Assistant Project Accountant (Maternity Cover)
Assistant Project Accountant (Maternity Cover)

Assistant Project Accountant (Maternity Cover)

Temporary 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
SCS Railways

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the Project Accountant in managing costs and financial processes for exciting projects.
  • Company: Join SCS Railways, a leader in delivering the UK's high-speed rail network.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace with a focus on personal development and community support.
  • Why this job: Be part of a transformative project that connects major cities and boosts economic growth.
  • Qualifications: 2-3 years finance experience and intermediate Excel skills required.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

We currently have a vacancy for an Assistant Project Accountant (12 month maternity cover) to join our Finance team here at SCS Railways. As an Assistant Project Accountant, you will be responsible for supporting the Project Accountant with the focus on costs charged within the Area team. The role reports directly to the Project Accountant.

Flexible working: We welcome you to ask about the flexibility you need. This might be part-time, remote working, or compressed hours for example. Anyone who applies for a role can ask about flexibility at interview. In return, we will explore what is possible for the role.

Role Responsibility

  • Project Accounting – Assist with integrity of costs, revenue ledgers and transaction processing
  • Assist with management of accounting systems and processes including reconciliation of records and system access
  • Maintenance of sound financial controls, in line with JV guidelines, ensuring that all applicable requirements can be met at all times
  • Input/GRNI all supplier invoices for Area Team is in place and carried out accurately
  • Input weekly external hired plant and equipment liabilities
  • Maintain Purchase Order tracker to ensure enough money on Purchase is available to pay invoices
  • Responsible for query resolution for all invoices
  • Assist with Purchase Card cost management and reconciliations including the reporting of such costs
  • Assist with reporting of Fair Payment Charter for all invoices relating to Area Team
  • Assist with coding reviews and requests for coding corrections
  • Assist with the monthly accruals for staff charges and other staff related accruals
  • Assist with requests for information, back up documents for the Commercial team
  • Assist with supplier invoice processing and statement reconciliations where required
  • Assist with internal & external audit requests

The Ideal Candidate

Essential

  • 2-3 years experience in Finance
  • Minimum level - Intermediate Excel skills
  • Good knowledge of accounting principles and computer systems
  • Self-starter, organised, with a high level of attention to detail
  • Studying towards a recognised qualification
  • Ability to work under pressure and prioritise workload to meet business deadlines & needs
  • Excellent verbal & written communication skills

Desirable

  • Experience in project based finance
  • Business qualification

The role will work on the HS2 project. HS2 is the UK’s new high speed rail network. It will be a catalyst for economic growth across Britain, freeing up space on the existing railways and connecting 8 out of the UK’s 10 biggest cities with fast, reliable and frequent high speed services.

The Skanska | Costain | STRABAG (SCS JV) is delivering the HS2 London Tunnels Contract. Scope of works includes twin-bored tunnels (TBM), SCL tunnels, shaft sinking, bridge demolition and reconstruction, services diversions, earthworks and the construction of site compounds.

You’ll be a welcomed member of the wider team, with opportunities to take on additional responsibility, join our EDI Champions program or support the local community (e.g. as a STEM ambassador). Your personal and professional development is important to us. We welcome a discussion about how we can support you with further study, or professional membership or attainment for example.

HS2 – working with Skanska, Costain and STRABAG, closely monitors job applications, to ensure an inclusive recruitment process. To ensure we are able to maintain this, and to recruit a diverse workforce, we require candidates to complete the diversity form as part of their application so we are able to monitor and improve our approach to diversity. Please note, all responses are anonymous and we will not share any of your data with other parties. All data will be held securely, (as stated within the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR) and will be reported to HS2.

It is an SCSJV requirement that all employees, Design House, and Supply Chains must implement and comply with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System with guidance for use, OHSAS 18001:2017 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Information Security Management System, Policies, Plans, Procedures and Processes, and statutory requirements as they affect the Joint Venture’s operations and ensure that the requirements, as applicable within their discipline, are effectively implemented on the project. Develop a culture of safety on the project through the absolute commitment to the Zero Accidents target and ethos, and develops a wider awareness of quality, environmental issues and demonstrates commitment to achieve continual improvement and Zero tolerance.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation. SCS Railways is a Disability Confident Leader. We want to encourage disabled people to apply for our roles and have an opportunity to display your skills, talent, and abilities. We will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview.

To be considered for an interview under this scheme you have:

  • A physical or mental impairment, which has a substantial and long-term effect (over 12 months) adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities
  • Demonstrated in your application and pre-interview stage that you meet the minimum job criteria and person specification for the role

Assistant Project Accountant (Maternity Cover) employer: SCS Railways

SCS Railways is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where your personal and professional development is prioritised. With flexible working options, opportunities to engage in community initiatives, and a commitment to diversity, you will thrive as part of a dynamic team contributing to the transformative HS2 project in London.
SCS Railways

Contact Detail:

SCS Railways Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Project Accountant (Maternity Cover)

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at SCS Railways. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your project accounting knowledge. Make sure you can talk confidently about costs, revenue ledgers, and financial controls. We want to see that you’re not just a number cruncher but someone who understands the bigger picture.

✨Tip Number 3

Show off your Excel skills! Since this role requires intermediate Excel knowledge, be ready to demonstrate how you’ve used it in past roles. Maybe even bring along a few examples of spreadsheets you've worked on to impress us!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to go directly through us.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Project Accountant (Maternity Cover)

Project Accounting
Cost Management
Transaction Processing
Financial Controls
Invoice Processing
Reconciliation
Excel (Intermediate)
Accounting Principles
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Attention to Detail
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Prioritisation Skills
Supplier Query Resolution
Experience in Project-Based Finance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Project Accountant role. Highlight your relevant experience in finance and any specific skills that match the job description, like your Excel proficiency and attention to detail.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your experience with project accounting and how you can contribute to the team at SCS Railways.

Showcase Your Qualifications: If you're studying towards a recognised qualification, make sure to mention it! This shows your commitment to professional development and aligns with what we're looking for in a candidate.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!

How to prepare for a job interview at SCS Railways

✨Know Your Numbers

Brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around project accounting principles. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed costs and reconciled accounts in previous roles. This will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the Assistant Project Accountant position.

✨Excel Skills are Key

Since intermediate Excel skills are essential for this role, practice using functions like VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and data analysis tools. You might even want to prepare a quick example of how you've used Excel to manage financial data effectively in the past.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as resolving invoice discrepancies or managing tight deadlines. Think of examples from your experience where you successfully navigated similar challenges, and be ready to share them.

✨Show Your Organisational Skills

As a self-starter with a high level of attention to detail, be prepared to discuss how you prioritise tasks and manage your workload. Bring up any tools or methods you use to stay organised, especially in a fast-paced environment like project finance.

Assistant Project Accountant (Maternity Cover)
SCS Railways

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