Job Description

Job Introduction

We're looking for an experienced Project Accountant to join the West Midlands Combined Authority and take a leading role in the landmark move to a franchised bus service in May 2025. This is the primary focus of the role and an opportunity to be fully immersed within the Bus Franchising project team, helping deliver a transformation that will reshape public transport across the region and make a real difference to local communities.


Beyond this, you'll also have the chance to support other major capital projects in the future, including large-scale infrastructure programmes and retrofit schemes (energy efficiency measures to housing stock). If you're ready to deliver a professional project accounting service across diverse, impactful initiatives, we'd love to hear from you

Please note this is a 24 month fixed term contract.

What you will be doing.

Provide high quality project accounting services for a range of WMCA Group capital projects Ensure capital budgets and capital funding for a range of WMCA Group capital projects are monitored and controlled effectively Support project managers in managing their available financial resources Supporting the relevant Strategic Finance Business Partner in providing financial advice to budget holders and project managers and preparing written financial implications for inclusion in formal reports Provide efficient month-end accounting activities Review month-end position for a range of WMCA Group capital projects in accordance with the agreed month end timetable Provide effective forecasting activities at regular intervals Coordinate the submission of robust annual budget proposals for WMCA Group capital projects Support project managers in developing robust annual capital budget proposals Assist in the preparation of funding bids and submissions to government Ensure compliance with all relevant grant or funding condition Develop a full understanding of WMCA Group's Financial Procedure Rules, and the WMCA Group's Capital Strategy and Treasury Management Strategy

What's essential.

Project accounting at a senior level Financial planning at a senior level Experience of providing financial advice and support to budget holders and senior managers Experience of working proactively with colleagues across the finance function Supporting multi-discipliniary teams to achieve service outcome CCAB qualified accountant or equivalent QBE

Location.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply

.


Applying for a role with WMCA is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started.

Create your Careers Account.

Register with your name, email address, and a password.

Build your Profile.

Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.

Write your Supporting Statement.

Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.

Submit your application.

Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won't be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and

only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting

. Be thorough in each section. It's your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We cannot stop anyone from using AI to help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.


Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the

FAQs

section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.


We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Local Government Pension Scheme (

one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK

).

Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution

scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).

28 days

paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.

EV car benefit scheme

Healthcare plans.

Discounted

gym membership, will writing,

and

mortgage advice.

An option to

buy a bicycle

, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.

3 days

of paid leave each year to

volunteer

.

Interest-free financing

through SmartTech to buy the latest technology

Discounted shopping

with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. You can now also obtain a

Costco

membership through the WMCA.

Boundless

unlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.

Eye

Care Scheme,

offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.

For more information, please visit the

benefits page

on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.


We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We're a Disability Confident Employer with 'Leader' status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.


We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.


We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.


Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).