Project Accountant in Scotland

6 month fixed term contract, Inchinnan, Glasgow. The Project Accountant will ensure there is accurate and timely reporting of long-term projects and services, covering actual and forecast financial performance from both a project performance and financial accounting perspective, in accordance with IFRS15 and other applicable accounting standards. This role includes robust cost challenge and continuous cost improvement throughout the project life cycle. They will implement cost management best practices and apply them consistently across all projects, proactively identifying cost variances, risk areas and mitigations, and communicating these to project managers to assist in delivering projects and customer requirements cost‑effectively. They will work closely with Project Managers to ensure they understand the financial performance of their projects and communicate this information to the wider business as required. Long‑term projects or services vary in length and value, typically ranging from 1 year to 5 years and from £1m to £30m. The role is expected to build strong relationships across the business with bids, operations, supply‑chain, procurement, project management, planning, project controls and commercial teams. Flexibility is required, with the position based in Inchinnan, Glasgow and travel as necessary.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Preparation of detailed project baseline cost and revenue budget and regular EAC reforecasts in collaboration with the Project team and present the information to stakeholders as required.
• Perform Value of Work Done (VOWD) assessments through project life, compare to planned progress, identify and mitigate slippage and elevate issues to management.
• Responsible for the preparation and population of project specific forecasting and cost tracker model; highlighting performance improvements.
• Providing project monthly revenue and profit margin information including inter‑company information for actuals, forecasts and annual budget process in accordance with IFRS15 accounting standard.
• Prepare and document accounting based papers to support the accounting treatment for the project covering appropriate accounting standards and to update as required.
• Conduct cost variance analysis and sensitivity analysis and identify opportunities, risks and mitigations where available to the Project Manager.
• Ensure costs are correctly allocated to cost accounts/work orders, review correct coding of requisitions, purchase orders, contracts, invoices, variations, reconciling costs to the General Ledger and investigating variances.
• Facilitate and participate in lessons‑learnt sessions on project delivery and feedback to the responsible functions to ensure these are captured and acted upon to improve future project delivery.
• Manage multi‑currency project reporting and FX exposure.
• Manage inter‑company recharges, cost allocations and project‑related billing.

What we’re looking for

You will have a strong focus on uplifting the quality and standard of output of the finance team while driving deeper financial insight through active business partnering. Focused on delivering results, you will be objective‑oriented with a detailed mindset, an effective problem solver, and have excellent people‑management skills. You will collaborate effectively with team members, senior management, executives and third parties such as auditors, and give clarity in conveying complex financial information in a clear and understandable manner. Analytical review skills and the ability to prioritise tasks and manage time are essential.

Key skills, knowledge and experience

• ICAS, ACCA or CIMA qualification.
• Proven track record in a similar role (e.g., Project Management Accountant, Cost controller) and industry (e.g., Oil & Gas, engineering or manufacturing).
• Proficient user of Microsoft Excel.
• Experience of ERP systems (e.g., Glovia, SAP, Oracle).
• Experience working with multi‑currency projects.
• Understanding of inter‑company accounting and multi‑entity structures.

Why join us?

• Competitive benefits tailored to the division.
• Opportunities for career growth and visibility across the organisation.
• A supportive, inclusive culture that values your ideas and contributions.
• Work that truly makes a difference in safety, innovation, and global capability.

James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications for candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce.