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- Tasks: Analyse costs to optimise performance and support decision-making.
- Company: Join BAE Systems' Edgewing team, shaping the future of global defence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, health benefits, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with a focus on innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost accounting and strong collaboration skills required.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and empowers you to fulfil your potential.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Reading area. The role could be contracted to any BAE Systems site (preferably Frimley) but on commencement will immediately be assigned to our Edgewing JV in the Reading area. A financial support package may be available to enable this assignment if required, dependent on certain criteria being met. Due to the nature of this assignment, we envisage there will be a need for mostly on site working, however, flexible working arrangements may be possible – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this role.
Salary: £53,211
What you’ll be doing:
- Analyse the organisation cost base in order to support performance optimisation and decision-making, producing regular as well as ad-hoc reporting to be presented to senior budget holders.
- Analysis of monthly actuals to understand key drivers for both labour and non-labour costs, including a focus on throughput and utilisation metrics as well as overhead management.
- Support the calculation of rates and price investigation through subject matter expertise on the organisation’s cost structure.
- Supporting budget holders with ad-hoc queries.
- Support the delivery of optimisation initiatives for the business through ad-hoc pieces of work as required.
Your skills and experiences:
Essentials:
- Experience of cost and management accounting.
- Good understanding of the key drivers of organisational efficiency.
- Ability to collaborate with stakeholders of various seniorities and backgrounds, relaying financial concepts in a simple and understandable manner.
- Problem solving mentality and ability to work in a fast-moving and dynamic environment.
Desirable:
- Proven experience in establishing processes and workflows for new teams at project inception.
- Relevant financial qualification (or studying towards it, depending on the level of seniority).
Benefits:
As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.
The Edgewing – Finance Team:
By joining Edgewing, you will have a unique opportunity to help shape the company from the ground up, setting the foundations for generations to come, influencing how we work, and helping us build something world-class together. At Edgewing, we’re united by a shared purpose to drive what’s next in defence – uniting UK, Italian, and Japanese expertise to shape the future of global defence. With trust at the heart of everything we do, we empower our people to dare to go beyond, bring their best as one, and leave a mark that matters on a truly global mission, making a lasting impact through work that truly matters.
Why BAE Systems?
This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
Closing Date: 16th December 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Locations
Cost Base Accountant in Fleet, Hampshire employer: BAE Systems
Contact Detail:
BAE Systems Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Base Accountant in Fleet, Hampshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at BAE Systems or Edgewing. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that Cost Base Accountant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your cost and management accounting skills. Be ready to discuss how you can analyse costs and support performance optimisation – they’ll want to see your problem-solving mentality in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your collaboration skills! Think of examples where you've worked with different stakeholders and simplified complex financial concepts. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in a dynamic environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Edgewing team and making a real difference in the defence sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Base Accountant in Fleet, Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Cost Base Accountant role. Highlight your experience in cost and management accounting, and don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving skills. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Edgewing. Mention your understanding of organisational efficiency and how you can support budget holders with their queries. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to collaborate with stakeholders of various seniorities. We value clear communication, so give examples of how you've relayed financial concepts simply and effectively in the past.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get yours in through our website as soon as you can. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Systems
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Cost Base Accountant, you'll need to be comfortable with financial data. Brush up on your cost and management accounting principles, and be ready to discuss how you've used these skills in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you've analysed costs and supported decision-making.
✨Speak Their Language
You'll be collaborating with stakeholders from various backgrounds, so practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. Think about how you can make your experience relatable to non-financial colleagues, as this will show your ability to communicate effectively.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
BAE Systems values a problem-solving mentality, especially in a fast-paced environment. Prepare to share specific examples of challenges you've faced in your previous roles and how you approached them. Highlight any optimisation initiatives you've been part of to demonstrate your proactive mindset.
✨Ask About Flexibility
Since the role may involve flexible working arrangements, don't hesitate to ask about this during your interview. It shows you're thinking ahead and are interested in finding a work-life balance that suits both you and the company. Plus, it gives you insight into their culture and values.
