Job Description

This is an excellent opportunity for a driven finance professional who enjoys partnering with operations in a fast-paced project environment and thrives on delivering meaningful commercial outcomes.

About the Role - Project Accountant – 3 Month Contract

Reporting to the Finance Manager, the Project Accountant will play a key role in supporting operational and financial performance across the business. You will be responsible for delivering accurate financial reporting, forecasting, project analysis, and commercial support while ensuring strong financial governance and controls are maintained.

Key responsibilities include:

• Partner with operational and project teams to deliver financial and commercial outcomes
• Manage month-end reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and Project Valuation (PV) processes
• Provide analysis and interpretation of project financial performance, profitability, and cost drivers
• Support WIP, billings, cash flow, and working capital management activities
• Deliver accurate cost forecasting, EAC analysis, variance analysis, and profitability reporting
• Support tender reviews, order book analysis, and financial modelling activities
• Ensure compliance with Downer financial controls, governance frameworks, and Delegation of Financial Authority requirements
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, reporting enhancements, and process standardisation
• Support internal and external audit requirements

About You

You are a commercially astute finance professional with strong project accounting capability and the ability to build trusted relationships with operational stakeholders. You thrive in complex contracting environments and are confident communicating financial information to both finance and non-finance audiences.

You will also bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in Finance, Accounting or Commerce
• CA or CPA qualification
• 5+ years’ experience in project accounting or finance within a large, complex environment
• Strong understanding of cost-plus and schedule of rates contracts
• Experience with forecasting, budgeting, WIP management, and project financial analysis
• Advanced Excel capability and strong ERP systems experience (JDE or SAP preferred)
• Exposure to Power BI or other data analytics/reporting tools
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities

Why Join Downer?

• Opportunity to work within a large and complex infrastructure business
• Collaborative and supportive team environment
• Exposure to operational and commercial leadership teams
• Inclusive and flexible workplace culture
• Immediate start opportunity

Downer is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities.