At a Glance
- Tasks: Own financial reporting and forecasting for exciting projects, ensuring accuracy and insight.
- Company: Join KBR, a leader in innovative science and engineering solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for UK and international travel.
- Why this job: Become a finance business partner and make a real impact on project performance.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified accountant with strong Excel skills and financial analysis experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The KBR team of teams delivers future-forward science, technology and engineering solutions and mission-critical services that help governments and companies around the world accomplish their most important objectives, while also helping achieve their sustainability goals.
The core purpose of this role is to take ownership of financial reporting and forecasting across a portfolio of projects. Reporting to the Lead Project Accountant, this position partners closely with commercial and operational project management teams to ensure accurate financial insight and performance management.
Acting as the financial lead for the assigned portfolio - typically covering three operations—this role operates as a ‘CFO’ for the projects, providing both detailed financial control and high-quality commercial insight. The position combines the delivery of core accounting activities, including journal postings and cost allocations, with proactive business partnering to support senior stakeholders.
The successful candidate will deliver financial outputs to a high standard while working with a high degree of autonomy. At the same time, they will build strong relationships across Finance and non-finance teams, supporting directors in identifying efficiencies, managing costs, and improving overall project performance. This role is well suited to a part-qualified accountant seeking to broaden their experience across both technical accounting and commercial finance, while developing into a true finance business partner.
Location: Leatherhead – hybrid working with a minimum of three days per week on site, supported by agile working practices. UK travel and occasional international travel are required. An increased on-site commitment of four to five days per week is expected during the first three to six months while establishing in role.
Security Requirements: Due to project security requirements, candidates must be eligible for UK security clearance. This typically requires sole British citizenship and 5-year footprint in the UK.
Key Responsibilities:
- Monitor and analyse project costs, tracking actual spend against budgets and highlighting variances.
- Prepare accurate client billing reports, ensuring all supporting documentation meets contractual requirements.
- Produce monthly financial reports, including variance analysis and clear insights for project stakeholders.
- Manage month-end processes, including accruals, deferrals, and associated accounting adjustments.
- Develop and maintain robust supporting documentation in line with internal controls and SOX compliance standards.
- Support forecasting and projections across P&L, balance sheet, and cashflow for individual projects.
- Identify financial risks and opportunities, escalating where appropriate to support effective decision-making.
- Act as a finance business partner to project managers, providing insights and resolving day-to-day financial queries.
- Build strong working knowledge of ERP systems and financial data structures to support reporting and analysis.
What we Need:
- Part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with solid accounting fundamentals.
- Strong Excel capability with a focus on financial analysis.
- Proven experience in financial reporting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and business partnering experience.
- Desirable:
- Experience in project accounting (e.g. Estimate at Completion, Time & Materials).
- Exposure to SOX controls, US GAAP, or working with auditors.
- Experience in industry (non-practice environment), ideally within defence or regulated sectors.
- Experience using ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle, Costpoint).
- Power BI / Power Query or data modelling capability.
- Understanding of commercial contracts and financial obligations.
Behaviours:
- Collaborative and team-oriented, working closely with stakeholders at all levels.
- High level of ownership and accountability, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Committed to accuracy, integrity, and compliance in financial reporting.
- Curious mindset with a focus on understanding the “why” behind financial data.
Project Finance Analyst in Leatherhead employer: KBR
KBR is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, offering Project Finance Analysts the opportunity to engage in meaningful financial management across diverse projects. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, KBR supports part-qualified accountants in expanding their expertise through hands-on experience and professional development, all while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working in Leatherhead. The company’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence ensures that employees contribute to impactful projects while building valuable relationships with stakeholders.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Finance Analyst in Leatherhead
✨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 KBR. 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 Finance Analyst in Leatherhead
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 KBR.
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 KBR'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 KBR
✨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 KBR.
✨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 KBR 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 KBR 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.
