IT Project Accountant

Job Title: IT Project Accountant
Department: Finance / Group Finance
Reports To: Finance Business Partner
Location: Huntingdon – Hybrid, 3 days a week on site
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract - 12 months

Role Purpose: 
The IT Project Accountant will be responsible for tracking all costs, revenues, and financial transactions associated with specific projects, allowing Hilton managers to monitor its profitability, resource usage, and compliance with budgets. 

Hilton is currently entering a period of transformation which is project/programme heavy with this newly defined role playing a critical part in the success of these projects and programmes. 

The role requires a combination of accounting expertise, analytical skill, a good understanding of technology programme cost drivers, project delivery lifecycles and effective communication to support project managers and stakeholders in making informed financial decisions.

Cost Control:
Help identify areas where expenses can be reduced or resources optimised.
Support programme and project managers with cost control across capital expenditure, operating expenditure, resource costs, support and implementation costs.
Support financial modelling of business cases, including implementation costs, benefits, ROI and TCO, and track through duration of project.
Improve project accounting processes, templates, reporting packs, and financial controls across technology portfolio.

Budget Management: 
Perform comparisons between Actual costs and Budgeted costs ensuring projects stay financially on track.
Tracking expenditures and variances, providing insights into financial performance and recommend adjustments, as necessary. 
Financials are managed in line with agreed governance, approval processes, delegated authorities, and internal finance policies.

Resource Allocation:
•Monitor the use of personnel, equipment, and materials, enabling efficient allocation.
•Prioritising tasks based on their importance and urgency. 
•Utilising project management software and resource allocation tools to streamline the process.

Performance Assessment:
Regular reporting and communication with stakeholders to keep them informed about the project’s performance and any necessary adjustments. Produce clear, accurate financial reports for Project/Portfolio Boards, Steering committees, and leadership.
Provide regular forecasts, highlighting expected costs funding challenges and potential overspends.
Support month-end activities, including accruals, reforecasts, and capitalisation requests.

Qualifications & Experience:
Essential
Fully qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent).
Experience in IT project accounting or related role within a multinational organisation.
Advanced Excel skills; experience with financial reporting systems.
Preferred
Experience with project accounting tools (Productive, Paymo, Forecast, LiquidPlanner, Sage Intacct, Xero or similar).
Experience working with cross functional and geographically dispersed teams.

Skills & Competencies:
Extensive knowledge of project processes, good understanding of technology programme cost drivers and project delivery lifecycles. 
Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
High attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced transformation environment.
Ability to build strong working relationships with Finance Business Partners, PMO, IT Leadership, project Managers and Key Stakeholders.