Cost Accountant - Contract

Interim Cost Accountant / Finance Business Partner (Contract) Central London - Hybrid (2 days WFH)

£400 - £500 p/d (umbrella - inside IR35)

Our client, a leading organisation in the energy sector, is seeking an experienced, fully qualified accountant to support the finance team on an initial 2-3 month contract.

This role requires a hands-on contractor who can quickly get up to speed, work independently, and provide immediate value. We're looking for someone with strong experience in project-based environments such as energy, infrastructure, construction, engineering, or other relevant industries.

The successful candidate will have a background in cost control, FP&A, management reporting, and business partnering, with the confidence to challenge stakeholders and drive financial insight across complex projects and operations. Key Responsibilities

Lead monthly cost reporting across Opex and Capex, providing meaningful variance analysis and commentary.

Deliver budgeting, forecasting, and FP&A support to operational and project teams.

Partner with stakeholders across Finance, Operations, Procurement, and Project Delivery to improve financial performance and cost control.

Analyse project costs, identify trends and risks, and provide actionable recommendations.

Prepare and review month-end accounting activities, including journals, accruals, and prepayments.

Ensure accurate cost allocation, coding, and reporting across projects and business units.

Support management reporting and provide clear financial insights to senior stakeholders.

Investigate and resolve reporting issues, driving improvements to financial processes and controls.

Candidate Profile

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).

Proven experience operating in a fast-paced, project-based environment such as energy, infrastructure, engineering, construction, or similar.

Strong background in cost accounting, FP&A, budgeting, forecasting, and management reporting.

Excellent business partnering skills with the ability to influence and challenge non-finance stakeholders.

Commercially minded with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Comfortable working autonomously and delivering results in a short-term contract environment.

Advanced Excel and financial systems experience.

The Opportunity This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance contractor to join a high-profile energy business and make an immediate impact within a commercially focused finance team.