Trainee Project - Cost Accountant

Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime ambitions. We’re doing this by creating state-of-the-art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in the UK to modernise industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation's energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state-owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well-positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK.

Trainee Project - Cost Accountant

Job Description

Job Title: Trainee Project / Cost Accountant

Department: Business Management Office (BMO)

Location: Belfast

Reporting To:

Job Purpose

The Trainee Project / Cost Accountant supports the Business Management Office (BMO) in monitoring and managing the financial performance of key business unit programmes and projects. The role contributes to financial analysis, forecasting, and reporting activities that support effective decision-making and ensure projects remain financially controlled and aligned with organisational objectives.

Working under guidance, the role assists in gathering financial data, preparing reports, and supporting budgeting and forecasting processes. The position provides structured development to build the knowledge and capabilities required to become a fully competent Cost Accountant. Over time, the role will take responsibility for leading the financial elements of Cost Account Management (CAM) meetings for projects and/or the business unit.

The Trainee Project / Cost Accountant collaborates closely with project managers, risk managers, procurement teams, and finance departments to ensure accurate financial reporting, cost control, and financial forecasting across projects.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of detailed financial reports, including budgets (POA), forecasts, and variance analyses.
• Monitor project costs against approved budgets, identifying cost overruns or savings opportunities and providing recommendations to the Project Manager and/or CAM Lead.
• Support the timely and accurate reporting of project financial performance to senior management and key stakeholders.
• Provide financial input during project reviews and assist in the preparation of project progress reports.
• Support the Project Manager in developing Budget at Completion (BAC) forecasts, ensuring accurate projections of future expenditures and project profitability.
• Analyse and report on key financial metrics, including cash flow, profitability, and cost trends.
• Manage and report on project contingency in accordance with internal procedures.
• Coordinate OPI and OPE cost data.
• Perform indexation calculations and assist with budget reallocations when required.
• Ensure all costs are correctly allocated to the appropriate project codes and cost centres, maintaining accuracy in financial records.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Understanding of project or cost accounting principles.
• Experience in project/cost accounting or a similar financial role, preferably within marine, construction, manufacturing, or engineering sectors.
• Ability to manage financial information for large or complex projects.
• Experience working with ERP systems, preferably SAP (PS and FICO modules).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to produce accurate, high-quality financial information within deadlines.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills when working with cross-functional teams.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline preferred.
• Actively working towards a professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, CIMA, or CMA) is desirable.

Working Environment

• Standard office-based environment.
• Occasional travel and overnight stays may be required.
• Working hours may exceed the regular schedule during peak periods.

Physical Requirements

• Minimal physical risk associated with the role.
• Duties involve extended periods of sitting, standing, and computer-based work with appropriate breaks.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with staff and management at all organisational levels, including those with varying degrees of financial knowledge.

Additional Information

The responsibilities listed above are not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake additional duties that are reasonable and within the scope and grading of the role. Job descriptions are reviewed periodically to ensure they remain an accurate reflection of the position.

Education & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline preferred.
• Actively working towards a professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, CIMA, or CMA) is desirable.
  
  

An immediate start is available for the right candidate, offering a fast-paced and engaging opportunity.

We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination.

We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.

If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at people.skills@harland-wolff.com and one of the team will be in contact to help you.