Project Accountant

Connells Group; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Connells Group is seeking a Project Accountant to provide financial support, control and reporting across a portfolio of projects in Milton Keynes. You will prepare budgets, forecast financial performance, and partner with project managers to drive value and governance.

The role requires strong accounting qualifications, project accounting experience, advanced Excel skills, and the ability to communicate complex financial information to non-finance stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Experience in project accounting, management accounting, or financial analysis.
• Strong financial modelling and analytical skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain project budgets and forecasts.
• Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets.
• Analyse project financial performance and identify variances.
• Review and approve project-related journals, accruals, and prepayments.
• Own the financial governance of project business cases, including budget management, forecasting, investment appraisal, and benefit realisation tracking to ensure projects deliver the expected financial and operational outcomes

Skills

Financial modelling

Advanced Excel

Communication of finances

Attention to detail

Project accounting

Analytical skills

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Microsoft Dynamics

NetSuite

Job description

The Project Accountant is responsible for providing financial support, control, and reporting across a portfolio of projects. The role ensures project costs, revenues, budgets, forecasts, and financial performance are accurately monitored and reported, supporting project managers and senior management in making informed business decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Prepare and maintain project budgets and forecasts.
• Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets.
• Analyse project financial performance and identify variances.
• Review and approve project-related journals, accruals, and prepayments.
• Own the financial governance of project business cases, including budget management, forecasting, investment appraisal, and benefit realisation tracking to ensure projects deliver the expected financial and operational outcomes

Reporting

• Produce monthly project financial reports and performance dashboards.
• Provide financial analysis and commentary on project performance.
• Support project managers with budget monitoring and financial decision-making.
• Prepare reports for senior management and stakeholders.

Cost Control

• Ensure all project expenditure is appropriately authorised and supported.
• Track project commitments and potential financial risks.
• Review supplier invoices and contractor payments related to projects.

Business Partnering

• Work closely with project managers and operational teams to understand project requirements.
• Challenge financial assumptions and provide commercial insight.
• Support project planning and investment appraisals.
• Assist with the financial evaluation of new projects and business cases.

Compliance and Controls

• Ensure compliance with company policies, financial controls, and accounting standards.
• Support internal and external audit requirements.
• Maintain accurate project accounting records and supporting documentation.
• Assist with year-end and month-end close processes.

Systems and Process Improvement

• Support the implementation and enhancement of project accounting systems.
• Develop and improve project financial reporting processes.
• Promote best practice in project financial management and governance.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Experience in project accounting, management accounting, or financial analysis.
• Strong financial modelling and analytical skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

Desirable

• Knowledge of project management methodologies.
• Experience using ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or NetSuite.

Connells Group is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity status.

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