Senior Project Accountant

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

Senior Project Accountant

Location: Belfast

Business Unit: Integrated Airspace‑Protection Systems (IAS)

Our purpose is to protect and defend — creating integrated solutions that bring together insight, coordination and decisive action. We respond rapidly with systems that support detection, fire control, engagement and mission sustainment. Our expertise spans Surface Attack & Air Defence (UK), Air Defence (International), Air Operations & Services, and Space.

We’re looking for a Senior Project Accountant to join our Belfast‑based finance team. This is a role with real influence:, you’ll be a trusted financial partner looking at strategy across the international sector, providing insight, challenge and direction. Your work will directly support programme performance, financial integrity and confident decision‑making.

What you’ll be doing

• Provide financial support to the Business Area Director and wider finance team
• Partner with manufacturing teams to understand product evolution and cost impacts
• Prepare monthly review packs including project analysis, cost reporting and recommended actions
• Consolidate risks, forecasts and contract estimates for Multi‑Year Budget and monthly cycles
• Ensure compliance with IFRS 15, UK GAAP and Chorus 2.0
• Support month‑end processing and rolling forecasts
• Identify control weaknesses and assess commercial impacts
• Maintain audit readiness and support internal/external audit requirements
• Improve data quality, reporting processes and digital tools across the portfolio

What you’ll bring

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you’re motivated by meaningful work, enjoy solving complex problems and thrive in collaborative environments, we’d love to hear from you.

• You’re a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with strong commercial awareness
• You communicate complex issues clearly and confidently
• You balance high‑quality financial operations with practical delivery needs
• You have strong ERP knowledge (ideally Oracle), plus TM1 and Power BI experience
• You’re comfortable analysing technical and financial data in a fast‑moving environment
• You understand IFRS 15 and international financial reporting standards
• Manufacturing sector experience is highly advantageous
• Knowledge of SSRO reporting and defence‑sector commercial sensitivities is beneficial
• Experience leading or mentoring others is welcome — though this role has no direct reports

Why this role matters

You’ll join a supportive, purpose‑driven team where your insight shapes programmes that protect people and enable critical missions. We value diverse perspectives, flexible thinking and people who enjoy working on meaningful challenges.

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions.  This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment.  If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a non-ITAR country may be considered. 

To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years.  In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.

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At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. Read more about our benefits here.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.

If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here.

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