Project Accountant at NAVANTIA UK

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

26 May, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

25 Feb, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Project Accounting, Cost Management, Financial Planning, Cost Control, Forecasting, Earned Value Analysis, Performance Reporting, Variance Analysis, Financial Modelling, Scenario Planning, ERP Systems, SAP PS, FICO, Cost Governance, Commercial Acumen, Stakeholder Influence

Industry

Shipbuilding

Description

Company Description Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime ambitions. We’re doing this by creating state-of-the-art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in the UK to modernise industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation's energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state-owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well-positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK. Job Description Project Accountant Role Overview: We are seeking a commercially astute Project Accountant with strong cost management capability to act as a key financial partner across major programmes within the Business Unit. This role goes beyond traditional accounting. You will play a pivotal role in financial planning, cost control, forecasting accuracy and performance improvement, ensuring projects are delivered within budget and aligned to strategic objectives. As a trusted advisor to the Head of BMO and Project Managers, you will provide robust financial insight, challenge assumptions, and drive disciplined cost governance across complex programmes. Key Responsibilities: Financial Planning & Cost Control: Lead the preparation and management of project budgets (POA), forecasts and long-range financial projections. Monitor project performance against Budget at Completion (BAC), identifying risks, cost overruns and efficiency opportunities. Deliver detailed variance analysis with clear, data-driven recommendations to Project Managers and CAM Leads. Lead the financial agenda within Cost Account Management (CAM) meetings, providing challenge and insight. Manage and report on contingency usage in line with internal governance procedures. Forecasting & Commercial Insight Support the development of accurate Estimate at Completion (EAC) and profitability forecasts. Analyse key financial metrics including cash flow, margin, cost trends and working capital impact. Provide financial modelling to support scenario planning and decision-making. Coordinate OPI and OPE cost data and complete indexation calculations. Governance & Compliance: Ensure accurate cost allocation to project codes and cost centres within ERP systems. Support financial review of contracts, subcontracts, change orders and risk registers. Ensure compliance with internal financial policies, procedures and reporting standards. Contribute to month-end reporting and submission of results to Accounting. Continuous Improvement: Implement best practices in project financial management and earned value cost control. Identify process improvements to enhance cost predictability, reporting quality and profitability. Support budget reallocations and financial re-baselining where required. What We’re Looking For: Experience: Significant experience in project accounting or cost accounting within complex, project-based environments (marine, construction, engineering or manufacturing preferred). Demonstrated success managing financials for large, multi-disciplinary programmes. Strong experience in cost control, forecasting, earned value analysis and performance reporting. Experience using ERP systems (SAP PS & FICO highly desirable). Skills & Capabilities: Strong analytical capability with advanced Excel and financial modelling skills. Commercially minded with the confidence to challenge and influence senior stakeholders. Ability to translate financial data into clear, actionable insights. High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Strong communication skills, capable of engaging both finance and non-finance colleagues. Level & Autonomy: Operates independently across most aspects of project financial management. Manages medium to moderately complex projects. Exercises judgement in forecasting, cost analysis and financial risk evaluation. Influences decision-making within project and BU leadership teams. Coaches’ others on cost management best practice where required. Working Environment: Office-based in Belfast with occasional travel as required. May require flexibility during peak reporting periods. Why This Role? This is an opportunity to play a strategic role within a high-value programme environment, partnering closely with senior stakeholders and directly influencing financial performance. The successful candidate will gain exposure to complex project structures and contribute meaningfully to commercial success and operational excellence. Qualifications Education & Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance or related discipline. Professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CMA or equivalent) preferred. Additional Information An immediate start is available for the right candidate, offering a fast-paced and engaging opportunity. We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination. We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance. If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at [email protected] and one of the team will be in contact to help you. Location: Belfast (New Build) Department: Finance Employment Type: Permanent

Responsibilities

The Project Accountant will lead financial planning, cost control, forecasting accuracy, and performance improvement across major business unit programmes, acting as a key financial partner. This involves providing robust financial insight, challenging assumptions, and driving disciplined cost governance for complex programmes.