At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations for defence projects and partner with teams to drive performance.
- Company: Join Airbus Helicopters, the world's leading helicopter manufacturer.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hybrid working, and excellent career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with exposure to senior leaders and key stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile defence programmes while growing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification or part qualification with relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 33.1 - 33.1 £ per hour.
Airbus Helicopters is the world's leading helicopter manufacturer, and its Oxford site is the UK's principal hub for civil helicopter operations. We are looking for an experienced Project Accountant to join our Finance team, supporting critical defence programmes while partnering closely with operational and commercial teams. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a collaborative environment where your expertise will directly influence project performance, strategic decision-making and future business growth.
About the Role
As Project Accountant, you will provide financial leadership across defence programmes, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate forecasting and insightful reporting. You will be a trusted business partner to programme and commercial teams, helping to drive performance and challenge assumptions where necessary. This position reports to the Financial Controller and offers exposure to high-profile defence projects, senior stakeholders and future bid activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with programme and commercial teams to ensure financial integrity across defence projects.
- Review and validate financial information supporting customer offers and business proposals.
- Develop financial work breakdown structures, project plans and cost models for future contract bids.
- Support annual budgeting, forecasting and operational planning activities.
- Monitor programme performance, analysing variances and providing meaningful financial insights.
- Ensure accurate allocation of costs, labour bookings and programme-related financial data.
- Lead project financial reviews, including Estimate at Completion (EAC) reporting and contract reviews.
- Support month-end close activities and ensure compliance with accounting standards and company policies.
- Lead SSRO audits from a finance perspective and coordinate annual supplier reporting requirements.
- Support statutory audits and respond to programme-related financial queries.
- Maintain and improve financial data and reporting within SAP.
- Act as the primary finance contact for programme stakeholders.
- Provide expert financial challenge and support to help drive project success.
What We're Looking For
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial controls.
- Experience within financial controlling, project accounting or project reporting environments.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong reporting, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency across the Microsoft Office suite.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Knowledge of work package management, forecasting and risk management.
- A structured, methodical approach to planning, reporting and financial analysis.
Qualifications
Professional accountancy qualification or part qualification (such as CIMA, ACCA or equivalent). Candidates who are part-qualified with strong relevant experience are encouraged to apply. Experience will be considered alongside qualifications.
Desirable Experience
- Project accounting experience.
- SAP experience.
- Knowledge of the Single Source Regulatory framework (SSRO).
- Understanding of MoD commercial and accounting procedures.
- Current Security Clearance (SC).
Why Join Airbus?
- Work on high-profile defence programmes with national significance.
- Gain exposure to senior leaders and key commercial stakeholders.
- Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
- Opportunity to broaden your experience across finance, commercial and programme functions.
- Supportive team environment with handover and onboarding support available.
- Excellent prospects for long-term career development and internal mobility across Airbus.
- Join a small, collaborative team where you can make a real impact.
Additional Information
- Occasional UK travel may be required.
- Travel within Europe may occasionally be necessary.
- Full driving licence is preferred but not essential.
- Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
If you're a proactive finance professional who enjoys partnering with the business, influencing decision-making and supporting complex projects, we'd love to hear from you. Join Airbus Helicopters UK and help shape the financial success of critical defence programmes while developing your own career within a global aerospace leader.
Project Accountant employer: Guidant Global
Guidant Global is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, perfect for those looking to thrive in high-volume recruitment. With a strong emphasis on employee development and collaboration, team members benefit from ongoing training opportunities and the chance to build meaningful relationships with clients across the Midlands area. The hybrid working model not only promotes work-life balance but also allows for flexibility and autonomy in managing your workload.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Accountant
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We think you need these skills to ace Project Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
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How to prepare for a job interview at Guidant Global
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Guidant Global.
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In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
