Project Accountant

Project Accountant

Location: Oxford - Hybrid, 3 days onsite minimum requirement
Contract: 12 months, strong likelihood of extension - Mon - Fri / 08:30 - 17:00 / 37.5 hrs per week.
Rate: £44.28 Inside IR35 Umbrella

Security clearance level required: DBS required, current SC preferred

Key points
Ideally fully qualified CIMA - but would entertain part qualified with experience.

• Hybrid working - but there will need to be flexibility - no set days - they will need to be in the office for month end which is per calendar month, therefore key days of the week move.
• We are looking for a self starter - current accountant is moving within the organisation so handover support available, but need a get up and go attitude.
• Ability to business partner and work closely with commercial department in particular.
• Needs to challenge the business regarding cost to complete data.
• Close relationship with MOD and connection with SSRO reporting - therefore current SC will be preferable.

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a commercially focused Project Accountant to play a key role in supporting major defence programmes. Working closely with programme teams, senior management and finance colleagues, the successful candidate will provide financial insight, governance and reporting that directly supports programme performance and future business growth.

This role offers significant exposure to project accounting, forecasting, bid support and regulatory reporting within a highly regulated and technically advanced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Liaise with the Senior Management Team to validate the financial integrity of bids and contract proposals before submission to customers.
• Develop Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), project plans and schedules to support future contract opportunities.
• Assist with the preparation of annual budgets, operating plans and forecast updates, highlighting and reporting variances where required.
• Ensure financial data is accurate, with costs correctly allocated and labour bookings maintained across programmes.
• Support programme risk management activities and provide financial input on key risks and opportunities.
• Prepare contract reviews and monthly Estimate at Completion (EAC) updates in line with Group reporting requirements.
• Monitor labour and subcontractor costs, ensuring accurate booking and reporting.
• Support month-end close activities and ensure appropriate accounting treatments are applied across programmes.
• Lead SSRO audits from a finance perspective and coordinate responses as required.
• Complete annual SSRO supplier reporting submissions.
• Support statutory audits and provide responses to programme-related financial queries.
• Assist with wider finance activities, including support for spares and training operations.
• Act as the primary finance contact for programme-related enquiries.
• Provide ad hoc financial analysis and support to operational and programme teams.
• Challenge and support programme delivery teams to drive strong financial performance.
• Monitor compliance with internal controls, company policies, risk management requirements and accounting standards.
• Maintain programme financial data within SAP and support reporting enhancements and system improvements.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Professional accountancy qualification or part-qualified accountant.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial controls.
• Experience within a financial controlling, programme finance or project reporting environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and report-writing capability.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet challenging deadlines.
• Understanding of work package management and project cost control.
• Knowledge of risk management principles.
• A structured, organised and methodical approach to planning and reporting activities.

Desirable

• Experience in project accounting.
• Experience using SAP.
• Knowledge of the Single Source Regulatory Office (SSRO) framework.
• Understanding of Single Source Contract Regulations (SSCR).
• Knowledge of Ministry of Defence commercial and accounting procedures.
• Experience within the defence, aerospace, engineering or regulated sectors.

Additional Information

• Travel within the UK and occasional travel within Europe may be required.
• Full driving licence preferred but not essential.
• Flexible working arrangements available.
• Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK Ministry of Defence Security Clearance.
• Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK.

Why Apply?

This role offers the opportunity to work on complex, high-value defence programmes, partnering with senior stakeholders and influencing key business decisions. It is ideally suited to a finance professional who enjoys combining commercial insight, project accounting expertise and strategic thinking within a dynamic and innovative environment.

This vacancy is being advertised by Belcan