At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control for exciting projects and deliver insightful analysis.
- Company: Join Hitachi Rail, a global leader in technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and flexible benefits tailored to you.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and cross-cultural collaboration.
- Why this job: Make an impact on sustainable transportation while working with international teams.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong analytical skills and project finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: London, Ludgate Hill
Hybrid working: 2 days in the office
Salary: Circa £70-73k DOE
Your new role
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Project Financial Controller to join our team. This is a highly visible finance business partnering role supporting complex projects, cost centres and R&D activities across a dynamic international environment. As the primary finance contact for CTO (Chief Technology Office) UK, you will play a critical role in ensuring robust financial control, delivering insightful analysis and supporting strategic decision‑making across a portfolio of projects. Working closely with operational leaders, project managers and international finance teams, you will help drive financial performance, optimise cash flow and ensure the highest standards of governance and reporting.
This role would suit a qualified accountant who thrives in a fast‑paced, matrixed organisation and enjoys partnering with stakeholders across multiple functions and geographies.
Some key responsibilities
- Lead financial control activities across CTO UK projects, cost centres and R&D programmes.
- Deliver monthly financial reviews with budget holders, providing challenge, insight and support to drive accountability and performance.
- Manage project forecasting activities, including cost-to-complete analysis and accurate Estimate at Completion (EAC) reporting.
- Produce timely and accurate monthly financial reports covering P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, headcount and key performance indicators.
- Own project cash flow forecasting, ensuring alignment with project delivery schedules and working capital objectives.
- Review project balance sheets and monitor working capital movements to ensure financial accuracy and control.
- Monitor cost absorption performance, identifying risks and opportunities and providing recommendations to senior stakeholders.
- Support budgeting and forecasting cycles, ensuring robust financial plans that appropriately reflect risks and opportunities.
- Partner with project teams to support variation orders, providing financial analysis and cost validation.
- Collaborate with finance colleagues in the UK and internationally, including teams in Japan and Italy, to support consolidated reporting.
- Act as a key point of contact for internal audit activities, ensuring compliance with governance, J-SOX requirements and financial controls.
- Provide financial information and analysis to FP&A and wider business stakeholders as required.
About you
We are looking for a commercially minded finance professional with strong project finance experience and the confidence to influence stakeholders at all levels within a global organisation.
Essential
- Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Advanced Excel skills with the ability to analyse, interpret and present complex financial data.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
- Experience using SAP or a comparable ERP system.
- Experience working within a matrix organisation with multiple reporting lines and stakeholder groups.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across diverse teams.
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
- Willingness to travel occasionally to UK locations as required.
Desirable
- Experience supporting large-scale, long-term projects or programmes.
- Background within manufacturing, engineering, rail, aerospace or other complex industrial sectors.
- Experience working in a global organisation with cross-cultural stakeholder management responsibilities.
- Understanding or appreciation of Japanese business culture and ways of working.
- Previous experience in project accounting, project controls or programme finance.
What we offer
We value the importance of all of our employees, and if you would like to join our fantastic organisation you could be entitled to:
- Competitive salary
- Potential opportunity for annual performance related bonus
- 25 days holiday
- Pension scheme with contributions up to 9%
- Private medical insurance
- Personal Accident Insurance
- Group Income Protection
- Group Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
We also offer additional perks for you to choose from within a flexible benefits plan that can be tailored to your lifestyle and personal needs.
Why Join Us?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a global technology-led organisation at the forefront of the rail industry. You’ll gain exposure to major programmes, work with international stakeholders and play a key role in supporting projects that shape sustainable transportation for the future. If you’re looking for a role where you can combine technical financial expertise with business partnering in a complex project environment, we’d love to hear from you.
At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Project Financial Controller employer: Hitachi
Hitachi is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, making it an ideal place for professionals passionate about quality management. With a strong commitment to employee development, the company offers numerous growth opportunities and supports work-life balance through its remote working model. Joining Hitachi means being part of a global team dedicated to excellence, where your contributions directly impact customer satisfaction and product quality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Financial Controller
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Hitachi. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Hitachi.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Hitachi's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hitachi
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Hitachi.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Hitachi will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Hitachi employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
