Project Finance Accounting Manager

SYSTRA; Sydney; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Health and wellbeing support via EAP

Competitive remuneration

On-the-job coaching and global expert.

Job summary

BG&E, part of the SYSTRA Group, is seeking an experienced Project Accounting Manager to lead the Project Finance Administration (PFA) team in Sydney. You will mentor 14 direct reports, manage end-to-month timelines, and partner with Treasury and Finance to resolve revenue recognition issues.

You’ll drive system and process improvements, maintain strong stakeholder relationships, and deliver high-quality internal customer service.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of dedicated experience in a project finance or project accounting role.
• A relevant tertiary qualification is preferred, but equivalent practical industry experience is highly valued.
• Solid understanding of revenue recognition principles, project accounting, and the commercial levers that drive project profitability (Cash Flow and P&L).
• Proven experience managing direct reports with a leadership style built on clear communication, empathy, and mutual respect.
• Advanced skills in financial software/ERP systems and the MS Office Suite (particularly Excel).
• High accuracy in financial reporting combined with exceptional time management skills to navigate competing deadlines.
• An innovative mindset focused on efficiency, the ability to make confident decisions within a Delegation of Authority framework, and a dedication to high-quality internal customer service.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 14 direct reports, overseeing career progression, performance reviews, remuneration discussions, and performance improvement plans.
• Conduct regular team meetings and one-on-one catch-ups to align the team with broader business goals and strategies.
• Manage team resourcing, including leave approvals, coverage coordination, workload balancing, and overseeing the allocation of Manila-based resources.
• Act as the main point of escalation for business Leads regarding PFA queries, feedback, and issue resolution.
• Oversee end-of-month (EOM) timelines, coordinating closely with the wider Finance Team to guarantee seamless handovers.
• Partner with the Financial Accountant and Treasury teams to monitor debtor balances, WIP, and revenue recognition issues, collaborating with Project Managers (PMs) to resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain strong, consultative relationships across Finance, Corporate Services Groups (CSG), and senior management, providing regular insights and updates to leadership.
• Champion change and drive continuous improvement by actively participating in system and process initiatives, including ERP enhancements and digital workflows.

Skills

Team leadership

Revenue recognition

ERP systems

Excel

Time management

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification preferred

Tools

MS Office

ERP software

Job description

BG&E is a civil and structural engineering consultancy, celebrated for our innovative, award-winning designs that prioritise practicality and constructability. Now part of the SYSTRA Group, we continue our decades-long commitment to delivering high-quality technical expertise to our clients - proud to support the ambitious growth of a sustainable and resilient international company-.

We partner with clients and stakeholders to challenge the status quo, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in engineering.

BG&E is an innovative, employee-owned consulting engineering business. Our team of more than 750 highly skilled people, in 15 offices across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Middle East, design and deliver engineering solutions for clients in the Property, Transport, Ports and Marine, Water, Renewables and Defence sectors.

Context

Are you an experienced project finance professional with a passion for leading teams, championing process efficiency, and delivering exceptional internal customer service?

BG&E is seeking a dynamic Project Accounting Manager to lead, mentor, and scale our Project Finance Administration (PFA) team. In this pivotal role, you will manage a dedicated team of 14 direct reports, ensuring our project finance operations run smoothly, accurately, and to high standards.

Missions/Main Duties

People Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 14 direct reports, overseeing career progression, performance reviews, remuneration discussions, and performance improvement plans.
• Conduct regular team meetings and one-on-one catch-ups to align the team with broader business goals and strategies.
• Manage team resourcing, including leave approvals, coverage coordination, workload balancing, and overseeing the allocation of Manila-based resources.

Financial Operations & Escalation

• Act as the main point of escalation for business Leads regarding PFA queries, feedback, and issue resolution.
• Oversee end-of-month (EOM) timelines, coordinating closely with the wider Finance Team to guarantee seamless handovers.
• Partner with the Financial Accountant and Treasury teams to monitor debtor balances, WIP, and revenue recognition issues, collaborating with Project Managers (PMs) to resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain strong, consultative relationships across Finance, Corporate Services Groups (CSG), and senior management, providing regular insights and updates to leadership.

System & Process Innovation

• Champion change and drive continuous improvement by actively participating in system and process initiatives, including ERP enhancements and digital workflows.

Profile/Skills

Experience & Education

• 8+ years of dedicated experience in a project finance or project accounting role.
• A relevant tertiary qualification is preferred, but equivalent practical industry experience is highly valued.
• Solid understanding of revenue recognition principles, project accounting, and the commercial levers that drive project profitability (Cash Flow and P&L).
• Proven experience managing direct reports with a leadership style built on clear communication, empathy, and mutual respect.
• Advanced skills in financial software/ERP systems and the MS Office Suite (particularly Excel).
• High accuracy in financial reporting combined with exceptional time management skills to navigate competing deadlines.
• An innovative mindset focused on efficiency, the ability to make confident decisions within a Delegation of Authority framework, and a dedication to high-quality internal customer service.

What do we offer?

• Flexible working arrangements to help achieve real work life balance.
• Health and wellbeing support via a confidential Employee Assistance Program.
• Competitive remuneration.
• On-the-job coaching to help you be the best you can be, including leveraging BG&E's global network of experts to help you realise your professional development goals to grow your career at BG&E.

Gender Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality is part of our DNA - We value who you are - it begins with our values and continues through our culture - and is fostered throughout our workplaces. We recognise the benefits of diversity and encourage our people to be comfortable in bringing their complete self to work.

Wellbeing and Safety

BG&E provides collaborative working environments, which supporting the safety and wellbeing of all employees and stakeholders. As an organisation, we strive to continually mitigate risks, and to improve our safety systems and performance.

Diversity and Inclusion

Equality is part of BG&E's DNA. We value who you are - it begins with our values and continues through our culture - and is fostered throughout our workplaces. We recognise and celebrate difference and encourage our people and potential candidates to be comfortable in bringing your complete self to work.