Project Accountant

Based at our Trowbridge Business Support Centre, reporting to the UK Financial Controller, you will work closely with the Manufacturing, Distribution, IT, Risk and Finance teams to provide oversight and control of key business projects.

You will provide insightful and actionable management information with clear calls to action.

You will provide independent support and challenge to the project teams to ensure that projects are delivered within budget and with best value for the business.

The Project  Accountant is responsible for managing project finances, monitoring progress, reviewing and issuing variances, assisting with supplier and sub-contractor payment controls, managing and forecasting cashflow, and providing financial guidance to project teams.

apetito is the UK’s leading food supplier to the health and social care sectors serving more than 1,300 care homes, health care and education settings.

Our meals are expertly crafted by our dieticians and chefs, and then frozen to lock in the goodness.

Wiltshire Farm Foods, our sister company, is the UK’s largest ready meal supplier cooking and delivering over 330 different delicious frozen ready meals across the UK.

Financial 

• Oversee project budgets, forecasts, and maintaining financial project reports
• Analysing all project expenses and providing commentary
• Looking after project contracts to ensure the financial terms are adhered to
• Provide timely and accurate financial management information that will help to control costs throughout each project, both incurred to date and expected
• Input into rolling forecasts and budgets focused on cashflow accuracy and opportunities / risks to project deliverables
• Ensuring tax savings and efficiency opportunities are maximised
• Cost-Benefit Analysis: Assume a definitive role in conducting comprehensive cost-benefit analyses for all major projects, providing critical insights to support strategic decision-making and resource allocation
• Utilize financial acumen and analytical expertise to evaluate potential investments, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and delivering maximum value to the business
• Ensure robust governance and compliance
• Operate with a nuanced balance between being challenging and a critical friend, while also demonstrating empathy and appreciation. In this role, it's essential to provide constructive criticism and push for improvements, all while maintaining a supportive and understanding demeanour. By fostering an environment of open communication and mutual respect, you will ensure full visibility and understanding of risks and opportunities within projects. Striking a delicate balance will be key to effectively motivating and guiding team members toward achieving our shared goals
• Review and appraise business case models including updates to ensure the project remains viable

Risk 

• Working with the project and Risk teams, identify and implement opportunities to reduce business and operational risks 

Masterplan 

•  Work with the local team and broader Exec team to evaluate and access the masterplan options 
• Lead the development of the business case for the masterplan solution including relevant documents to support Group approval for investment 

• Support the delivery of the masterplan business plan ensuring the project is delivered on time on budget  

Qualifications and experience 
You will be a qualified accountant with exceptional communication and relationship skills coupled with an intellectual curiosity. You will have the ability to support and challenge in a way that encourages people to work collaboratively with you.   

Essential 

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)  
• Experience of challenging and supporting business teams to achieve best value 
• A demonstrable ability to “see the wood for the trees” and focus on what really matters  
• Adaptability and intellect 
• Passion for encouraging teamwork with a flair for issue resolution and a thirst to learn  
• Analytical fact based 
• Good financial acumen with experience of delivering against demanding targets 

Desirable: 

• Experience of working in chilled/frozen food distribution 
• Experience of working large capital projects 

 Personal Qualities 

• Great relationship builder with the ability to influence across the organisation 
• Team spirited with a sense of urgency and agility   
• Adheres to high standards of ethics and values – “does the right thing” 
• Sets high standards for quality and output 
• Adapts interpersonal style to suit different people or situations 
• The ability/skill to identify, highlight/flag and take action when things are going off track 
• Inquisitive, pro-active and passionate to make positive changes 
• Tenacious and prepared to stand-up for what is right 

 Location:  This role is based at Trowbridge but will also support Portbury, indicatively 3-4 days in the office per week 

• Competitive salary – accredited Living Wage employer
• 25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays
• Option to purchase up to 5 additional days annual leave per year
• Discretionary annual bonus scheme
• Pension scheme - employer matched contributions up to 4%
• Life assurance scheme worth at least 1x annual salary
• Subsidised canteen
• Free parking
• Free turkey or voucher at Christmas
• apetito perks scheme including salary sacrifice options and retail discounts

As a family-owned business, we take great pride in being a company that makes a real difference and is dedicated to creating outstanding meals to be proud of.

We develop a range of products designed to enhance health and well-being for all our customers.

We are driven by a passion for service, and dedicated to feeding some of the UK’s most vulnerable people.

We proudly support British food and farming, focusing on using the best ethical and sustainable produce in alignment with our goal to reach Net Zero by 2040.

Our ethical standards are recognised by the ETI and we are an accredited Living Wage employer.
Learn more about apetito’s commitment to a more sustainable future.

We embrace inclusion, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Our commitment to making a real difference extends to customers, communities, and staff and we're on a mission to build an inclusive workplace where everyone reaches their full potential.