Project Accountant in Birmingham

We are looking for an experienced Project Accountant to join the West Midlands Combined Authority and take a leading role in the landmark move to a franchised bus service in May 2025. This is the primary focus of the role and an opportunity to be fully immersed within the Bus Franchising project team, helping deliver a transformation that will reshape public transport across the region and make a real difference to local communities. Beyond this, you will also have the chance to support other major capital projects in the future, including large-scale infrastructure programmes and retrofit schemes (energy efficiency measures to housing stock). Please note this is a 24 month fixed term contract.

What you will be doing:

• Provide high quality project accounting services for a range of WMCA Group capital projects.
• Ensure capital budgets and capital funding for a range of WMCA Group capital projects are monitored and controlled effectively.
• Support project managers in managing their available financial resources.
• Support the relevant Strategic Finance Business Partner in providing financial advice to budget holders and project managers and preparing written financial implications for inclusion in formal reports.
• Provide efficient month-end accounting activities.
• Review month-end position for a range of WMCA Group capital projects in accordance with the agreed month end timetable.
• Provide effective forecasting activities at regular intervals.
• Coordinate the submission of robust annual budget proposals for WMCA Group capital projects.
• Support project managers in developing robust annual capital budget proposals.
• Assist in the preparation of funding bids and submissions to government.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant grant or funding conditions.
• Develop a full understanding of WMCA Groups Financial Procedure Rules, and the WMCA Groups Capital Strategy and Treasury Management Strategy.

What's essential:

• Project accounting at a senior level.
• Financial planning at a senior level.
• Experience of providing financial advice and support to budget holders and senior managers.
• Experience of working proactively with colleagues across the finance function.
• Supporting multi-disciplinary teams to achieve service outcomes.
• CCAB qualified accountant or equivalent QBE.

Location: The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

Salary and benefits:

• We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Local Government Pension Scheme, Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme, 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days, EV car benefit scheme, Healthcare plans, Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice, an option to buy a bicycle at a discounted rate, 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer, Interest-free financing through SmartTech, Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home. We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace:

WMCA holds diversity accreditations and is committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria. We encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply.

Right to Work in the UK: Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements.