Project Accountant (6 month FTC)

Project Accountant (6 month FTC) | North Manchester (Office Based) | £50,000 - £70,000 plus benefits | Consumer products

***Jan/Feb 2026 Start Required***

The Opportunity

A 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 experience
• ERP 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 & Logistics

BBBH35278