Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of finance analysts and drive operational excellence in financial processes.
- Company: Smiths Detection is a global leader in threat detection technologies, ensuring safety across various sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy a high-impact role with opportunities for professional growth and cross-functional collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape financial operations that support global manufacturing while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Recognised accounting qualification and strong SAP expertise required; proficiency in Excel and M365 tools essential.
- Other info: Join a culture of innovation and help protect people and infrastructure worldwide.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Smiths Detection is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies for aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security. Our solutions help detect and identify explosives, weapons, chemical agents, biohazards, and narcotics — protecting people and critical infrastructure every day. With a global presence and a strong culture of innovation, we empower our teams to solve complex problems with cutting-edge technology.
Are you an experienced finance professional with a passion for operational excellence and team leadership? Smiths Detection is seeking a Senior Finance Manager – Global Operations to lead our European team of Operations Finance Analysts. This is a newly created, high-impact role offering strategic influence, cross-functional collaboration, and the opportunity to shape the financial operations that support our global manufacturing footprint.
- Lead and develop a team of four regional finance analysts, driving performance and professional growth.
- Act as the key point of contact for regional financial issues and ensure consistency in execution and reporting.
- Drive continuous improvement and automation in financial processes across global operations.
- Manage monthly operations consolidation and reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Lead financial planning cycles (quarterly, annual, strategic), aligning with divisional targets.
- Analyse and report on manufacturing variances, cost trends, and inventory drivers.
- Collaborate with operations teams across Quality, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Logistics to enhance reporting and insights.
- Ensure compliance with SAP and finance policies, safeguarding financial controls and inventory integrity.
Recognised accounting qualification (or equivalent significant experience in manufacturing finance). Strong SAP expertise, particularly in master data and system structure. Proficiency in Excel, Power Query, and M365 tools. Deep understanding of global inventory accounting and operational finance best practices. University degree and formal accounting qualification (CPA, CA, CIMA).
Apply now to join our high-performing Global Operations Finance team and help us shape the future of safe and efficient global commerce.
Contact Detail:
Cielo Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager of Operations & Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Smiths Detection's core values and mission. Understanding their commitment to innovation and safety will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing how your experience in operational finance can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Smiths Detection on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the Senior Finance Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven continuous improvement in financial processes in your previous roles. Highlighting your achievements in automation and efficiency will demonstrate your capability to excel in this high-impact position.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your SAP expertise, particularly in master data management. Being able to speak confidently about your experience with SAP during interviews will set you apart, as it's a key requirement for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager of Operations & Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance and operations management. Emphasise your leadership skills and any specific achievements that align with the responsibilities of the Senior Finance Manager role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for operational excellence and team leadership. Mention your experience with SAP and financial processes, and explain how you can contribute to Smiths Detection's goals.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your accounting qualifications and any significant experience in manufacturing finance. This is crucial for demonstrating your suitability for the role, so don't forget to mention your CPA, CA, or CIMA credentials.
Showcase Analytical Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully analysed financial data and driven improvements in financial processes. This will help illustrate your capability to manage operations consolidation and reporting effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cielo Talent
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Finance Manager, you'll be leading a team of finance analysts. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully developed and motivated teams in the past.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Make sure to highlight your experience with financial planning cycles and your understanding of manufacturing finance. Be ready to discuss specific financial metrics and how you've used them to drive performance improvements.
✨Familiarise Yourself with SAP
Since strong SAP expertise is crucial for this role, brush up on your knowledge of SAP, particularly in master data and system structure. Be prepared to discuss how you've used SAP in previous roles to enhance financial processes.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
This position requires collaboration with various teams such as Quality, Procurement, and Supply Chain. Think of examples where you've successfully worked across departments to achieve common goals and be ready to share those stories.
