Senior Project Accountant

My client is looking for a Senior Programme Accountant to work within a complex and highly visible strategic transformation programme. You will be accountable for the end-to-end Programme finances providing support and challenge throughout the life of the programme/projects, highlighting risks and issues as they emerge.

This role will join our Programme Management Office, working closely with the central Commercial Finance Department, and will be solely accountable for managing all analysis and reporting of financial performance within the Programme, ensuring that cash is utilised wisely and with maximum return.

About the role

The ideal candidate will have experience of modelling and managing all layers of financial detail for a large and interconnected portfolio of projects, comprising a complex range of cost apportionment methodologies to provide differing visibility and management requirements for multiple end users.

You will maintain financial integrity across the project underpinned by detailed financial analysis, commercial and business insight and analysis of strategic fit.

Performing detailed financial evaluation of all relevant options, you will review and test project assumptions, to include modelling scenarios and sensitivities to give an indication of the financial risk of the project/programme.

You will support and challenge project managers, providing appropriate advice and expertise throughout the life of the projects and the overarching Programme, including the construction of comprehensive project financials to meet the requirements of both the Project Managers as well as the annual investment planning processes.

You will support the preparation of business cases and the closing down of projects following completion, including the post implementation review (PIR), and ensuring Investment Appraisal processes and delegated authorities are understood and correctly applied without exception.

By challenging and critiquing project forecasts throughout the life of the project, you will ensure that variances to Plan are fully tracked and appropriate actions are in place to deliver the required return and to maximise the expected benefits.

About You

You will be CCAB qualified with CIMA preferred (or equivalent). You will have proven experience of project accounting combined with sound commercial judgment and strong analytical skills. You will have the ability to provide constructive challenge to senior project managers, exceptional business modelling skills and the ability to work under pressure with excellent time management skills across competing priorities.

With excellent knowledge of Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint you'll be able to work under pressure with excellent time management skills, across competing priorities, and provide constructive challenge to project managers within the Programme

The role is an initial 24 month fixed term contract but carries a fantastic opportunity to potentially become a permanent member of staff.