At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a finance team, providing strategic insights and managing financial reporting.
- Company: Join a leading defence company with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while shaping business strategies and decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified CIMA/ACCA accountant with strong finance business partnering skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ 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
- 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 Chelmsford employer: Raytheon
Raytheon UK is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where finance professionals can thrive and develop their skills. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, the Finance Manager role offers opportunities for strategic input and leadership within a supportive team environment, ensuring compliance and excellence in financial governance. Located in a fast-paced industry, employees benefit from engaging with cutting-edge projects and a collaborative atmosphere that values innovation and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Chelmsford
✨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 Raytheon. 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 Chelmsford
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 Raytheon.
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 Raytheon'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 Raytheon
✨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 Raytheon.
✨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 Raytheon 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 Raytheon 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.
