Project Accountant

Job Title: Project Accountant

Location: Oxford
Position: Permanent

About the Company

Our client is a leading organisation within the aviation and engineering sector, operating from one of the UK's premier aviation facilities. The business provides a wide range of services including aircraft sales, maintenance, engineering, technical support, customisation, training and aftermarket support for both civil and defence customers.

With a strong reputation for operational excellence and innovation, the organisation continues to invest in its people, technology and long-term growth.

The Reward

We offer a competitive salary alongside a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial wellbeing and work-life balance.

Benefits include:

• Annual leave entitlement that increases with length of service (up to an additional four days)
• Private Medical Insurance (Bupa), with the option to add family members
• Healthcare Cash Plan and dental scheme options
• Company pension contribution of up to 8% (subject to employee contributions)
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Share Incentive Plan
• Employee discount platform with cashback savings
• Cycle to Work Scheme (up to £3,000)
• Car purchase scheme
• Technology purchase scheme
• Personal Accident Insurance
• Access to financial and legal advice services
• Employee referral bonus scheme

The Opportunity

As Project Accountant, you will play a key role in supporting the financial management of major defence programmes. Working closely with Programme Managers and the Senior Management Team, you will provide financial oversight across project planning, forecasting, reporting, contract management and risk management, ensuring financial integrity throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Liaise with the Senior Management Team to validate the financial integrity of customer offers before submission.
• Develop work breakdown structures (WBS), project plans, work packages and schedules to support future contract proposals.
• Assist with the preparation of annual operating plans, forecasts and budget updates.
• Monitor programme performance against budget, reporting variances and supporting corrective actions.
• Ensure programme costs, labour bookings and financial data are accurately recorded and allocated.
• Prepare monthly Estimate at Completion (EAC) reports and Group contract reviews.
• Ensure labour and subcontractor costs are correctly accounted for within programme financials.
• Support month-end close activities and ensure appropriate accounting treatment across programmes.
• Lead the finance element of SSRO audits and complete annual SSRO supplier reporting requirements.
• Support statutory audit activities by responding to programme-related financial queries.
• Assist with wider finance month-end activities, including support for spares and training programmes.
• Act as the finance point of contact for programme-related queries across the business.
• Provide financial guidance and challenge programme delivery teams where appropriate.
• Monitor compliance with company policies, financial controls and relevant accounting standards.
• Maintain defence programme financial data within SAP and support reporting enhancements and system improvements.

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Experience within a financial controlling and/or project reporting environment.
• Good understanding of accounting principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience producing financial reports and procedures.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Good understanding of work package management and project controls.
• Knowledge of financial risk management principles.
• A structured, organised and methodical approach to planning and reporting.

Desirable

• Experience using SAP.
• Experience in project accounting.
• Knowledge of Ministry of Defence (MoD) commercial and accounting procedures.
• Understanding of the Single Source Regulatory Office (SSRO) framework.
• Knowledge of Single Source Contract Regulations (SSCR).

Qualifications

Essential

• Professionally qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).

Culture & Wellbeing

The organisation is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace and offers:

• Multi-faith prayer facilities.
• Employee Assistance Programme with confidential wellbeing support.
• On-site staff facilities including refreshments and break areas.
• Complimentary tea and coffee.

Additional Information

This position is subject to UK National Security Vetting. Successful applicants must be eligible to obtain Security Clearance (SC), which generally requires having lived continuously in the UK for the previous five years.

Applicants must also:

• Meet all applicable export compliance requirements.
• Successfully complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check.
• Have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom.
• Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this position.