Project Accountant (Associate Level)

ERM: Environmental Resources Management; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in Manchester is seeking a Project Accountant to provide financial support, oversee project accounts support team, and manage budgeting. The ideal candidate will be part-qualified with strong communication and analytical skills, and will work well under pressure. This role requires adaptability and offers a hybrid work model, ensuring you thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in a large people-based organisation.
• Eagerness to learn and adapt in a changing environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial support to Project Managers and Partners.
• Oversee the training and performance of the project accounts support team.
• Develop strong working relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Strong business acumen

Attention to detail

Pro-active self-starter

Advanced Excel skills

Excellent analysis and problem-solving skills

Out of the box thinker

Good organisational skills

Strong team player

Education

Part-Qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA or CIMA)

BSc in finance or Qualified by Experience

Job description

RESPONSIBILITIES

The key responsibilities of this role will be to provide general financial support to Project Managers and Partners with managing their budgets successfully and help our business to improve our KPIs.

In addition, the successful candidate will oversee the training, development and performance of the project accounts support team (6 people). They will be the key link between the Global Delivery Centre (based in India) and the Northern Europe Business Unit.

KEY DUTIES

• Project Set-up
• Project reviews
• Reconciliations of project variances and WIP
• Analysis of project costs against budget
• Support Project Managers with managing DSO days, by supporting Project Managers with invoicing and AR management and any associated queries
• Set-up and manage project trackers in Excel
• Ad-hoc queries
• Reporting
• Provide ongoing training of Project Managers, Partners and Administrators in the use of GMS and other financial management tools

The project accountant must be able to develop strong working relationships with stakeholders on all levels and must therefore be very professional, outgoing and approachable. The role may involve some travel within the UK to local offices.

REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate for this Project Accountant role could be Part-Qualified accountant (either ACCA, ACA or CIMA), BSc in finance or “Qualified by Experience”. Preferably, you will have experience of working within a large people-based organisation. You will demonstrate an eagerness to learn and develop in a varied role that will require you to adapt and manage in a changing environment.

The successful candidate will have:

• Excellent communication skills
• Strong business acumen
• Attention to detail
• Pro‑active self‑starter, can work under own initiative
• Advanced excel skills
• Excellent analysis and problem‑solving skills
• Out of the box thinker able to re‑think historical processes and to initiate change
• Able to work well under pressure
• Good organisational skills
• Strong team player

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ERM is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. It’s an essential part of what makes ERM a great place to build a career and helps us create better solutions for our clients.

We welcome talent from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for every candidate. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to support you. Our commitment doesn’t stop at hiring. Once you join us, we’ll ensure you have the tools, support, and adjustments needed to succeed and feel a true sense of belonging. Learn more about our Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB) efforts by visiting our website or exploring our 2025 Sustainability Report.