At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial performance and decision-making for impactful projects.
- Company: Join Thales, a global tech leader in defence and security.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, annual bonuses, and flexible leave options.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in critical missions while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong commercial awareness and ERP knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, we operate across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, helping 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’re looking for a Senior Project Accountant to join our Belfast‑based finance team. This role provides real influence as a trusted financial partner, supporting programme performance, financial integrity and confident decision‑making.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Provide financial support to the Business Area Director and wider finance team
- Partner with manufacturing teams to understand product evolution and cost impacts
- Prepare monthly review packs including project analysis, cost reporting and recommended actions
- Consolidate risks, forecasts and contract estimates for the Multi‑Year Budget and monthly cycles
- Ensure compliance with IFRS 15, UK GAAP and Chorus 2.0
- Support month‑end processing and rolling forecasts
- Identify control weaknesses and assess commercial impacts
- Maintain audit readiness and support internal/external audit requirements
- Improve data quality, reporting processes and digital tools across the portfolio
What You’ll Bring
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with strong commercial awareness
- Excellent communication of complex issues with clarity and confidence
- Balance of high‑quality financial operations with practical delivery needs
- Strong ERP knowledge (ideally Oracle) plus TM1 and Power BI experience
- Comfortable analysing technical and financial data in a fast‑moving environment
- Understanding of IFRS 15 and international financial reporting standards
- Manufacturing sector experience is highly advantageous
- Knowledge of SSRO reporting and defence‑sector commercial sensitivities is beneficial
- Experience leading or mentoring others is welcome, although this role has no direct reports
Why this role matters
You’ll join a supportive, purpose‑driven team where your insight shapes programmes that protect people and enable critical missions. Due to the nature of the work we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. If you do not currently hold SC, it is required that you undergo, achieve and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. Dual nationals from a non‑ITAR country may be considered if approved by the MOD. 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.
At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. 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 more depending on the role.
Senior Project Accountant in Belfast employer: Thales
Thales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Crawley where innovation meets social responsibility. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to market-leading training and mentorship from industry experts, alongside competitive benefits such as private healthcare, a robust pension plan, and opportunities for career advancement within a diverse global organisation. Join us to contribute to cutting-edge projects in defence and aerospace while enjoying a supportive culture that values your growth and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Accountant in Belfast
✨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 Thales. 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 Senior Project Accountant in Belfast
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 Thales.
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 Thales'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 Thales
✨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 Thales.
✨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 Thales 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 Thales 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.
