Project Cost Accountant

CEL Critical Power – Powering the AI Revolution:

CEL has an opportunity for you to join our rapidly growing business, where you will have an opportunity to make a significant impact on the long-term success of our global business strategy.

CEL are an Irish based 40-year manufacturer, distributor and exporter of electrical switchgear and controls, and related products and services, now focused on the supplying the global Data Centre industry.

We operate across multiple geographic locations and offering excellent career progression for ambitious professionals.

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Group Financial Controller, we are seeking a detail oriented and analytical Project Cost Accountant to support the financial performance analysis of multiple customer projects within our LV switchgear project portfolio. This role is critical to ensuring accurate cost tracking, forecasting and financial reporting across a range of data center client projects. The ideal candidate will work closely with Program and Project Managers, Finance and Operations teams to provide insights that drive informed decision-making and project success.

What You'll Be Doing:

Financial Analysis & Reporting:

• Monitor and analyze project budgets, actuals, committed spend and forecasts-to-complete.
• Prepare weekly project cost reports, variance analyses and performance dashboards.
• Support cost-to-complete modelling and planned vs actual reporting.
• Identify financial risks early and escalate where required.
• Consolidate data across multiple workstreams to present accurate, timely project performance.
• Track and report KPI's e.g. budget adherence, schedule variance, earned value and forecast accuracy.
• Ensure alignment with corporate accounting standards, WIP valuation and revenue recognition policies.

Cost Control & Forecasting:

• Validate cost inputs from procurement, manufacturing, engineering, and subcontractors.
• Reconcile project costs and WIP between SAP and project trackers.
• Identify cost overruns and recommend corrective actions in collaboration with PMs.
• Support the maintenance of cost baselines, budgets, forecasts, and change-control processes.

Project Support:

• Participate in project review meetings, providing financial insight and challenge.
• Work with Project Managers to align financial forecasts with delivery schedules and milestones.
• Ensure compliance with client commercial terms and internal financial controls.

Process Improvement:

• Develop standardized financial templates, cost models and reporting tools.
• Enhance automation and digitization of cost tracking and analysis.
• Improve data accuracy, ERP discipline and financial governance across the project lifecycle.
• Train project teams in financial control processes, tools, and best practices.

Key Competencies:

• Strong analytical mindset with exceptional attention to detail.
• Commercially astute with the ability to interpret trends and influence decisions.
• Excellent problem-solving, prioritization and organizational skills.
• Able to challenge constructively and communicate complex financial information clearly.
• Proactive, resilient, and committed to continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in cost engineering, financial analysis, or project controls.
• High proficiency in Excel and financial modelling; Power BI experience advantageous.
• Experience in manufacturing, engineering, construction, energy, or data center environments.
• Experience with ERP systems e.g. SAP, Oracle.

We strongly believe that seeking out and hiring the most diverse talent and creating an inclusive workplace is the way to create an exceptional and innovative workplace for our employees which will deliver excellence in service to our customers.  We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experience to join this multicultural, hard-working team.