At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial analysis and reporting to drive business performance and profitability.
- Company: Join Science Group, a cutting-edge organisation in science and technology innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bespoke training, mentoring, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and collaboration across multiple sites.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence consultancy while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Must be ACA/CIMA/ACCA qualified with strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Science Group is an international, AIM listed services and product development organisation operating at the cutting edge of science and technology innovation. We are looking for a Finance Manager for the Sagentia Defence and Aviation Practices to work with the senior leadership team and be an important contributor to the running of the Division.
Sagentia Defence and Aviation is a combined ~£10m revenue defence consultancy business with offices in Bristol, Epsom and Harston, near Cambridge.
In this role, you shall work closely with senior management and the consultants to support them in understanding the performance of the business and interpret the financial results and KPIs to maximize cash and profitability, including recommending and subsequently implementing changes to the business processes, operations and controls. You shall use your excellent management skills coupled with a thorough knowledge of finance and commercial principles to utilise, prepare and analyse operational and financial reports and forecasts for the division.
This is a hands‑on role and you shall be in the detail to understand the results, ensure their accuracy and explain these results to senior management. Reporting to the Finance Director, you will be expected to direct, lead and most importantly motivate the Finance team to deliver against agreed goals and targets. Following direction from the Finance Director, you shall also help transition operational and finance processes to drive efficiencies and help align the business with the wider Group.
To be successful in this position you will have worked in a similar role with proven work experience, along with a recognised accountancy qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA). The ability to interpret financial information and effectively communicate it to staff without a financial background is essential as well as having confidence when dealing with a wide variety of people and prioritising competing deadlines. This role will be based in our Harston head office with regular travel to the Bristol office along with other group sites.
Key Responsibilities- Preparation of management accounts
- Supporting P&L budgeting and forecasting
- Preparation of reports
- Ownership of process adherence and improvement
- Continual improvement of information reported including heavy use of spreadsheet modelling
- Support to the Finance Director
- Preparation and support for Group and Divisional reporting
- ACA/CIMA/ACCA qualified or equivalent
- Ability to present information in a clear and concise manner and use this to influence others (finance and non‑finance staff)
- An analytical approach to resolving problems and finding effective solutions
- Experience in modelling and analysing large volumes of data and interpretation of financial information
- Organised and able to manage competing priorities with multiple stakeholders
- Experience of processing and managing month end routines and process
- Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Excel
We are committed to career development and make a focussed effort to offer bespoke training and mentoring to allow each individual to thrive within their environment and realise personal potential. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.
Finance Manager in Cambridge employer: Sagentia Defence
Science Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Cambridge, where innovation meets finance. As a Finance Manager, you will not only play a pivotal role in shaping the financial strategies of our Defence and Aviation Practices but also benefit from a culture that prioritises career development through bespoke training and mentoring. With a competitive salary and a commitment to employee growth, Science Group stands out as a rewarding place for professionals seeking meaningful contributions in a cutting-edge industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Cambridge
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance industry! Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Finance Manager role.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for those interviews by practising common finance questions and scenarios. Show off your analytical skills and how you can communicate complex financial info clearly. Remember, confidence is key!
✨Show Your Value
When chatting with potential employers, highlight your experience in improving processes and driving efficiencies. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've made a difference in previous roles.
✨Apply Through Us
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of being noticed by the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in financial reporting and analysis, and don’t forget to mention your qualifications like ACA or ACCA. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role and how your skills align with our needs. Be sure to mention your ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial staff, as this is key for us.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've used your analytical skills to solve problems or improve processes in previous roles. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to interpret financial data and make informed decisions!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sagentia Defence
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on key financial metrics and KPIs relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used these in past positions to drive profitability and efficiency.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to convey information to non-financial staff, so showing that you can make finance accessible is crucial.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Think of examples where you've motivated a team or led a project. Be ready to share how you’ve directed finance teams to meet goals and how you handle competing priorities.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions about how you would approach specific financial challenges or process improvements. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
