Project Accountant

Position: Project Accountant - £50,000 - £70,000 A Year
Project Accountant (6 month FTC) | North Manchester (Office Based) | £50,000 - £70,000 plus benefits | Consumer products
*** Jan/Feb 2026 Start Required
*** The OpportunityA fast-growing, privately owned consumer products business is looking to appoint an experienced Project Accountant on an initial 6-month fixed term contract. This is a hands-on, delivery-focused role, reporting into the Head of Finance, with a clear mandate to drive finance transformation, process automation, and improved system utilisation.

The business operates in a dynamic, high-volume retail environment and partners with major UK retailers. The role will play a key part in strengthening finance processes to support scalable growth. Role

Purpose:

To lead and deliver change across the finance function, with a strong focus on automating manual processes and optimising the use of Microsoft Dynamics NAV / Business Central to improve reporting, controls, and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities Finance Transformation & Process Improvement Lead finance-led transformation initiatives to streamline and automate processes

Review end-to-end finance processes and design fit-for-purpose improvements

Deliver clearly defined project outputs within agreed timelines

Embed practical, well-documented processes that are sustainable beyond the contract

Microsoft Dynamics NAV / Business Central Optimisation Act as the finance owner for ERP optimisation

Improve system usage across postings, reconciliations, controls, and reporting

Identify and implement automation opportunities (journals, reconciliations, intercompany)
Work with external systems partners where required to design and deliver enhancements

Improve data structures, chart of accounts, and reporting capability

Financial Control & Reporting Improve month-end close timelines and reduce manual intervention

Strengthen balance sheet controls and audit trails

Enhance management reporting through better system use and automation

Provide ad-hoc analysis and project reporting to senior finance leadership

Stakeholder Engagement & Change Work closely with finance and non-finance stakeholders

Act as a change agent to ensure new processes are adopted

Deliver training and clear handover documentation

Skills & Experience Essential Qualified  or part-qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
Strong hands-on experience with Microsoft Dynamics NAV or Dynamics 365 Business Central Proven delivery of finance process improvement or systems projects

Solid understanding of core finance processes (P2P, O2C, R2R)
Able to work autonomously and deliver to tight deadlines

Desirable

Experience in a privately owned or growth-led business

Previous contract or project finance experienceERP optimisation, upgrade, or integration exposure

Strong Excel skills;

Power BI experience beneficial

Personal Attributes Delivery-focused and pragmatic

Confident operating in a change environment

Strong communicator with the ability to influence

Commercially minded with strong attention to detail

Zachary Daniels and our client are both equal opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Zachary Daniels is a Niche, National & International Recruitment Consultancy. Specialising in Buying, Merchandising & Ecommerce | Design, Technical, Wholesale & Production | Finance | HR & Talent | H&S & Compliance | Marketing, Digital & Technology | Property & Centre Management | Retail, Trade, Leisure & Wholesale Operations | Senior Appointments & Exec | Sales | Supply Chain & LogisticsBBBH
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