At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial decision-making with insights and analysis for engineering projects.
- Company: Leading Thames Valley engineering business with a focus on growth and profitability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for immediate start, and professional development.
- Other info: Immediate availability required; strong Excel skills and communication abilities essential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with project accounting experience in engineering or construction.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client is a leading Thames Valley engineering business who require an immediately available Project Accountant. The successful candidate will have a project accounting background ideally gained from an engineering / construction background. You must be fully qualified, available within 1 week. A self-starter and based in the UK with full UK RTW.
Description
To support data-driven decision making across the business by delivering high-quality financial insight, analysis and planning. The Finance Business Partner works closely with operational and commercial stakeholders to ensure robust forecasting, track financial performance against budgets, and provide financial challenge and support for key business initiatives. The role combines a strong technical understanding of financial analysis with the ability to influence and communicate with non-finance colleagues. It plays a critical role in supporting continued growth, profitability and strategic planning efforts.
Key Responsibilities:
- Business Partnering & Support
- Act as a key finance point of contact for assigned business units or divisions.
- Work closely with operational leads to understand drivers of performance, cost and margin.
- Support commercial decision-making with financial insight, including pricing, cost recovery and investment appraisals.
- Participate in project reviews and performance tracking, highlighting risks and opportunities.
- Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting
- Support the annual budgeting and quarterly reforecasting processes.
- Prepare monthly rolling forecasts for revenue, gross margin, overheads and cashflow.
- Align forecasts with pipeline, resourcing and delivery assumptions.
- Assist in long-term planning and 5-year strategic modelling exercises.
- Reporting & Insight
- Deliver regular reporting packs (monthly, quarterly) to budget holders, analysing variances and tracking key metrics.
- Prepare financial dashboards to drive visibility and action.
- Support the production of Board and Exec reporting with clear, well-presented analysis.
- Collaboration & Improvement
- Work with the Head of FP&A to improve planning tools, data structures and reporting processes.
- Collaborate with the Financial Controller to ensure consistency between management and statutory reporting.
- Contribute to improvement of cost centre structures, chart of accounts and project reporting accuracy.
Requirements
- Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent).
- Strong background in management accounting, FP&A or commercial finance.
- Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills; experience with ERP and reporting tools (e.g. NetSuite).
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills – able to influence non-finance stakeholders.
- Able to explain financial concepts clearly and drive accountability for results.
Project Accountant (Interim) in Reading employer: Wade Macdonald
Join a leading engineering business in the Thames Valley as a Project Accountant, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation. With a focus on employee growth, the company offers opportunities for professional development and encourages a data-driven approach to decision-making, ensuring that your contributions directly impact the organisation's success. Enjoy the benefits of working in a supportive environment that prioritises financial insight and strategic planning, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Accountant (Interim) in Reading
✨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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Project Accountant (Interim) in Reading
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 Wade Macdonald 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 Wade Macdonald. 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 Wade Macdonald confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wade Macdonald
✨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 Wade Macdonald.
✨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 Wade Macdonald 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.
