Assistant Director Strategic Finance in Southampton

Assistant Director Strategic Finance in Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 69501 £ / year Hybrid
M

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial strategy and provide strategic oversight for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
  • Company: Join the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, a key player in public safety.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on financial decisions that shape public safety and efficiency.
  • Qualifications: Must be CCAB/CIMA qualified with significant experience in financial management.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is seeking an Assistant Director Strategic Finance to provide strategic focus and oversight of the Agency’s finances. Working within the Finance and Analysis Directorate, you will help ensure MCA’s c.£500m total budget is deployed efficiently, robust budget control is maintained and value for money is achieved. This is a senior leadership role, reporting to the Director of Finance and Analysis and leading teams responsible for financial strategy and finance business partnering.

As Assistant Director Strategic Finance, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight of MCA’s financial plans, ensuring strong budget control, high-quality financial analysis and effective advice to senior stakeholders. You will lead the Strategic Finance function, support investment and funding decisions, and help shape a high-performing, continuously improving finance culture.

Top Responsibilities

  • Leading MCA’s Financial Strategy and Finance Business Partner teams, embedding a high-performance culture.
  • Providing strategic financial advice and analysis to senior stakeholders to support effective decision making.
  • Negotiating and securing investment and resource funding for key Agency activities and major change programmes.
  • Ensuring robust resource and capital financial plans are aligned to organisational priorities and HM Treasury guidance.
  • Overseeing the reporting of accurate and timely financial management information and analysis to drive efficiency and value-added insight.

Benefits

  • Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
  • 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
  • 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
  • Access to the staff discount portal.
  • Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
  • Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
  • 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
  • Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

About You

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

  • Significant relevant experience in a senior financial management or financial strategy role.

Essential qualifications

  • Qualified CCAB/ CIMA with significant post-qualification experience.

How to Apply: Read the full description and apply at CS Jobs using the link provided. This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Friday 16th October 2026.

Assistant Director Strategic Finance in Southampton employer: Maritime & Coastguard Agency

As a Technical Trainer with HM Coastguard, you will join a dedicated team committed to saving lives at sea and ensuring maritime safety. Our inclusive work culture promotes professional development through excellent training opportunities and a generous benefits package, including a substantial pension contribution and flexible working arrangements. Located in various coastal cities across the UK, this role offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment that values work-life balance.

M

Contact Details:

Maritime & Coastguard Agency Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Director Strategic Finance in Southampton

✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks

The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!

✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences

Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Maritime & Coastguard Agency. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!

✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise

Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Maritime & Coastguard Agency.

✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites

Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Maritime & Coastguard Agency. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director Strategic Finance in Southampton

Financial Strategy
Budget Control
Financial Analysis
Stakeholder Management
Negotiation Skills
Resource Planning
Capital Financial Planning

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.

Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Maritime & Coastguard Agency and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!

Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.

Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Maritime & Coastguard Agency how you can be a team player!

How to prepare for a job interview at Maritime & Coastguard Agency

✨Brush Up on Technical Skills

Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!

✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen

If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Maritime & Coastguard Agency.

✨Know Your Numbers

In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.

✨Connect with Company Goals

Familiarise yourself with Maritime & Coastguard Agency's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!