At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a finance team, providing insights and analysis for strategic business decisions.
- Company: Join Raytheon UK, a leader in defence and aerospace technology, committed to innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Willingness to travel and engage with international teams is essential.
- Why this job: Make an impact on national security while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in complex contracting; strong communication and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
About the Role
Reporting to the Senior Finance Manager, Advanced Products, the successful candidate will manage and develop a small team of qualified and part qualified accountants within the business pillars. The Finance Manager will be responsible for providing high quality business partnering and accurate, actionable financial analysis and insight to the business team and to Finance leaders across Raytheon UK and US.
The individual must have the resilience to work in a pressured environment and will be relied upon to provide proactive strategic input and leadership across the Business Programme Finance team. The individual will ensure compliance with financial governance and policy requirements; monthly business forecasting and reporting; AOP and 5 year plan strategic planning; project accounting (EACs); investment; balance sheet reviews; cash and foreign exchange management.
Role & Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Act as the strategic Finance Business Partner to the Business Team and functional leaders, embedding finance at the heart of decision‑making
Lead financial management, reporting, and forecasting across key metrics including bookings, sales, profit, cash, budgets, and new business investment
Provide insight by linking programme performance to financial outcomes, shaping business strategy and decisions
Support development of Annual Operating Plans (AOP) and Long‑Range Plans (LRP), ensuring strong functional alignment
Support new business and Gate Reviews, including pricing, cost estimates, risk and opportunity assessment, FX management, and contract negotiations
Own investment governance and reporting (AR/CFR/NBI), including approvals, inventory AR monitoring, and burndown planning
Lead the Estimate at Completion (EAC) process, including complex and high‑profile fixed‑price programmes
Deliver clear, timely forecasts and financial insights for senior finance and business leaders
Line manage and develop finance team capability, supporting development and succession planning
Manage UK/US finance stakeholder relationships, ensuring delivery against financial commitments
Act as the financial conscience of the business, ensuring policy compliance and strong financial control
Champion best practice, continuous improvement, and enhanced systems and processes
Promote a culture of accuracy, predictability, and value‑add financial analysis across all finance deliverables.
Essential Skills
Qualified CIMA / ACCA accountant with experience in defence or complex contracting environments
Strong finance business partnering across matrix, multi‑function organisations
Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills
Advanced financial analysis with strong attention to detail
Proven ability to resolve complex business and commercial challenges
Commercially astute, supporting strategic planning and informed decision‑making
Highly resilient and adaptable in fast‑paced environments with competing priorities
Able to translate complex data into clear, executive‑level insights
Desirable Skills
Experience in a programme environment, including accounting for long‑term contracts and Estimate at Completion (EAC)
Financial leadership experience or exposure to leading finance workstreams
Strong systems proficiency, including SAP, Cognos Enterprise Planning & BI, and Power BI.
Finance Manager in Harlow employer: Raytheon Systems
At Raytheon UK, we pride ourselves on being a premier employer in the defence and aerospace sector, offering a dynamic work culture that champions innovation and personal growth. Our Harlow location provides a collaborative environment where employees can thrive, supported by comprehensive professional development opportunities and a strong commitment to national security. Join us to be part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of a hybrid working model and a focus on employee well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Harlow
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the defence and aerospace industry, particularly Raytheon UK's role in it. Understanding their mission and values will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Raytheon UK on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial management in a complex contracting environment. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges and contributed to strategic planning in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your leadership skills and experience in developing junior staff. Raytheon UK values team development, so showcasing your ability to mentor and lead a team will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance management, particularly in defence or complex contracting environments. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. Mention specific experiences that align with the responsibilities listed, such as financial analysis, strategic planning, and team management.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Clearly state your qualifications, especially if you are a qualified or part-qualified accountant (CIMA preferred). Include any additional certifications or training that may be relevant to the finance manager position.
Showcase Soft Skills:In your application, emphasise your soft skills such as communication, resilience, and leadership. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in high-pressure environments.
How to prepare for a job interview at Raytheon Systems
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Finance Manager, especially in a defence and aerospace context. Familiarise yourself with key financial metrics like bookings, sales, and profit, as well as project accounting principles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves managing a team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Highlight any instances where you've successfully developed junior staff or led a team through challenging situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in a fast-paced environment. Prepare examples of how you've turned complex financial data into actionable insights or resolved critical business challenges.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial for this role. Be ready to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms and discuss how you've managed stakeholder relationships in previous positions.
