At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver high-quality financial analysis and insights for major defence programmes.
- Company: Leading organisation in the defence and aerospace sector.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work closely with senior stakeholders and enhance your financial expertise.
- Why this job: Join a high-performing team and make a real impact on strategic decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant or finalist with project accounting experience.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
- Senior Finance Analyst
- Working Pattern: Hybrid
Copello are recruiting on behalf of a leading organisation within the defence and aerospace sector for a Senior Finance Analyst to join a high-profile Programme Finance team based in Essex.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional to take ownership of financial analysis and reporting for a major programme, providing trusted commercial and financial insight to senior stakeholders and programme leadership.
As Senior Finance Analyst, you will act as a key business partner to the Programme Manager and wider programme team, supporting financial performance, forecasting, planning, governance and decision-making across a complex defence programme.
You will play an important role in ensuring financial performance is understood, accurately reported and effectively managed, while identifying opportunities to improve processes and drive better business outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality, accurate and actionable financial analysis and insight to Programme and Finance leadership.
- Develop a strong understanding of the relationship between programme delivery and financial performance, translating financial data into meaningful insight for key stakeholders.
- Act as a trusted financial business partner to the Programme Manager and wider programme team.
- Support the delivery of key financial processes, including forecasting, Earned Value Management, Risk & Opportunity Management and programme reporting.
- Support the achievement of key business metrics, including bookings, sales, profit and cash.
- Lead and support quarterly Estimate at Completion (EAC) reporting.
- Contribute to the development of the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and five-year strategic plan.
- Ensure adherence to financial governance, policies and internal controls.
- Provide financial insight and challenge within the business risk and opportunity management process, including development, analysis, mitigation and review.
- Promote accuracy, predictability and value-added financial analysis across programme deliverables.
- Build strong working relationships with stakeholders across Finance, Programme Management, Commercial and other business functions.
- Support the Finance Manager with financial analysis relating to new business opportunities, investment decisions and pricing.
- Identify opportunities to improve financial systems, processes and ways of working, championing best practice across the organisation.
- Provide ad-hoc financial analysis and decision support as required.
- Required Experience
- Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA or ACA) or actively working towards qualification/finalist stage.
- Proven experience within project or programme accounting.
- Strong business partnering capability, with experience working collaboratively across multiple functions.
- Commercial finance experience gained within a defence, aerospace, engineering or other complex contracting environment.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial information and communicate key insights to non-finance stakeholders.
- Excellent attention to detail and a strong understanding of financial governance and process adherence.
Desirable Experience
- Experience using SAP, Power BI and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word and Power Point.
- Experience working within a complex engineering, manufacturing or project-based environment.
- Knowledge of Earned Value Management, forecasting and Estimate at Completion processes.
- A proactive, inquisitive and commercially minded approach.
- Experience identifying and implementing improvements to financial processes and systems.
- Security Clearance
Due to the nature of the programmes involved, candidates will need to be eligible and willing to obtain BPSS and SC security clearance.
About the Opportunity
This role offers the opportunity to join a high-performing finance function supporting major programmes within the UK defence and aerospace sector.
You will have significant exposure to programme leadership and will play a key role in providing the financial insight required to support delivery, performance and strategic decision-making.
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Senior Finance Analyst in Manchester employer: Copello
At Copello, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the defence and aerospace sector. Our Essex location provides unique opportunities for professional growth, with access to cutting-edge projects and a supportive environment that encourages continuous learning and development. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and is committed to making a meaningful impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Analyst in Manchester
✨Tap into Campus Networks
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Analyst in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Copello.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Copello
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Copello.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
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✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Copello employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.