Project Accountant (Interim)

Wade Macdonald; Maidenhead; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Wade Macdonald is seeking an experienced Project Accountant for a leading engineering business in Maidenhead, UK. This pivotal role focuses on delivering financial insights to support data-driven decision-making and effective budgeting.

The successful candidate will need to be fully qualified and possess a solid background in project accounting, ideally within the engineering or construction sectors. Strong communication skills are essential for influencing non-finance stakeholders and driving accountability for results.

Qualifications

• Strong background in management accounting, FP&A or commercial finance.
• Able to explain financial concepts clearly and drive accountability for results.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills – able to influence non-finance stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Act as a key finance contact for assigned business units.
• Support annual budgeting and quarterly reforecasting processes.
• Deliver regular reporting packs to budget holders, analysing variances.

Skills

Management accounting

Financial planning & analysis

Advanced Excel skills

Communication

Education

Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent)

Tools

ERP software (e.g., NetSuite)

Financial reporting tools

Job description

Our client is a leading Thames Valley engineering business who require an immediately available Project Accountant.

The successful candidate will have a project accounting background ideally gained from an engineering / construction background.

You must be fully qualified, available within 1 week. A self starter and based in the UK with full UK RTW.

Description

To support data-driven decision making across the business by delivering high-quality financial insight, analysis and planning. The Finance Business Partner works closely with operational and commercial stakeholders to ensure robust forecasting, track financial performance against budgets, and provide financial challenge and support for key business initiatives.

The role combines a strong technical understanding of financial analysis with the ability to influence and communicate with non-finance colleagues. It plays a critical role in supporting continued growth, profitability and strategic planning efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Business Partnering & Support

• Act as a key finance point of contact for assigned business units or divisions
• Work closely with operational leads to understand drivers of performance, cost and margin.
• Support commercial decision-making with financial insight, including pricing, cost recovery and investment appraisals.
• Participate in project reviews and performance tracking, highlighting risks and opportunities.

Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting

• Support the annual budgeting and quarterly reforecasting processes.
• Prepare monthly rolling forecasts for revenue, gross margin, overheads and cashflow.
• Align forecasts with pipeline, resourcing and delivery assumptions.
• Assist in long-term planning and 5-year strategic modelling exercises.

Reporting & Insight

• Deliver regular reporting packs (monthly, quarterly) to budget holders, analysing variances and tracking key metrics.
• Prepare financial dashboards to drive visibility and action.
• Support the production of Board and Exec reporting with clear, well-presented analysis.
• Work with the Head of FP&A to improve planning tools, data structures and reporting processes.
• Collaborate with the Financial Controller to ensure consistency between management and statutory reporting.
• Contribute to improvement of cost centre structures, chart of accounts and project reporting accuracy.

Requirements

• Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent).
• Strong background in management accounting, FP&A or commercial finance.
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills; experience with ERP and reporting tools (e.g. NetSuite)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills – able to influence non-finance stakeholders.
• Able to explain financial concepts clearly and drive accountability for results.