Project Accountant at WSP in Africa

Job Description

• As a Project Accountant, you will join our financial business and play an integral role in a team of highly skilled specialists who bring ideas to life for our clients across diverse financial projects. You will be responsible for ensuring accurate project accounting and financial management, supporting operational teams, and driving governance and reporting excellence
• Apply your sound understanding of Project Financial Accounting.
• Support operational team during revenue recognition process.
• Compilation of information, data analysis & report to business 
• Ensuring Corporate Governance, control and best practice is understood and communicated effectively to the business.
• Wider duties may include financial integration, commercial support
• Ability to successfully handle project accounting for multiple projects.
• Strong organizational, planning and prioritization skills.
• Sound knowledge of accounting systems, processes & procedures
• Apply good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently (self-starter), as well as part of a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Providing support for ad hoc tasks when requested.
• May need to work overtime as/when required.

Responsibilities

• Apply a sound understanding of Project Financial Accounting principles to manage project finances effectively.
• Support operational teams during the monthly revenue recognition process.
• Take ownership of Profit Centre-level management reporting, analysis, and business partnering.
• Ensure Corporate Governance, internal controls, and best practices are understood and communicated effectively across the business.
• Provide financial support and integration for new projects.
• Deliver commercial training and collaborate closely with project teams.
• Process journals and assist with the compilation of information for monthly reporting packs.
• Manage accounting for multiple concurrent projects, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Partner with project managers to monitor budget vs. actuals, highlighting risks to the relevant stakeholders
• Contribute to variance analysis.
• Support audits and compliance reviews, ensuring adherence to company policies and statutory requirements.
• Talent for continuous learning and converting ideas into impactful outcomes.
• Expertise in navigating complex financial and currency exchange projects.

Qualifications

• Part-qualified or fully qualified (Bcom, CIMA, ACCA, CASA).
• Proven ability to collaborate with non-finance stakeholders and provide financial insights.

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in MS Excel (including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP and understanding of Formulas).
• Experience with PowerBI or other data visualization tools (advantageous).
• Knowledge of ERP systems (Oracle preferred but not essential).
• Analytical Ability: Strong problem-solving and financial analysis skills.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Organizational Skills: Strong planning, prioritization, and time management abilities.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build relationships across teams and influence decision-making.
• Independence & Initiative: Self-starter who can work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated success in project accounting across multiple projects.
• Exposure to financial reporting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Experience in commercial support (e.g.. project integration, contracts, Revenue Recognition).
• Prior involvement in audit preparation and compliance is desirable.