Project Financial Controller

Your new company

A pioneering, innovative and cutting-edge technology manufacturer is recruiting a Project Financial Controller / Project Finance Business Partner This is a unique opportunity to join a specialist business that is outperforming its market, supported by a strong and growing order book in professional, modern and accessible offices in Surrey, this organisation is widely regarded as an employer of choice. You will work closely with a supportive and forward-thinking Finance Director who actively encourages career progression and development, offering genuine long-term opportunities.
Your new role

This exciting Project Financial Controller / Project Finance Business Partner opportunity will report directly to the Finance Director and sit within the senior leadership team. You will be responsible for project financial control, WIP management and performance tracking across a portfolio of complex programmes. Acting as a key partner to operations, engineering and R&D teams, you will play a critical role in driving commercial performance.

You will also lead and develop a team of three.

Key Responsibilities

Project Financial Control

• Full ownership of project cost control, profitability and financial performance
• Lead the monthly project reporting cycle, including variance analysis and forecasting
• Ensure accurate cost tracking against budgets, timelines and deliverables
• Partner with programme and project managers to drive financial discipline and accountability

Work in Progress (WIP)

• Ownership of WIP accounting, valuation and reporting
• Ensure robust processes covering revenue recognition, cost allocation and stage of completion
• Regularly review WIP exposure, risks and recoverability
• Drive improvements in cash conversion and billing accuracy

R&D and Engineering Finance

• Provide financial oversight of R&D spend and capitalisation
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards relating to development costs and innovation projects
• Work closely with engineering teams to track project costs, returns on investment and budget performance

Manufacturing / Operational Finance

• Partner with operations on standard costing, cost control and manufacturing variances
• Oversee inventory and stock management from a financial perspective
• Support margin improvement through detailed cost analysis and process optimisation

Forecasting and Planning

• Lead project-level forecasting and long-term financial planning
• Provide clear insight into project profitability, resource utilisation and cost overruns
• Support the wider budgeting process with a strong focus on project delivery and performance

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, develop and mentor a team of three project control / finance professionals
• Set clear objectives, performance expectations and development plans
• Build a high-performing team focused on accuracy, insight and strong business partnering
• Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes and controls

Business Partnering

• Act as a key finance contact for project managers, engineering leads and operations leadership
• Translate financial data into clear, actionable insight
• Challenge stakeholders constructively on cost control, project delivery and commercial outcomes

Controls and Governance

• Ensure robust financial controls across project accounting and reporting
• Maintain compliance with relevant accounting standards and internal policies
• Support audit processes with clear and well-documented project financials and WIP reporting

What you'll need to succeed

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
• Proven experience in a Financial Controller, Project Control or Programme Finance role
• Background within engineering, manufacturing, construction or another project-led environment

Technical experience

• Strong understanding of WIP accounting and revenue recognition
• Experience in project costing and margin analysis
• Exposure to R&D or development cost tracking would be advantageous

Skills

• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence non-finance stakeholders
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling capability
• Experience working with ERP and project accounting systems
• Confident communicator, comfortable operating at both operational and senior levels

What…