Projects Accountant

Fidra is a renewable energy business specialising in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). We develop, construct and operate energy storage assets that support grid stability and the transition to a low‑carbon energy system. The Projects Accountant supports the Projects Financial Controller with financial oversight, control, and reporting for Fidra Energy’s BESS projects.

Responsibilities include managing project accounting, cost control, forecasting and capital expenditure tracking. The role ensures accurate financial visibility throughout development, construction, and operations, and partners closely with Growth & Strategy, Construction, and Site teams.

Operating Environment

The position works across finance, operations, growth and strategy, construction, and external contractors/vendors. It requires hybrid working between Edinburgh HQ and operational sites, with regular travel required. The role demands strong organisational capability, attention to detail, commercial awareness and the ability to manage multiple active projects simultaneously.

Principal Accountabilities

• Health, Safety and Environment
  Demonstrate support of the HSE principles at Fidra Energy
• Project Accounting & Cost Control
  Own day-to-day financial accounting for all aspects of the project from development through construction. Track costs against budgets, forecasts and funding models. Maintain detailed project cost trackers and capital expenditure schedules. Ensure appropriate capitalisation of costs in line with accounting standards. Monitor commitments, accruals and cash flow. Support regular reforecasting and budget cycles incorporating latest contractor updates.
• Month-End & Reporting
  Prepare month-end journals, accruals and prepayments and expenditure records for each project. Reconcile balance sheet accounts. Assist in producing accurate financial reports for senior management. Assist in preparing materials for investor, lender or funding reporting requirements. Support monthly management accounts with project-related analysis. Assist with variance analysis and cost-to-complete reporting.
• Funding and Projects Support
  Assist in managing funding drawdowns and maintaining supporting documentation. Prepare cost evidence and reporting required under funding agreements. Maintain funding trackers and covenant compliance schedules.
• Business Partnering
  Work closely with the construction team to understand project progress and financial risks. Provide financial insight to support decision‑making and cost optimisation. Provide financial input into contract reviews, milestone structures and payment terms. Assist in evaluating change orders, variations and contractor claims. Challenge assumptions and highlight risks or overspends early. Support investment cases and financial models with actual cost data. Translate financial information for non‑finance stakeholders.
• Controls, Compliance & Audit
  Ensure strong financial controls across revenue and project spend. Ensure compliance of construction contracts from a finance perspective (payment terms, milestones, retention). Support external audits and funding reviews. Ensure compliance with accounting standards and internal policies.
• Systems & Process Improvement
  Maintain accurate data within finance systems. Support improvements to project accounting processes and reporting. Assist with development of contract management system. Assist with system implementations or enhancements where required. Contribute to continuous improvement of project accounting processes as the business scales.

This list is not exhaustive: All of the above activities require:

• Commercially minded and confident challenging assumptions.
• Organised, proactive and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, delivery‑focused environment.
• Strong communicator with the ability to translate finance for non‑finance stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Knowledge & Skills

• Essential
  Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, cost models). Understanding of project accounting and capital expenditure control. Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. Strong attention to detail and analytical mindset.
• Desirable
  Exposure to IFRS and capitalisation of development and construction costs. Understanding of funding structures, SPVs or project finance. Experience in infrastructure, energy, construction or engineering sectors.

Qualifications & Experience

• Essential
  Qualified (ACCA / CIMA / ACA) 1-4 years PQ Experience. Strong experience in project accounting, capital expenditure or cost control. Experience working with cross‑functional project teams.
• Desirable
  Experience in renewable energy, BESS, infrastructure, construction or engineering. Experience with ERP systems (e.g. Sage).