Job Description
Defence Project Accountant
Location: Shawbury, Shropshire (flexible working available)
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Security Clearance: Eligible for MoD/SC clearance required
The Opportunity
We’re supporting a globally recognised aerospace and defence organisation in the search for a Defence Project Accountant to join their finance team based in Shawbury.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded finance professional to play a key role in the financial management of high-value defence programmes, supporting both live contracts and future bid activity.
You’ll work closely with operational and senior leadership teams, providing robust financial reporting, forecasting, risk analysis, and commercial insight across a complex project environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the financial management and reporting of defence projects
* Prepare budgets, forecasts, and Estimate at Completion (EAC) updates
* Review P&L, balance sheet, and cashflow performance
* Maintain and monitor billing milestones and contract deliverables
* Analyse variances in cost, programme, and resource performance
* Support bid activity with project plans, work packages, and financial modelling
* Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting standards, and governance processes
* Maintain project financial data within SAP and reporting systems
* Work closely with senior stakeholders across finance and operations
What We’re Looking For
* Strong understanding of accountancy principles and project finance
* Experience within a financial control, management accounting, or project accounting environment
* Strong Excel and MS Office skills
* Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
* Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting
* Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills
* Structured and methodical approach to problem solving
Desirable Experience
* Experience with SAP
* Project accounting experience
* Knowledge of defence or government contracting environments
* Understanding of Single Source Regulations or public sector frameworks
Qualifications
* Professional accountancy qualification (ACCA / CIMA / ACA) or part-qualified
About You
* Commercially aware and detail focused
* Confident communicator across finance and non-finance teams
* Proactive and solutions driven
* Comfortable operating in a fast-paced project environment
* Strong planning and organisational skills
What’s on Offer
* Competitive salary
* Bonus potential
* Private medical insurance
* Generous pension scheme
* Share/incentive schemes
* Flexible working arrangements
* Additional lifestyle and wellbeing benefits
* Career development within a global business
Please Note
Candidates must have the right to work in the UK and be eligible for security clearance. Occasional UK and European travel may be required.