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: Hands-on role with opportunities for travel and collaboration across multiple sites.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while working with a dynamic team in a growing consultancy.
- Qualifications: Qualified ACA/CIMA/ACCA with strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Who we are
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.
Job Role
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
Experience & Qualifications
- 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
Career Development
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 employer: Sagentia Defence
Science Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Cambridge, where innovation meets finance. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide tailored training and mentoring opportunities, ensuring that our Finance Manager can thrive and make a significant impact within the Sagentia Defence and Aviation Practices. Our collaborative culture encourages open communication and teamwork, making it a rewarding place for professionals seeking meaningful contributions in the defence consultancy sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Finance Manager role.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and its financial practices. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends. Show them you’re not just a numbers person, but someone who can communicate effectively with the whole team!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your analytical skills and experience with financial modelling. We want to see how you can interpret data and present it clearly, especially to those who might not have a finance background.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager
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 this role. Talk about your management skills and how you've successfully communicated financial information to non-financial staff in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase your analytical approach to problem-solving. Mention specific examples where you've interpreted financial data to drive business decisions. We’re looking for someone who can dive into the details and come up with effective solutions!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Science Group. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with both finance and non-finance staff, so think of examples where you've done this successfully.
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to showcase your analytical approach. Prepare to discuss specific instances where you’ve modelled and interpreted large volumes of data to solve problems or improve processes.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
Since this role involves leading a finance team, think of examples that highlight your management skills. Share experiences where you motivated your team to meet goals and how you handled competing priorities.
