Project Accountant

United Colleges Group; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Westminster is seeking an experienced Project Accountant to lead financial oversight of a major redevelopment project. The role involves financial management, cost tracking, compliance with grant requirements, and collaboration with various stakeholders. Ideal candidates should be qualified accountants or have equivalent experience, with excellent skills in finance and communication. This position offers a competitive salary and a chance to contribute to impactful projects.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant or QBE with a minimum of five years' experience in finance.
• Strong background in finance and exceptional numerical and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain high-quality financial controls.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial management for the £161 million Wembley Park redevelopment.
• Ensure accurate cost tracking, grant compliance, and timely reporting.
• Liaise with internal teams and funding bodies to monitor cashflows.

Skills

Accounting qualifications

Excellent communication skills

Numerical and analytical skills

Proficiency in MS Office

Customer service focus

Education

Qualified accountant or QBE with 5+ years experience

Tools

Sage Intacct

Advanced MS Excel

Job description

Salary £58,000.00 - £62,054.00 Including London Weighting Allowance

Project Accountant

£58,000.00 - £62,054.00 Including London Weighting Allowance

Full Time, Permanent

Who We AreUnited Colleges Group educates over 11,000 learners annually, including young people, adults, apprentices, and students with high needs, across five campuses and two colleges: City of Westminster College and College of North West London. The Cockpit Theatre is also part of the Group.

With a turnover exceeding £50m, we rank among the UK's top 20 largest college groups. We offer diverse vocational education and training for learners of all ages and levels.

Our mission is to provide outstanding knowledge, remove barriers to learning, and deliver a unique, enjoyable, and rewarding experience tailored to individual aspirations.

We're currently seeking an experienced Project Accountant to lead financial oversight of our £161m Wembley Park Campus redevelopment, supported by £32m in grant funding.

About the Role

As the Project Accountant, you will be at the heart of our capital development strategy-ensuring effective accounting procedures, accurate project cost tracking, and compliance with grant funding requirements. In this role, you will work closely with internal teams and external partners, including the College's Director of Development, Bidwells, Stace (our external cost consultants), and key funding bodies like the DfE, GLA, and Brent Borough Council.

Key Responsibilities

As Project Accountant, you will oversee financial management for the £161 million Wembley Park redevelopment, ensuring accurate cost tracking, grant compliance, and timely reporting. You'll liaise with internal teams, external project managers, cost consultants, and funding bodies to monitor cashflows, manage funding claims, and maintain financial controls. Your role includes integrating project finances into the College's systems, developing reporting tools in Sage Intacct, supporting audits, and ensuring proper accounting of assets and VAT compliance. You'll also contribute to related capital projects and provide wider support across the Finance team.

What We're Looking For

Essential:

• A qualified accountant (or QBE accountant with a minimum of five years' experience) with a strong background in finance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a customer service focus.
• Exceptional numerical and analytical skills, with proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• The ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and maintain high-quality financial controls.
• A commitment to the College's Equal Opportunities Policy and safeguarding procedures.

Desirable:

• Experience with Sage Intacct or similar financial systems.
• Advanced MS Excel skills and strong technical/analytical capabilities.
• Familiarity with legal documentation, particularly from a finance perspective.

How to Apply

If you're ready to join a Group that has the resources to develop the talents of both students and staff, you can find more information on this role and details on how to apply by visiting our dedicated recruitment microsite: https://ucgjobs.com/

Alternatively, you can e-mail us at [e-mail] for more information, quoting the job reference.

Please note that we may close the application prior to the listed date should sufficient applicants be received.

United Colleges Group is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to full-vetting procedures including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services Check.