At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in managing project finances and collaborate with Project Managers for accurate reporting.
- Company: Join BakerHicks, a leading innovator in design and engineering since 1957.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with excellent growth potential and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in finance while making a real impact on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Strong numeracy and analytical skills; background in finance or business is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Trainee Project Accountant will assist and report into the Senior Project Financial Controls Manager. The role will initially support the Senior Project Financial Controls Manager in taking responsibility for all contracts where the SCM is the nominated commercial lead. This will eventually lead to sole assignment of commercial elements on projects, working collaboratively with various Project Managers (PMs) to ensure commercial information is accurate and available.
Key objectives
- Build strong relationships and credibility with PMs for all contracts to enable accurate project reporting and appropriate contract administration.
- Work with and assist the SCM with all Commercial team activities including process improvements.
- Work closely with the Business Sector & Discipline directors as well as the finance team.
Principal responsibilities and accountabilities
Commercial Management
- Provide assistance in Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) production, as well as interrogation of costs incurred to date and to complete.
- Assist in contract variation/change management process with input from the PM, including maintenance of change register.
- Generating applications for payment and invoices together with all necessary back up and ensuring timely cash collection.
- Assisting PMs with the company procurement process & in the appointment of sub-consultants (Outworkers) on appropriate terms.
- Working with discipline leads to challenge forecasted cost to complete.
- Liaising with client commercial staff to build strong working relationships.
- Assistance at the year-end finance audit for the SCM owned contracts.
- Advising and assisting PMs on Commercial issues.
- Assistance in process improvement activities.
- Other ad hoc and routine work as required.
Commercial Administration
- Administration of Vantagepoint for UK and European regions.
- Setting up new staff & contractors.
- Overall management of enquiries/contract in Vantagepoint & liaising with finance to ensure contract set up in COINS (general ledger).
- Provision of both regular and adhoc reports.
- Identifying and providing coaching/training needs of Vantagepoint users.
- Database administration in accordance with reporting timetable.
- Administration, ownership and correction of incorrectly posted timesheets.
About You
Qualifications and training
- Excellent numeracy skills essential.
- Analytical skills advantageous.
- Administration and customer service skills advantageous.
- Accounting/Finance/Business Administration background advantageous.
Technical skills and experience
- Demonstrable competent excel skills.
- Sound analytical ability.
- Organised, ability to multi-task.
- Proactive, actively pursues improvement.
- Strong communication skills.
- Confidence and willing to interact across all levels.
- Credible and highly motivated.
Many of the positions within our company are subject to security clearance or security assurance levels. The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of security clearance or assurance level for this role, in line with client and sector requirements. In some cases, additional nationality or residency criteria may also apply due to specific client or national security obligations.
About BakerHicks
We’ve been innovating in design, engineering and project delivery since 1957 and operate from 14 locations for a truly European reach. For more about our company story, see: About | BakerHicks.
Benefits
Whatever your discipline, you’ll be alongside some of the most talented people in the industry. Our network of offices are appealing, friendly and comfortable spaces, easily accessible by car or public transport. And our salary and benefits packages are some of the best in the industry. What you get will depend on what you do, with individual performance-related rewards also on offer in addition to:
- Company car or cash allowance.
- Up to 6% matched contributory pension plan.
- Life assurance scheme.
- 25 days annual leave plus ability to buy additional leave.
- Discount scheme (including gym membership, mobile phones etc).
- Flexible/hybrid working.
- Family friendly policies.
- Employee assistance.
- Professional development.
BakerHicks is an equal opportunity employer. We care about creating an inclusive atmosphere and are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion throughout. BakerHicks is an inclusive organisation welcoming talent from all backgrounds. Applicants are assessed on the basis of personal merit and qualifications.
Trainee Project Accountant in Manchester employer: BakerHicks
BakerHicks is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, providing Trainee Project Accountants with the opportunity to work alongside industry experts in a supportive environment. With a strong focus on professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package, including a matched pension plan and generous annual leave, employees are empowered to grow their careers while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Located in accessible and comfortable office spaces, BakerHicks prioritises employee well-being and encourages innovation and improvement across all levels.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Project Accountant in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at BakerHicks on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research BakerHicks, their projects, and the role of a Trainee Project Accountant. Show us you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on common questions related to project accounting and how you can support PMs effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at BakerHicks.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Project Accountant in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Trainee Project Accountant role. Highlight your numeracy skills, analytical abilities, and any relevant experience in finance or administration.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about this role. Share specific examples of how you've built strong relationships in previous roles and how you can contribute to our commercial team activities.
Show Off Your Excel Skills:Since sound Excel skills are a must for this position, consider mentioning any relevant projects where you've used Excel effectively. If you have any certifications or courses, don’t forget to include those too!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BakerHicks
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Trainee Project Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate strong numeracy skills. Brush up on your financial concepts and be ready to discuss how you would approach cost value reconciliations or manage contract variations. Showing confidence in your analytical abilities will impress the interviewers.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves working closely with Project Managers, think about how you can showcase your communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've built strong working relationships in the past, whether in school projects or previous jobs. This will highlight your ability to collaborate effectively.
✨Show Your Proactivity
The job requires a proactive approach to process improvements. Come prepared with ideas on how you could enhance existing processes or tackle common challenges in project accounting. This shows that you're not just reactive but also forward-thinking, which is a key trait for success.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tools
Get to know Vantagepoint and COINS, as these are crucial for the role. If you have experience with similar software, mention it during the interview. If not, do a bit of research to understand their functionalities. This will demonstrate your willingness to learn and adapt quickly to new systems.
