Interim Project Accountant

www.topfinancialjobs.co.uk - Jobboard; London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic opportunity has arisen for a Project Accountant to support the finance team during a critical period of year-end reporting. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in ensuring timely completion of financial statements and audit deliverables while enhancing financial processes and compliance standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in financial reporting and auditing.
• Strong understanding of FRS 102 and Charities SORP.
• Ability to manage project timelines and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and finalization of statutory financial statements.
• Manage external auditor communications and responses.
• Conduct going concern assessments and recommend process improvements.

Skills

Attention to detail

Financial reporting

Audit coordination

Process improvement

Education

Relevant accounting qualification (CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent)

Job description

The purpose of this role is to provide essential support to the finance team during a critical period of year-end reporting. The organisation has experienced delays in audit completion in previous years, highlighting the need for additional expertise to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. By bringing in a dedicated Project Accountant, we aim to Support timely completion of year-end accounts and help clear the backlog of audit deliverables. - Strengthen the team's capability and provide valuable hands-on experience to newer team members. - Improve overall finance operations and get financial reporting processes back on track in line with organisational and regulatory expectations. - Ensure proactive engagement with auditors through proper documentation, lead schedules, and participation in audit meetings. - This role will play a key part in stabilising finance, supporting audit readiness, and helping to embed more robust processes going forward.

Ensure year-end reconciliations for key control accounts are completed and reviewed, including bank reconciliations.

Identify and resolve unreconciled items or misstatements ahead of audit. 2. Year-End Financial Reporting

Prepare and finalise statutory financial statements in accordance with FRS 102 and the Charities SORP.

Consolidate financial data across 2 companies to ensure completeness and accuracy.

Act as the main point of contact for external auditors during the year-end process.

Respond promptly and accurately to audit queries, ensuring timely submission of supporting documentation.

Coordinate and manage the audit timeline, ensuring key milestones are met and deliverables are ready in advance.

Prepare comprehensive lead schedules to support balance sheet and income statement accounts.

Ensure all schedules are reconciled to the general ledger and include clear audit trails.

Conduct and document going concern assessments in collaboration with senior management and the finance team.

Review fixed assets and other relevant areas for potential impairments, preparing necessary papers for auditors and trustees.

6. Meetings & Stakeholder Engagement

Attend and contribute to internal meetings with project leads, finance managers, and trustees regarding year-end performance and audit status.

Present updates on audit progress, issues, and timelines to senior leadership.

7. Process Improvement

Recommend and implement improvements to year-end processes, documentation standards, and audit readiness.

Contribute to the development of templates, policies, and working papers for future year-end cycles.

8. Compliance & Risk

Ensure all reporting complies with legal, regulatory, and policy requirements.

Support the Head of Finance in preparing disclosures related to financial risk, reserves, and funding.

9. Liaison with External Partners

Communicate with funders, auditors, and regulatory bodies as needed during year-end close.

Prepare audit deliverables related to restricted/unrestricted funds, grants, and project-specific reporting.

Vivid Resourcing are committed to equality of opportunity for all applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships or any other characteristic protected by law.