Project Accountant - HTR

Portsmouth Water

Havant

On-site

GBP 55,000 - 85,000

Full time

8 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave

Pension up to 15%

Bonus up to 6%

Life assurance 4x salary

Private Medical Insurance

EV/ Cycle to Work schemes

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Portsmouth Water seeks a Project Accountant to support the Finance Manager on the Havant Thicket Reservoir programme. You will deliver robust financial controls, budgeting, forecasting and reporting across both CRA and AWA workstreams to ensure compliant, value-driven outcomes.

This is a pivotal role in a landmark infrastructure project for regional water resilience. The role requires 5+ years in project accounting for large construction programmes, strong Excel and ERP systems experience, and

Qualifications

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Review cost reports to generate meaningful financial reports and decision support.
Understanding of accounting regulations, capital allowances and tax.
Excellent Excel skills; proficient with PowerPoint, Word and Teams.
Understanding of construction industry and professional services.
Knowledge of project team roles: quantity surveyors, project managers, programme and risk management.
Experience with contract management methodology and large construction projects.
Bachelor's degree in mathematics, accounting or related field.
5+ years of project accounting for large/complex construction programmes.
Professional qualification or equivalent experience.
Experience using Contract Management and ERP software is advantageous.
Supervisory qualification or commitment to obtain one.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain robust financial controls for the project.
Ensure controls are adequate, adhered to and reviewed periodically.
Develop and maintain the project budget, spend and forecasting through to completion.
Ensure supplier costs are reflected accurately in monthly accounts.
Liaise with project team to prepare programme costs for reporting.
Produce monthly accounts and reports for investors, Southern Water and Portsmouth Water.
Provide ad hoc decision support reports as required.

Skills

Financial controls

Budgeting & forecasting

Cost reporting

ERP software

Stakeholder liaison

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in mathematics, accounting or related field

Tools

ERP Software

Job description

We’re making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future.

The Project Accountant will play a pivotal role in supporting the Finance Manager and driving the financial success of the Havant Thicket Reservoir project. Working across both the CRA and AWA workstreams, you’ll provide essential financial insight, control, and reporting to help ensure this major infrastructure programme delivers strong, compliant, and value-focused outcomes. This is a chance to contribute to a landmark project shaping the future of water resilience for the region.

What will you be doing?

Key Responsibilities

Develop and maintain robust financial controls for the project
Ensure that financial controls are adequate, adhered to and are periodically reviewed
Develop and maintain the project budget, spend and forecasting for the project through to completion
Ensuring that supplier costs are reflected accurately in the monthly management accounts
Liaise closely with the project team to prepare programme costs for reporting
Produce the project’s monthly accounts and generate monthly reports for the investors, Southern Water and Portsmouth Water
Provide ad hoc decision support reports as required, for example to aid dispute resolution or evaluate impact of change
Support regulatory reporting and engagement with Key stakeholders
Manage the spend control processes, ensuring that invoices are paid to contractors and raised to Southern Water in accordance with contractual commitments and with appropriate cashflow reporting
Support the year-end financial reporting procedures
Support in producing the monthly Steerco and JPAG reports together with any additional papers
Support in producing the Finance month end and Sub Group Pack.

What do you need?

Skills, Qualifications & Competencies

Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Good analytical skills with the ability to review cost consultant and project managers reports in order to generate meaningful financial reports and provide decision support
Appreciation of accounting regulations, management of capital allowances and tax
Excellent Excel skills. Proficient in the use of Powerpoint, Word and Teams
An understanding of the construction industry and professional services
Good knowledge of the roles and activities of project teams, encompassing, quantity surveyors, project managers, programme and risk management
Appreciation of contract management methodology, with experience of managing accounts for large construction projects
Bachelors degree in mathematics, accounting or a related field of study
More than 5 years of experience of project accounting for large or complex construction programmes
Professionally qualified or qualified by experience
Experience of using Contract Management and ERP software would be an advantage
Ideally, the successful candidate will have a recognised supervisory qualification or be able to give a commitment to obtain such a qualification

If you are successful for the role, you will be required to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre‑employment checks that will include a basic disclosure check. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the national security vetting process for either a CTC or SC clearance check. Any offer of employment is conditional upon completion and receipt of satisfactory checks.

We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways, and that’s why we’re happy to consider flexible working arrangements. Please feel free to talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may be looking for.

We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of society.

Please be aware, the Company has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

What can Portsmouth Water offer you?

At Portsmouth Water, we believe in rewarding our people. Here’s just a taste of what’s waiting for you when you join the team:

Holidays Made Better

Enjoy 27 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, giving you plenty of time to relax, recharge, and explore.

A Pension That Works for You

We’ll help secure your future with a generous pension scheme, contributing up to 15% – because your tomorrow matters as much as your today.

Performance Pays Off

You could earn a non-contractual bonus of up to 6% of your basic salary, linked to company performance – because when we succeed together, you should benefit too.

Family Comes First

Whether you’re welcoming a new arrival through birth or adoption, we’ve got your back with enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave and pay.

Social Events

All expenses covered summer and winter social events.

Peace of Mind, Always

Our life assurance scheme gives your loved ones extra security, with a 4x salary lump sum benefit in case the unexpected happens.

Comprehensive Wellbeing Support

Whether you need confidential mental health and wellbeing advice 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme, or physical health support via our Virtual GP service (available 8am–10pm, 7 days a week for you and your immediate family), help is always close at hand with the HealthHero app.

Additional Support When You Need It

We know life has its ups and downs. That’s why we offer Private Medical Insurance – provided by Bupa giving you access to expert healthcare and 24/7 confidential support.

PW Perks – Treat Yourself!