Project Accountant in Belfast

Location: Belfast, United Kingdom

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust.

Our purpose is to protect and defend — creating integrated solutions that bring together insight, coordination and decisive action. We respond rapidly with systems that support detection, fire control, engagement and mission sustainment. Our expertise spans Surface Attack & Air Defence (UK), Air Defence (International), Air Operations & Services, and Space.

We’re looking for a Project Accountant to join our Belfast‑based finance team. You’ll manage your own portfolio of key projects, supporting financial performance across the IAS UK footprint. This is a broad, rewarding role where your insight will directly influence programme success and strengthen financial integrity across the business.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead financial reporting for your project portfolio, including monthly review packs, cost analysis and corrective actions.
• Prepare consolidated project reports, monthly finance reviews and rolling forecasts.
• Partner with project stakeholders — Project Managers, Product Accountants and Industry Managers — to support informed decision‑making.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to understand product evolution and integrate financial insight into production planning.
• Fulfil SSRO reporting requirements, identifying control weaknesses and assessing commercial impacts.
• Prepare contract estimates for Multi‑Year Budget cycles and monthly forecasts.
• Enhance financial systems by developing reporting tools and dashboards (Oracle, Digi dashboards, BI portals).
• Maintain financial integrity across UK GAAP and Chorus 2.0, escalating governance issues where needed.
• Support audit readiness through accurate data, documentation and process adherence.

What you’ll bring:

• Confident communication skills, able to explain complex issues clearly to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of ERP systems (ideally Oracle), TM1 and Power BI.
• Ability to quickly interpret and analyse technical and financial data.
• Proven experience delivering financial analysis, decision support and risk assessment in dynamic environments.
• Professional qualification (ICAI, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Manufacturing sector experience is highly beneficial.
• Experience with SSRO reporting and defence‑sector commercial sensitivities is advantageous.

Why this role matters:

You’ll join a supportive, purpose‑driven team where your insight shapes programmes that protect people and enable critical missions. We value diverse perspectives, flexible thinking and people who enjoy working on meaningful challenges.

Security Clearance Requirement:

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

Closing Date: 24th July

At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring.