus scheme
• Additional lifestyle and wellbeing benefits

Please note: Full right to work in the UK is required, as visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

For a confidential conversation about this role, please contact Charlie at Robert Half.

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