Project Accountant (6 month FTC) | North Manchester (Office Based) | £50,000 – £70,000 plus benefits | Consumer products***Jan/Feb 2026 Start Required***The OpportunityA fast-growing, privately owned consumer products business is looking to appoint an experienced Project Accountant on an initial 6-month fixed term contract. This is a hands-on, delivery-focused role, reporting into the Head of Finance, with a clear mandate to drive finance transformation, process automation, and improved system utilisation.The business operates in a dynamic, high-volume retail environment and partners with major UK retailers. The role will play a key part in strengthening finance processes to support scalable growth. Role Purpose: To lead and deliver change across the finance function, with a strong focus on automating manual processes and optimising the use of Microsoft Dynamics NAV / Business Central to improve reporting, controls, and efficiency.Key ResponsibilitiesFinance Transformation & Process ImprovementLead finance-led transformation initiatives to streamline and automate processesReview end-to-end finance processes and design fit-for-purpose improvementsDeliver clearly defined project outputs within agreed timelinesEmbed practical, well-documented processes that are sustainable beyond the contractMicrosoft Dynamics NAV / Business Central OptimisationAct as the finance owner for ERP optimisationImprove system usage across postings, reconciliations, controls, and reportingIdentify and implement automation opportunities (journals, reconciliations, intercompany)Work with external systems partners where required to design and deliver enhancementsImprove data structures, chart of accounts, and reporting capabilityFinancial Control & ReportingImprove month-end close timelines and reduce manual interventionStrengthen balance sheet controls and audit trailsEnhance management reporting through better system use and automationProvide ad-hoc analysis and project reporting to senior finance leadershipStakeholder Engagement & ChangeWork closely with finance and non-finance stakeholdersAct as a change agent to ensure new processes are adoptedDeliver training and clear handover documentationSkills & ExperienceEssentialQualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)Strong hands-on experience with Microsoft Dynamics NAV or Dynamics 365 Business CentralProven delivery of finance process improvement or systems projectsSolid understanding of core finance processes (P2P, O2C, R2R)Able to work autonomously and deliver to tight deadlinesDesirableExperience in a privately owned or growth-led businessPrevious contract or project finance experienceERP optimisation, upgrade, or integration exposureStrong Excel skills;
Power BI experience beneficialPersonal AttributesDelivery-focused and pragmaticConfident operating in a change environmentStrong communicator with the ability to influenceCommercially minded with strong attention to detailZachary Daniels and our client are both equal opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.Zachary Daniels is a Niche, National & International Recruitment Consultancy. Specialising in Buying, Merchandising & Ecommerce | Design, Technical, Wholesale & Production | Finance | HR & Talent | H&S & Compliance | Marketing, Digital & Technology | Property & Centre Management | Retail, Trade, Leisure & Wholesale Operations | Senior Appointments & Exec | Sales | Supply Chain & LogisticsBBBH35278…