Project Accountant - 6 month contract

The Newt in Somerset; Castle Cary; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury country estate is seeking a skilled Project Accountant for a 6-month contract. The role focuses on financial process improvement across various commercial operations. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills and relevant accounting qualifications, while enjoying competitive pay and a range of employee benefits.

Benefits

Complimentary gym membership

30% discount for colleagues

Complimentary meals on shift

Exclusive discounted hotel stays

Complimentary access to spa and swimming pool

Qualifications

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant with relevant certifications.
• Experience in financial transformation, process improvement, or project accounting.
• Strong understanding of financial controls and commercial finance.

Responsibilities

• Redesign and implement improved financial processes and controls.
• Analyse workflows for inefficiencies and opportunities for automation.
• Deliver accurate financial insights and support system upgrades.

Skills

Financial transformation

Process improvement

Strong financial controls

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Tools

ERP (Sage X3 desirable)

Job description

Project Accountant - 6 month contract

Up to £60,000 per annum (pro-rata) plus annual performance bonus and fantastic benefits

40 hours per week, Monday - Friday. Based onsite.

Due to the location of the Estate, a driving license is recommended

Take a look at our website

Read the full job description here

Advert Closes: 25th August 2025

Our Project Accountant

We’re looking for a hands-on and commercially minded Project Accountant to lead key change initiatives across our diverse commercial operations – from retail and hospitality to online sales and events. You’ll work closely with the central finance team and operational departments to streamline processes, strengthen controls, and provide the financial insight that powers strategic decisions.

If you enjoy problem-solving, collaborating across teams, and driving transformation, you’ll find this role both challenging and rewarding.

Key Responsibilities

• Redesign and implement improved financial processes and controls, particularly for Commerce & Hospitality.
• Analyse workflows to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for automation.
• Collaborate with operational teams to ensure process changes work in practice.
• Deliver accurate financial insights, margin analysis, and cost attribution.
• Support system upgrades and reporting changes, including UAT and training.
• Embed scalable financial control frameworks for audit and compliance.

What we can offer

• A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
• Stay in shape with complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
• Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
• Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
• Discover exclusive perks with our discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a fantastic 30% discount at our restaurants.
• Complimentary garden membership for the Newt and our partner gardens including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan
• Complimentary meal whilst on shift, created using fresh produce from our estate by our dedicated staff food chefs
• We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme “Newt Awards” with the opportunity to achieve a variety of amazing rewards including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
• Support from our Employee Assistance Programme for both yourself and your family
• A team that knows how to have fun with monthly team activities and Estate-wide team events
• Access your earnings at anytime with Wagestream, with access to nationwide brand discounts
• Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team

What we're looking for

Essential:

Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Financial transformation, process improvement, or project accounting experience

Strong understanding of financial controls and commercial finance

ERP experience (Sage X3 desirable)

Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Desirable: Background in hospitality, retail, luxury, or lifestyle brands, plus a passion for food, nature, and beautifully run businesses

Where you'll be working - Our Finance Team

The Finance Team at The Newt ensures the smooth financial operation of our diverse business by managing timely invoice payments, financial planning, compliance, and strategic goals. Based in a single on-site office, the team includes a CFO, a Financial Controller, Management Accountants, and Accounts Assistants who collaborate closely to support our growing operations. With The Newt spanning industries such as hospitality, construction, horticulture, and agriculture, the finance team thrives in a fast-paced environment, adapting to the challenges and opportunities of a dynamic and expanding business.

Who are we - The Newt in Somerset

Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.

INDAVR