Finance Manager in Southampton

Join us to Make an Impact

Innovation is in our DNA. We invented supercontinuum lasers and photonic crystal fibers and we constantly reimagine how our products can be used and improved. Our customers use our products in medical and life science research, quantum computing and space exploration.

We seek curious, creative and collaborative people to work in our cutting-edge company. Can you see yourself working in teams and providing solutions for innovators?

If you wish to apply, please contact us with your CV / Résumé. If you have a cover letter, please save this in one document with your CV / Résumé as you are only able to upload one document.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Further your career at NKT Photonics! Our customers make all kinds of mind-blowing innovations with our fiber lasers and photonic crystal fibers – and we need to keep up. We help our customers innovate in areas such as medical and life-science research, semiconductor manufacturing, space exploration, and quantum computing. If you're on our Team already, you know what we are up to and the opportunities that lie ahead of us but what about your own future? Would you like to find your next career move with us? We embrace uniqueness. With more than 40 nationalities, we are a diverse group. But we have a lot in common. We are curious, respectful, and we aim to make a difference in the World. We need the sharpest minds on our Team to help us accelerate development. Together, we can make an impact.

About the Role

We are seeking a driven and experienced Finance Manager/Project Controller to support our expanding Aerospace & Defense (A&D) business in the UK, with 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 controlling projects 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.

Keep your personal data safe

NKT Photonics ("The Company") take responsibly for the protection of your personal data. Accordingly, upon receiving your job application and additional material you choose to submit, the Company keeps a safe and secure environment and ensures confidentiality.

You also have a role to play in keeping your personal data safe. We request you only submit personal data about yourself in your job application, CV / Résumé or other relevant material you choose to provide to us that is relevant for the specific job opening you are applying for.

Please consider whether there is personal information you are about to submit, such as health information, information on family relations, information on trade union membership, etc. that is not necessary for our recruitment process or the job opening you are applying for. Please also be aware that certificates or other documents are not necessary for the vacancy. We urgently request you to redact/cross out such information before you submit your job application.

Thank you.