Assistant Project Accountant in Basildon

Your impact
At Leonardo, we are looking for an Assistant Project Accountant to join our team in Luton. Leonardo is an international leader in electronic and information technologies for defence systems and aerospace.

This exciting role blends home‑based flexibility with time on‑site in Luton. You’ll be an important part of both an integrated project team and the Luton Finance Team, providing support to the Senior Project Accountant on the financial management and project reporting for a portfolio of projects. You’ll be working in a dynamic, fast‑paced business sector that looks to deliver innovative solutions to a global marketplace.

This role gives you the chance to make a real impact, supporting both statutory requirements and the delivery of high‑value customer solutions in a dynamic business sector.

Responsibilities

• Support the Project Accountants and Financial Controller with preparation of sector monthly forecasts including assumptions, risks and opportunities and explanation of forecast movements.
• Support the business in producing robust monthly Contract Status Reports (CSRs) and quarterly Sales and Margin Trading Plans.
• Monitor financial performance through the Monthly Forecast and Business Planning processes.
• Work with the Project Team / budget holders to understand forecast, Business Plans and CSR movements.
• Ensure that the business focus is on cash flow, supporting raising of timely invoices and providing the required information to ensure that debt is paid in terms.
• Reconcile financial data and resolve problems/issues where appropriate to ensure integrity of information provided.
• Ensure all financial procedures and controls are applied as required; and support non‑finance functions on their application.
• Support process improvement initiatives that drive the Finance function forward.

Qualifications

• Part‑qualified in CIMA, ACA or ACCA will be considered.
• IFRS 15 Revenue Recognition knowledge advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills, able to engage with both Finance and non‑Finance colleagues, understanding their needs and providing support.
• Analytical and challenging mindset, able to question decisions within the integrated project team when appropriate.
• Proactive and flexible approach to work, with the ability to re‑prioritise to meet key deadlines.
• Commitment to delivering high‑quality outputs and support.
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency in MS Office.
• Experience with SAP (advantageous).
• Enthusiastic, motivated, and eager to contribute to the projects and contracts you will be working on.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit:

Benefits

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part‑time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.