Projects Accountant

Job Purpose / Overview

Fidra is a renewable energy business specialising in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). We develop, construct and operate energy storage assets that support grid stability and the transition to a low-carbon energy system.

The Projects Accountant supports the Projects Financial Controller with financial oversight, control, and reporting for Fidra Energy’s BESS projects.

Responsibilities include managing project accounting, cost control, forecasting and capital expenditure tracking. The role ensures accurate financial visibility throughout development, construction, and operations, and partners closely with Growth & Strategy, Construction, and Site teams.

Contextual Information

Operating Environment 

The position works across finance, operations, growth and strategy, construction, and external contractors/vendors. It requires hybrid working between Edinburgh HQ and operational sites, with regular travel required. The role demands strong organisational capability, attention to detail, commercial awareness and the ability to manage multiple active projects simultaneously.  

Principal Accountabilities

Health, Safety and Environment

Demonstrate support of the HSE principles at Fidra Energy

Project Accounting & Cost Control

Own day-to-day financial accounting for all aspects of the project from development through construction

Track costs against budgets, forecasts and funding models

Maintain detailed project cost trackers and capital expenditure schedules

Ensure appropriate capitalisation of costs in line with accounting standards

Monitor commitments, accruals and cash flow

Support regular reforecasting and budget cycles incorporating latest contractor updates.

Month-End & Reporting

Prepare month-end journals, accruals and prepayments and expenditure records for each project.

Reconcile balance sheet accounts

Assist in producing accurate financial reports for senior management

Assist in preparing materials for investor, lender or funding reporting requirements.

Support monthly management accounts with project-related analysis

Assist with variance analysis and cost-to-complete reporting

Funding and Projects Support

Assist in managing funding drawdowns and maintaining supporting documentation

Prepare cost evidence and reporting required under funding agreements

Maintain funding trackers and covenant compliance schedules

Business Partnering

Work closely with the construction team to understand project progress and financial risks

Provide financial insight to support decision-making and cost optimisation

Provide financial input into contract reviews, milestone structures and payment terms

Assist in evaluating change orders, variations and contractor claims

Challenge assumptions and highlight risks or overspends early

Support investment cases and financial models with actual cost data

Translate financial information for non-finance stakeholders

Controls, Compliance & Audit

Ensure strong financial controls across revenue and project spend

Ensure compliance of construction contracts from a finance perspective (payment terms, milestones, retention)

Support external audits and funding reviews

Ensure compliance with accounting standards and internal policies

Systems & Process Improvement

Maintain accurate data within finance systems

Support improvements to project accounting processes and reporting

Assist with development of contract management system

Assist with system implementations or enhancements where required

Contribute to continuous improvement of project accounting processes as the business scales

This list is not exhaustive:

All of the above activities require:

Commercially minded and confident challenging assumptions

Organised, proactive and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Comfortable working in a fast-paced, delivery-focused environment

Strong communicator with the ability to translate finance for non-finance stakeholders

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, cost models)

Understanding of project accounting and capital expenditure control

Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines

Strong attention to detail and analytical mindset

Desirable

Exposure to IFRS and capitalisation of development and construction costs

Understanding of funding structures, SPVs or project finance

Experience in infrastructure, energy, construction or engineering sectors

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

Qualified (ACCA / CIMA / ACA)

1-4 years PQ Experience

Strong experience in project accounting, capital expenditure or cost control

Experience working with cross-functional project teams

Desirable

Experience in renewable energy, BESS, infrastructure, construction or engineering

Experience with ERP systems (e.g. Sage)