Finance Manager in Southampton

Finance Manager in Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis for our Aerospace & Defense projects.
  • Company: Join a leading firm in the Aerospace & Defense sector.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career advancement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a critical role with long-term projects.
  • Qualifications: Professional finance qualifications and experience in complex project-driven industries.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

We are seeking a driven and experienced Finance Manager/Project Controller to support our expanding Aerospace & Defense (A&D) business in the UK, which is characterized by large‑scale and long‑term project engagements. This critical role provides financial leadership and accurate contract accounting, including recognition of work in progress, ensures contract governance, and serves as a trusted partner to the business. You will play a key role in ensuring financial and contractual governance, enhancing financial performance and supporting strategic decision‑making.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead all financial planning, reporting, and analysis activities for the UK A&D business.
  • Ensure full contract compliance, including financial terms, reporting obligations, pricing structures, milestone tracking, and audit requirements.
  • Oversee accounting compliance, including proper recognition and valuation of work in progress.
  • Monitor and control project financials, risks, and opportunities, ensuring corrective actions are implemented where needed.
  • Partner closely with program managers, commercial teams, and operations to ensure accurate forecasting, revenue recognition, and cost control.
  • Oversee month‑end close processes and ensure the integrity of financial results.
  • Support the development of bids and pricing models to maintain competitiveness and profitability.
  • Drive process improvements, financial discipline, and strong internal controls across the A&D portfolio.
  • Act as primary point of contact for internal and external auditors on contract‑related matters.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Professional finance qualifications (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience.
  • Proven industry experience within aerospace or defense, engineering or other complex project‑driven industries.
  • Strong understanding of contract accounting and work in progress (WIP) accounting.
  • Strong understanding of compliance frameworks.
  • Demonstrated ability to partner cross‑functionally and influence stakeholders at all levels.
  • Exceptional analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
  • Proficiency in financial systems and advanced Excel skills.

Finance Manager in Southampton employer: NKT Photonics Ltd.

Join our dynamic team as a Finance Manager in the thriving Aerospace & Defense sector in the UK, where you will be at the forefront of financial leadership and strategic decision-making. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth, offering ample opportunities for career advancement and skill development. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on compliance and governance, we provide a supportive environment that empowers you to make a meaningful impact on large-scale projects.

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Contact Details:

NKT Photonics Ltd. Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Southampton

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

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.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like NKT Photonics Ltd.. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Southampton

Financial Planning
Contract Accounting
Work in Progress (WIP) Accounting
Compliance Frameworks
Analytical Skills
Attention to Detail
Stakeholder Management

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 NKT Photonics Ltd..

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.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on NKT Photonics Ltd.'s website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at NKT Photonics Ltd.

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 NKT Photonics Ltd..

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at NKT Photonics Ltd. will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former NKT Photonics Ltd. 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.