At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage overdue debts and ensure timely collections while building positive client relationships.
- Company: Join OCS UK & Ireland, a leading facilities management company with a strong commitment to values.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, digital learning resources, flexible pay options, and exclusive retail perks.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning team that values diversity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in financial management while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Recognised accountancy qualification and experience in credit management required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Fixed term Contract - 6 months
Job Purpose
The role of interim Project Accountant is responsible for the project management of ensuring that overdue debt in the 'Tail' i.e. everything outside of the top 20 debtors is chased and recovered efficiently. Overseeing, but not managing the senior security CC and two security CC's, the role ensures timely collection of outstanding debts, maintaining positive client relationships and supporting the security CFD and operational teams with reporting debts across security/cleaning and Private FM. The role focuses on reducing aged debt, improving cash collection performance and ensuring compliance with contractual payment terms.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor outstanding customer accounts and project receivables
- Proactively chase overdue debt on more complex accounts
- Act as a point of escalation for the senior security CC
- Negotiate payment arrangements with customers where appropriate
- Escalate persistent overdue accounts in accordance with company procedures
- Prepare accounts for legal recovery where necessary
- Investigate issues (where appropriate) within the process flow of invoicing through to cash collection and report on root causes to the CC Manager / AR Manager / Ops Directors as appropriate
- Work Closely with the Financial Controller - Projects to resolve commercial issues delaying payment
- Assist with the training of the new security CC's to ensure that they are upskilled
- Forecast expected cash receipts
- Build positive working relationships with customers
- Ensure compliance with company credit policies
KPI's
- Aged debt over 30/60/90 days
- Cash collected against monthly targets
Skills and Experience
- Recognised accountancy qualification - ACCA/CIMA/ACA
- Experience within credit management
- Advanced Excel knowledge
- ERP systems experience
About The Role
OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn. We deliver innovative, award-winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering. Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values - Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment.
Why Work for OCS?
- Award-Winning Employer: Ranked 36th on Glassdoor’s Best Companies to Work For 2025 — we value and motivate our people.
- Digital Learning: The OCS Academy offers digital courses and resources to help you build skills and grow your career.
- Retail Perks: With our Hapi app, you can gain access to exclusive discounts, rewards and wellbeing resources.
- Professional Growth: 600+ live learners across UK&I — Empowering colleagues with further development and qualifications!
- Flexible Pay: Access a portion of earned wages before payday with our Wagestream App! (Contract Specific)
We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
Project Accountant employer: Manchester Arndale
OCS UK & Ireland is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. As a Court & Tribunal Security Officer at the Shrewsbury Justice Centre, you will benefit from fixed hours, potential overtime, and a structured environment that fosters growth and teamwork, making it a rewarding place to build your career in security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Accountant
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Manchester Arndale.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Manchester Arndale might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
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!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Manchester Arndale will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Manchester Arndale. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Manchester Arndale confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Arndale
✨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 Manchester Arndale.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Manchester Arndale that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
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.
