Title:
Project Finance Analyst
The KBR team of teams delivers future-forward science, technology and engineering solutions and mission-critical services that help governments and companies around the world accomplish their most important objectives, while also helping achieve their sustainability goals.
The core purpose of this role is to take ownership of financial reporting and forecasting across a portfolio of projects. Reporting to the Lead Project Accountant, this position partners closely with commercial and operational project management teams to ensure accurate financial insight and performance management.
Acting as the financial lead for the assigned portfolio - typically covering three operations—this role operates as a ‘CFO’ for the projects, providing both detailed financial control and high-quality commercial insight. The position combines the delivery of core accounting activities, including journal postings and cost allocations, with proactive business partnering to support senior stakeholders.
The successful candidate will deliver financial outputs to a high standard while working with a high degree of autonomy. At the same time, they will build strong relationships across Finance and non-finance teams, supporting directors in identifying efficiencies, managing costs, and improving overall project performance.
This role is well suited to a part-qualified accountant seeking to broaden their experience across both technical accounting and commercial finance, while developing into a true finance business partner.
Location
Leatherhead – hybrid working with a minimum of three days per week on site, supported by agile working practices. UK travel and occasional international travel are required.
An increased on-site commitment of four to five days per week is expected during the first three to six months while establishing in role.
Security Requirements
Due to project security requirements, candidates must be eligible for UK security clearance. This typically requires sole British citizenship and 5-year footprint in the UK.
Key Responsibilities
1. Monitor and analyse project costs, tracking actual spend against budgets and highlighting variances.
2. Prepare accurate client billing reports, ensuring all supporting documentation meets contractual requirements.
3. Produce monthly financial reports, including variance analysis and clear insights for project stakeholders.
4. Manage month-end processes, including accruals, deferrals, and associated accounting adjustments.
5. Develop and maintain robust supporting documentation in line with internal controls and SOX compliance standards.
6. Support forecasting and projections across P&L, balance sheet, and cashflow for individual projects.
7. Identify financial risks and opportunities, escalating where appropriate to support effective decision-making.
8. Act as a finance business partner to project managers, providing insights and resolving day-to-day financial queries.
9. Build strong working knowledge of ERP systems and financial data structures to support reporting and analysis.
What we Need
10. Part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with solid accounting fundamentals.
11. Strong Excel capability with a focus on financial analysis.
12. Proven experience in financial reporting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
13. Strong stakeholder engagement and business partnering experience.
Desirable:
14. Experience in project accounting (e.g. Estimate at Completion, Time & Materials).
15. Exposure to SOX controls, US GAAP, or working with auditors.
16. Experience in industry (non-practice environment), ideally within defence or regulated sectors.
17. Experience using ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle, Costpoint).
18. Power BI / Power Query or data modelling capability.
19. Understanding of commercial contracts and financial obligations.
Behaviours
20. Collaborative and team-oriented, working closely with stakeholders at all levels.
21. High level of ownership and accountability, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
22. Committed to accuracy, integrity, and compliance in financial reporting.
23. Curious mindset with a focus on understanding the “why” behind financial data.
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