At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage finances at the intersection of national security and digital operations.
- Company: Join a leading firm focused on public-sector finance and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role in Central London with significant career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in national security while working with cutting-edge digital solutions.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial management and stakeholder engagement.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Culmen is hiring a Finance Manager - Intelligence & Digital Operations to support our client in London, UK. This is not a conventional finance role. Working at the intersection of public‑sector finance, national security, and digital delivery, the Finance Manager will provide expert financial management and strategic insight to a high‑performing team operating in a fast‑paced, sensitive environment. You will act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, bringing rigor and challenge to complex financial decisions while navigating the unique demands of digital and technology‑enabled programmes. You will be comfortable working with ambiguity, building relationships across government and industry, and translating technical financial concepts for non‑specialist audiences. The role is based full‑time in Central London and requires Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance.
What You’ll Do in Your New Role
- Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders — understanding complex and specialist problem sets, identifying solutions, and delivering results in support of organisational objectives.
- Produce high‑quality formal policy, procedure documentation, and submissions.
- Act as a trusted adviser to senior leadership, providing independent insight and constructive challenge to support strategic decision‑making.
- Communicate complex financial topics clearly and compellingly to non‑specialist audiences, both written and verbally.
- Prioritise effectively across multiple competing workstreams, maintaining quality and composure under pressure and to tight deadlines.
- Apply strong analytical and financial modelling skills to support evidence‑based decision‑making.
- Be a self‑starter who is equally effective working independently and as part of a team.
- Be resilient under pressure, with a strong personal commitment to confidentiality and professional ethics.
- Be motivated by purpose‑led work with genuine national significance — this role sits at the heart of the UK’s national security and digital capability.
- Work full‑time in Central London, with flexibility around hours during periods of high operational demand.
Required Qualifications
Capabilities:
Essential
- Proven experience delivering core accounting functions including account reconciliation, planning, budgeting, and forecasting; or a track record in financial investigations.
- Proficiency in financial software such as Oracle, Sage, or Xero.
- Experience engaging effectively with senior stakeholders across public and private sector organisations.
Desirable
- Experience in UK public sector finance, not‑for‑profit organisations, or financial investigations including anti‑money laundering practices.
- Experience compiling individual offline account reconciliations into consolidated group financial accounts and delivering routine financial reports to senior audiences.
- Experience ensuring adherence to financial policies, controls, and regulatory requirements under applicable financial management frameworks and national or international legislation.
- Experience in financial risk management and the delivery of risk mitigation strategies.
Sector Background
Prior exposure to military, security, or defence organisations.
Digital Finance Literacy
Given the digital nature of this environment, the following exposure is highly valued:
- Understanding of digital delivery models, including: Agile and iterative delivery, DevOps environments, Product‑based funding models.
- Experience costing and managing technology spend, including: Cloud services (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS), Licensing and subscription models, Live service versus project funding.
- Appreciation of technical debt, service sustainment, and lifecycle costing.
Experience:
Essential
- Fully qualified accountant (ACCA / CGMA / CIPFA or equivalent) with a minimum of 2 years post‑qualification experience; or Financial Investigator accreditation with equivalent professional standing.
- Current Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance.
Desirable
- Degree‑level qualification (Level 6) in finance, risk management, economics, military studies, international security, or strategy.
Finance Manager - Intelligence & Digital Operations employer: Culmen-International-LL
Culmen offers an exceptional work environment for the Finance Manager - Intelligence & Digital Operations, where you will engage in purpose-led work that has genuine national significance. Located in the heart of Central London, our collaborative culture fosters strong relationships across diverse stakeholders, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a fast-paced, dynamic setting. With a commitment to employee well-being, we offer flexible working hours during peak operational demands, ensuring a supportive atmosphere for all team members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager - Intelligence & Digital Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the finance and digital operations sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your financial concepts and how they apply to digital operations. Practice explaining complex topics in simple terms, as you’ll need to communicate effectively with non-specialists. We can help you with mock interviews if you need a bit of practice!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've used financial modelling or risk management strategies. Highlighting your experience in these areas will set you apart from the competition. Remember, we’re all about evidence-based decision-making!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the organisation. Let’s get you that Finance Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager - Intelligence & Digital Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience in public-sector finance and digital operations, as well as any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be translating complex financial concepts for non-specialists, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly. Use straightforward language in your application and provide examples of how you've done this in the past.
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:We’re looking for someone who can apply strong analytical and financial modelling skills. In your application, mention specific instances where you’ve used these skills to support decision-making or solve problems. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Culmen-International-LL
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around budgeting, forecasting, and account reconciliation. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise in these areas.
✨Understand the Digital Landscape
Since this role involves digital delivery, familiarise yourself with concepts like Agile methodologies and cloud services. Being able to speak confidently about how these elements impact financial management will set you apart.
✨Build Relationships
Prepare to discuss how you've successfully built relationships with senior stakeholders in previous roles. Think of examples where you’ve navigated complex problem sets and delivered results, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex financial topics in simple terms. You might be asked to present financial concepts to non-specialists, so being able to communicate clearly and compellingly is key to making a strong impression.
