Project Finance Manager

Project Finance Manager

Southend-on-Sea Full-Time 40000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage project finances, prepare accounts, and provide insights for decision-making.
  • Company: Wilson James is a leading managed service provider with over 30 years of experience.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, lifestyle perks, learning opportunities, and health support.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team, enhance your skills, and contribute to impactful projects.
  • Qualifications: Part-qualified accountant with strong management accounting and Excel skills required.
  • Other info: Opportunities for career progression and internal mobility within the company.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 55000 £ per year.

Project Finance Manager
Permanent
Location: Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex
Hours: Full time, Monday – Friday
Pay: £47,250

Join Our Team as a Project Finance Manager.

We are seeking an ambitious and detail-driven Project Finance Manager to join our growing team. This is a key role within a complex, large-scale business, responsible for delivering accurate project-level financial management and providing critical insights to support operational and strategic decision-making.

Working closely with project teams and senior stakeholders, you\’ll own the financial management of projects from set-up through to reporting, ensuring strong controls, timely reporting, and compliance with all governance requirements.

About the Role:

As a Project Finance Manager you will be responsible for:

  • Prepare monthly management accounts in line with strict deadlines (SAP)
  • Produce and analyse variance reports, highlighting risks and opportunities
  • Deliver clear, insightful commentary alongside accounts
  • Build and upload contract budgets into SAP
  • Manage system set-up for new projects and ensure accurate configuration
  • Oversee sales ledger invoicing and liaise with clients on billing
  • Support year-end and interim statutory audits
  • Partner with support functions to ensure accurate accounting postings
  • Prepare and post journals, including central journal reconciliations
  • Document, review, and improve financial processes
  • Report accurate financial results to external stakeholders

Why Join Us?

  • Annual leave entitlement of 25 days
  • Lifestyle Benefits – Mortgage and financial advice, vouchers for various shopping outlets and food stores, employee referral scheme.
  • Learning & Development – we actively encourage progression and offer various eLearning courses, progression, training whilst on site, apprenticeships, and in-house training courses.
  • Health and Wellbeing – Life assurance scheme, access to mental health support specialists
  • Access to an Online GP for you and your dependents.
  • Financial support
  • Discounts on hundreds of retail sites
  • Progression opportunities – many of our team go on to senior and site management roles
  • A welcoming, respectful team culture
  • Cycle to Work scheme

What we are looking for:

  • Part-qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent)
  • Strong background in management accounting within a project-based or large-scale business
  • Advanced Excel and data modelling skills (pivot tables, lookups, scenario modelling)
  • Experience working with ERP systems (SAP highly advantageous)
  • Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
  • Strong attention to detail with excellent problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain financial data to non-finance stakeholders
  • Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Experience preparing financial commentary and presenting to senior stakeholders
  • Solid understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
  • Demonstrated ability to improve and streamline financial processes

Interested? Apply now and secure your future with us!
Please be aware that, on occasion, we may close a vacancy earlier than the advertised deadline if we receive a high volume of strong applications

Wilson James is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. A criminal conviction will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position, however each case will be assessed on an individual basis. For information about Wilson James\’ commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, https://wilsonjames.co.uk/sustainability
Wilson James have been raising standards in security, construction logistics, aviation services, and technology for over 30 years. With 5,000 employees and a presence across over 300 client sites all over the UK, we are dedicated to delivering tailored solutions and top-tier customer service. As a leading managed service provider, we prioritise safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Joining Wilson James offers the excitement of working with diverse, vibrant clients, making for a dynamic and engaging workplace.

Internal Applicants
At Wilson James, we support career growth and offer internal mobility to help employees explore new roles and advance within the company. Committed to promoting from within, we provide clear career pathways and continuous skill development. Unlock your potential by applying for exciting internal opportunities and new challenge. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Project Finance Manager employer: Wilson James

Wilson James is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, where employees are valued and supported in their professional growth. With a strong focus on learning and development, competitive benefits including lifestyle perks and mental health support, and clear pathways for career progression, we empower our team to thrive in a dynamic environment. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that prioritises safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
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Contact Detail:

Wilson James Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Project Finance Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with SAP and other ERP systems, as this role heavily relies on them. Consider taking a short online course or tutorial to brush up on your skills, which will show your commitment and readiness for the position.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare to discuss your experience in management accounting during the interview. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed project finances, highlighting your attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice explaining complex financial data in simple terms. Since you'll be communicating with non-finance stakeholders, being able to convey insights clearly will demonstrate your communication skills and make you stand out.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Wilson James and their projects to understand their business model and values. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses in interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in joining our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Project Finance Manager

Part-qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent)
Management accounting experience in a project-based or large-scale business
Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables and scenario modelling
Experience with ERP systems, particularly SAP
Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Strong attention to detail
Excellent problem-solving skills
Effective communication skills for explaining financial data to non-finance stakeholders
Strong organisational skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities
Experience in preparing financial commentary for senior stakeholders
Solid understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
Demonstrated ability to improve and streamline financial processes

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in project finance and management accounting. Emphasise your qualifications, such as being part-qualified (ACCA, CIMA, ACA), and showcase your advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP systems like SAP.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying to the Project Finance Manager position. Mention specific examples of how your skills and experience align with the responsibilities listed in the job description, such as preparing management accounts and managing project budgets.

Highlight Key Achievements: In your application, include specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver accurate financial management and insightful commentary. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact, such as improvements in financial processes or successful project completions.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role in finance. Consider asking a friend or colleague to review it as well.

How to prepare for a job interview at Wilson James

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Project Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be prepared to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This will show your understanding of project-level financial management.

✨Showcase Your ERP Experience

Since experience with ERP systems like SAP is highly advantageous, be ready to share specific examples of how you've used such systems in your previous roles. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. Prepare scenarios where you've had to manage tight deadlines or complex financial situations, and explain your thought process and outcomes.

✨Communicate Clearly

You'll need to explain financial data to non-finance stakeholders, so practice simplifying complex information. Use clear, concise language and be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully communicated financial insights in the past.

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