Qualified Accountant Full Time NEW

About Us

Celtic Renewables is widely regarded as one of the most innovative biotech companies in Europe, having developed a patented and proven process that converts biological residues from by-products and waste into sustainable green chemicals, driving the global shift to a circular economy.  

Our technology has successfully reinvented the century old Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol (ABE) fermentation process, bringing it back to a global scale. As a world leader in re-establishing this process, Celtic Renewables operates from Scotland’s first biorefinery in Grangemouth, at industrial and commercial scale.  

Acetone, butanol, and ethanol are found in thousands of everyday products, from cosmetics and medicines, to cleaning products and paints. By converting by-products and waste from industries such as food, drink, and agriculture into green chemicals (bio acetone, bio butanol, and bio ethanol), Celtic Renewables is providing access to cleaner, greener alternatives.  

Our existing plant operating at Grangemouth is the launch pad for our ambitious global growth plans. This commercial demonstrator facility is integral to the Group’s current operations (both in the production of green chemicals and in supporting feedstock trialling activities) with learnings derisking our plans to build larger scale facilities across Scotland, the UK and internationally.

Celtic Renewables are part of the Just Transition scheme in Grangemouth which makes it an extremely exciting time to join the team as we progress with plans to build for our first full-scale biorefinery in Grangemouth. Significant progress is being made on the path to sanctioning this first full-scale development project in 2026.

By joining Celtic Renewables, you’ll be part of an innovative team working at a world-leading biorefinery, helping to lead the green chemical revolution.

Job Purpose

We’re seeking a qualified accountant (CA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with 3+ years post qualifying experience to join our growing team for an initial period of 6 months (project based) with potential for this to convert to a permanent role within the finance team as we look to grow our function alongside the business. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded finance professional who wants to play a key role in a small finance team helping shape a dynamic business for its next phase of growth.

The finance-based project role will initially focus on supporting funding workstreams within the business (including grant, R&D and ongoing funding activities). Other finance/business optimisation project areas have also been identified for action/development. The candidate will also provide support on BAU finance workstreams alongside the Head of Group Finance and the Head of Business Planning & Analysis and therefore will have an integral role in the finance team.

Key Responsibilities

• Project manage the streamlining and implementation of grant-related activities within the business – from application, through monitoring, compliance; auditor co-ordination and liaison and required claim submissions to cash recovery. Ensure appropriate modelling is in place – interfacing with the Head of Business Planning & Analysis and the Business. Support the business in the submission of new grant claims.
• Provide additional support to the finance/BP&A team on the ongoing R&D, fundraising and forecasting processes
• Undertake key improvement and other projects within the finance team as agreed with the CFO
•  Support Head of Group Finance and Head of Business Planning & Analysis in BAU finance or FP&A workstreams or project activities.
• Provide additional transaction support and holiday cover for key BAU core activities within the finance team.

What qualifications or qualities are required?

• Qualified (ACCA, CIMA, or CA) or equivalent working experience with at least 3 years’ work experience.
• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills with an eye for operational detail.
• Proficient user of excel for basic modelling requirements.
• Able to challenge and use initiative/self-starter approach when delivering projects and to operate with minimal supervision.
• Ability to manage project workstream and be hands-on/undertake detailed activity required to deliver
• Comfortable operating in fast paced/dynamic organisations and delivering to deadlines.
• A strong understanding of ‘what good looks like’ having had practical experience in finance functions.
• Confident communicator able to translate financial insight for non-financial teams.
• Team player – comfortable working in a small hands-on finance team and engaging with the wider business as needed for the role.

Additional Requirements: 

• Candidate to be immediately available to start role.
• The role will be mainly based at our Grangemouth site with occasional days at the central Edinburgh office.
• Strong attention to detail
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Team player with good communication skills
• Strong IT skills (particularly excel).

Why Celtic Renewables? 

• Work at a world-leading company: Gain hands on experience working at Scotland’s first and world-leading biorefinery, using the ABE fermentation process to produce green chemicals. 
• Be part of a purpose driven company and team: Help lead the green chemical revolution, contributing to the future of sustainable manufacturing.
• Contribute to real impact: Our green chemicals can be used in thousands of everyday products, helping to reduce the carbon footprints of the items we use in our daily lives.
• Be part of a small dynamic finance team that integrates directly with the business