Project Accountant

Red Sky Personnel; Kidlington; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave boost

Private Medical Insurance

Healthcare plan

Pension up to 8%

Discretionary bonus

Employee discounts

Cycle to work

Financial & legal advice

Job summary

Unknown is seeking a Project Accountant to support the financial management of major defence programmes, working closely with Programme Managers and the Senior Management Team to provide oversight across planning, forecasting, reporting, contract management and risk across the project lifecycle.

You will ensure labour and subcontractor costs are recorded, prepare EAC reports, support month-end close, and contribute to SSRO audits and supplier reporting.

Qualifications

• Experience in financial controlling and project reporting environments.
• Good understanding of accounting principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience producing financial reports and procedures.
• Advanced Excel skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Validate financial integrity of customer offers with SMT before submission.
• Develop WBS, project plans and schedules to support bids.
• Assist with annual operating plans, forecasts and budgets.
• Monitor programme performance against budget and report variances.
• Ensure costs and labour are correctly recorded within programme financials.
• Prepare monthly EAC reports and group contract reviews.
• Support month-end close activities and SPares/training budgets.

Skills

Financial controlling

Project reporting

MoD procedures

SSRO knowledge

SSCR knowledge

Excel

Budgeting

Education

ACCA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent

Tools

SAP

Job description

Our client is a leading organisation within the aviation and engineering sector, operating from one of the UK's premier aviation facilities. The business provides a wide range of services including aircraft sales, maintenance, engineering, technical support, customisation, training and aftermarket support for both civil and defence customers.

With a strong reputation for operational excellence and innovation, the organisation continues to invest in its people, technology and long-term growth.

The Reward

We offer a competitive salary alongside a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial wellbeing and work-life balance.

Benefits include:

• Annual leave entitlement that increases with length of service (up to an additional four days)
• Private Medical Insurance (Bupa), with the option to add family members
• Healthcare Cash Plan and dental scheme options
• Company pension contribution of up to 8% (subject to employee contributions)
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Employee discount platform with cashback savings
• Cycle to Work Scheme (up to £3,000)
• Access to financial and legal advice services

The Opportunity

As Project Accountant, you will play a key role in supporting the financial management of major defence programmes. Working closely with Programme Managers and the Senior Management Team, you will provide financial oversight across project planning, forecasting, reporting, contract management and risk management, ensuring financial integrity throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Liaise with the Senior Management Team to validate the financial integrity of customer offers before submission.
• Develop work breakdown structures (WBS), project plans, work packages and schedules to support future contract proposals.
• Assist with the preparation of annual operating plans, forecasts and budget updates.
• Monitor programme performance against budget, reporting variances and supporting corrective actions.
• Ensure programme costs, labour bookings and financial data are accurately recorded and allocated.
• Prepare monthly Estimate at Completion (EAC) reports and Group contract reviews.
• Ensure labour and subcontractor costs are correctly accounted for within programme financials.
• Support month-end close activities and ensure appropriate accounting treatment across programmes.
• Lead the finance element of SSRO audits and complete annual SSRO supplier reporting requirements.
• Support statutory audit activities by responding to programme-related financial queries.
• Assist with wider finance month-end activities, including support for spares and training programmes.
• Act as the finance point of contact for programme-related queries across the business.
• Provide financial guidance and challenge programme delivery teams where appropriate.
• Monitor compliance with company policies, financial controls and relevant accounting standards.
• Maintain defence programme financial data within SAP and support reporting enhancements and system improvements.

Knowledge & Skills

• Experience within a financial controlling and/or project reporting environment.
• Good understanding of accounting principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience producing financial reports and procedures.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Good understanding of work package management and project controls.
• Knowledge of financial risk management principles.
• A structured, organised and methodical approach to planning and reporting.
• Knowledge of Ministry of Defence (MoD) commercial and accounting procedures.
• Understanding of the Single Source Regulatory Office (SSRO) framework.
• Knowledge of Single Source Contract Regulations (SSCR).

Qualifications

• Professionally qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).

The organisation is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace and offers:

• Multi-faith prayer facilities.
• Employee Assistance Programme with confidential wellbeing support.
• On-site staff facilities including refreshments and break areas.
• Complimentary tea and coffee.

Additional Information

This position is subject to UK National Security Vetting. Successful applicants must be eligible to obtain Security Clearance (SC), which generally requires having lived continuously in the UK for the previous five years.

Applicants must also:

• Meet all applicable export compliance requirements.
• Successfully complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check.
• Have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom.
• Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this position