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: Qualified ACA/CIMA/ACCA 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 Exeter employer: SAGENTIA
At Science Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Finance Manager in our Harston office, you will benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises employee growth through bespoke training and mentoring, alongside a competitive salary and benefits package. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the defence and aviation sector while working with a talented team dedicated to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know someone at Science Group. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and understanding of the defence industry. We recommend researching recent trends and challenges in the sector to show you’re not just a numbers person but also a strategic thinker.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to explain complex financial concepts to non-finance staff, so try explaining your past experiences to friends or family. The clearer you are, the more confident you’ll feel during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply 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 directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Exeter
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 experience with budgeting, forecasting, and how you've influenced non-financial staff in the past. We love a good story that showcases your skills!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In your application, make sure to highlight your analytical approach to problem-solving. Share examples of how you've interpreted financial data and made recommendations that improved business processes. 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
✨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. This shows you’re not just familiar with finance but can apply it practically.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll need to explain complex financial information to non-financial staff, practice simplifying your explanations. Use examples from your experience where you successfully communicated financial concepts to diverse teams. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between finance and operations.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Finance Manager, you’ll be expected to lead and motivate your team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your approach to fostering a collaborative environment and achieving targets.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific financial scenarios or challenges. Think about past experiences where you had to analyse data, make decisions, or implement changes. Being able to articulate your thought process will showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
