Project Accountant

Job Title: Telecoms Project Accountant
Location: Braintree, Essex (Office-based, 5 days per week)
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:30 (40 hours/week, 30-minute lunch break)
Contract: Permanent
Probation Period: 6 months
Annual Leave: Statutory entitlement

About the Role

Market 36 Recruitment has an exciting opportunity for a Telecoms Project Accountant to join a growing and dynamic finance team within a forward-thinking engineering environment. This is a hands-on role ideal for a finance professional looking to develop their skills within a fast-paced and evolving telecoms industry.

Working closely with the Finance Director and operational teams, the successful candidate will play a key role in managing project finances from budgeting through to reporting, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and insight throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Financial Management:
   Assist in preparing and managing budgets, forecasts, and cost tracking for multiple telecoms projects.
   Monitor project expenditures and provide variance analysis to operational teams.
2. Cost Control & Analysis:
   Track project-related expenses to ensure alignment with budgets and contractual obligations.
   Analyse cost trends, identifying potential overruns, savings, and risks.
3. Revenue Recognition:
   Support revenue recognition in line with accounting standards and project milestones.
   Ensure timely billing and accurate recording of project revenues.
4. Project Accounting Support:
   Maintain accurate records of all project-related financial activity.
   Contribute to month-end and year-end processes including reconciliations, accruals, and reporting.
5. Financial Reporting:
   Produce regular financial reports, including budget vs actuals, cash flow projections, and KPIs.
   Assist in preparing data for internal and external audits.

Qualifications (Essential):

1. A degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
2. Actively studying towards (or qualified in) a professional accounting qualification (e.g., CIMA, ACCA).

Experience (Desirable):

1. Prior experience or internships in finance/accounting, especially with project accounting exposure.
2. Strong working knowledge of accounting principles, revenue recognition, and cost management.
3. Proficiency in Excel and accounting software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Sage).
4. Experience in telecoms or infrastructure sectors is a bonus, but not required.

Key Skills:

1. Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail.
2. Effective communicator, able to translate financial information for non-finance stakeholders.
3. Organised and able to manage multiple deadlines.
4. Proactive, solutions-focused, and collaborative team player.

This role is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to deepen their financial expertise in a project-based setting, with real impact on operational success. If you're ready to grow your career in an exciting and supportive environment, we'd love to hear from you.