Project Accountants

Sitec are currently looking to recruit Project Accountants for a nuclear MoD establishment in Reading. The posts are for an estimated 12 month contracts and are paying on an hourly basis circa £35-40.00 dependant on experience. 

Successful applicants will be required to be Security Cleared prior to appointment. 

Job/Role Purpose

As member of Business Support team matrixed into the Science & Technology Programme

• Provide financial management support to a portfolio of projects/business areas, raising financial awareness and promoting informed decision making
• Provide timely reporting of finance related issues to Programme Management together with informed analysis, capable of withstanding scrutiny, in order to increase transparency of financial performance
• Ensuring project/business compliance with company financial protocols and accounting best practice
• Support projects/business areas in delivery of savings targets, fostering a savings culture amongst Project Managers and Sponsors

Key Accountabilities

• Providing financial management support and guidance to projects/business
• Assuring the quality of financial information provided by projects/business
• Ensuring adequate review and challenge of project financial performance
• Assuring the quality of financial information provided to the Programme and/or the Executive
• Ensuring project/business adherence to company financial processes and protocols and accounting best practice
• Supporting the projects/business in delivery of savings targets

Key Responsibilities (as required)

Project/Business Support

• Financial input to project stage gate business cases (including investment appraisal and through-life costings) for review by the Sanctions Board
• A financial review of all Business Cases coming to the Sanctions Board
• Assisting in the establishment of a process that comprehensively identifies through life cost for Re-Kit and Capital solutions
• Reviewing and evaluating project baseline plans and monthly re-forecasts; assuring the quality of variance analysis against plan; supporting Programme reviews

Key Responsibilities (cont’d)

• Provide interpretation of corporate financial requirements for month end, year end and the Sanction Board
• To establish improvements in forecasting in Major Projects, Capital Programme and Operational Projects by challenging, providing assurance and confidence in the integrity of financial information
• Financial input to monthly project reports, variance analysis, financial risks/opportunities evaluation, latest forecast updates (in-year and in-phase)
• Embedding Earned Value Management (EVM) within key projects; using EVM as a project control tool and analysing and interpreting project EV trends
• Overseeing financial close-out of Major Projects, and conducting post-investment appraisal
• Promoting financial awareness within project teams
• Attending project meetings to review and challenge financial performance
• Analysis and ad hoc reporting as required

Compliance

• Ensuring project compliance with company financial protocols and accounting best practice; including transactions, planning and forecasting and reporting
• Supporting projects to ensure compliance with Corporate planning and forecasting processes including confidence modelling
• To introduce compliance Key Performance Indicators for the Major Projects
• Process monthly accruals and track progress to ensure they are cleared
• Produce tracking file/where accruals and Project Cost Adjustments have been processed
• Ensure “Commitment” and “To be receipted” reports available for the business
• Assist Major Projects to reduce the number of legacy commitments

Savings

• Contributing to the growth of a savings culture – advising projects on identifying, measuring, banking and reporting savings
• Formalise the identification and measurement of savings by collating and providing supporting evidence and challenging assumptions
• Utilising appropriate accounting and analysis techniques to demonstrate best value for money options

General

• Promoting use of the company Business System, providing training to project teams where required
• Following the introduction of the Cost Management System, explore the benefits to the Operational programmes
• Ensure month end processes are completed in the Business System
• Operating within the company standards with regards to Environment, Health, Safety, Security and Quality Standards

Qualifications

• Recognised accountancy qualification (preferably CIMA) or with experience relevant to the role

Knowledge

• In depth understanding and knowledge of accounting protocols
• Intermediate level ability in the use of Corporate software e.g. Excel, Word, Business System (Oracle), Reporting and Data-mining tools and Outlook

Experience

• Some management accounting experience is essential
• Competency in Microsoft Office suite is essential
• Some exposure to major capital projects would be preferable

Skills

• Strong numerical and analytical skills to assist in the production of high quality financial reports and analysis, and to ensure the integrity of the accounts
• Presentation skills are preferred

Behaviours

• Good interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) to ensure clear communication of financial information at all levels within the business
• Proactive and able to work on own initiative
• Able to network and build relationships with the business
• Able to challenge the business on issues of performance or compliance