Project Accountant - Fixed Term Contract

Canford; Wimborne Minster; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Canford School in Wimborne Minster is seeking a Project Accountant to deliver high-quality financial analysis, forecasting and strategic reporting across major projects. You will work with senior stakeholders and the Finance team to provide financial insight for decision-making.

The role covers merger planning, due diligence, governance reporting and process improvements, with a focus on accuracy, controls and commercial awareness.

Qualifications

• Qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent.
• Proven experience in project accounting or finance partnering.
• Experience with mergers, acquisitions or due diligence is desirable.
• Strong Excel and financial systems skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance financial reports for management.
• Support merger planning and due diligence with analysis.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to provide financial advice and challenge.
• Improve financial processes and controls across projects.

Skills

Financial analysis

Forecasting

Management reporting

Excel

Stakeholder management

Communication

Problem solving

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent

Tools

ERP systems

Forecasting software

Job description

Overall Purpose

Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, the Project Accountant will provide high-quality financial analysis, reporting and commercial insight across a range of strategic and business-critical initiatives.

The role will work closely with senior stakeholders, project leads and the wider Finance team, providing financial expertise to support a range of work, depending on experience, including merger planning, financial due diligence, forecasting, strategic projects and governance reporting.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Analysis, Reporting and Forecasting

• Develop and enhance financial reports to provide clear, accurate and timely management information.
• Support the implementation of a new forecasting system, including the development of appropriate reporting and processes.
• Prepare financial analysis, modelling and forecasts to support strategic decision-making.
• Support the preparation of management accounts and financial information for senior management and governance reporting.

Merger Planning and Due Diligence

• Provide financial analysis, modelling and reporting to support merger planning and strategic initiatives.
• Support financial due diligence by reviewing financial information, identifying key risks and opportunities, and preparing clear analysis for senior stakeholders.
• Assist with the assessment of financial implications arising from strategic proposals and projects.
• Provide financial insight and challenge to support robust decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

Business Partnering and Stakeholder Management

• Develop effective working relationships with senior stakeholders, project leads, budget holders and non-finance colleagues.
• Provide constructive financial advice and challenge, translating complex financial information into clear and practical recommendations.
• Assess applications for financial assistance and make evidence-based recommendations.

Process Improvement and Financial Controls

• Identify opportunities to improve financial reporting, controls, systems and processes.
• Support the development of efficient and effective financial processes across strategic projects.
• Ensure financial information is accurate, robust and appropriately presented for its intended audience.

Wider Finance Support

• Provide support to the wider Finance team with accounting, reporting and analysis activities as required.
• Contribute to a collaborative, responsive and high-performing Finance function.
• Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the scope and seniority of the role.

Knowledge/Experience

• A recognised professional accountancy qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent.
• Proven experience in a Project Accountant, Management Accountant, Finance Business Partner or similar role.
• Strong experience in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting and management reporting.
• Experience developing financial reports and/or management accounts.
• Experience preparing financial information and analysis for senior management or governance-level audiences.
• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, financial due diligence or other significant strategic projects.
• Experience working within a complex organisation with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Experience supporting the implementation or development of forecasting, reporting or finance systems.
• Excellent Excel skills and strong confidence using financial systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial information and identify key issues.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to understand the wider implications of financial decisions.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly and concisely to both finance and non-finance audiences.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with confidence engaging with senior colleagues.
• Ability to manage competing priorities effectively and deliver high-quality work within tight deadlines.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Proactive approach, with the confidence to identify issues, assess financial implications and propose practical solutions.
• Commercially minded, pragmatic and solutions-focused.
• Proactive and able to take ownership of projects and deliverables.
• Collaborative and approachable, with the ability to build strong working relationships.
• Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to work effectively in a changing environment.
• Discreet and professional when handling sensitive financial and strategic information.
• Committed to maintaining high standards of accuracy, integrity and professional judgement.

Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All successful job applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening.