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.
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 in Harston employer: SAGENTIA
At Science Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the cutting-edge fields of defence and aviation. Our Harston office provides a supportive environment where Finance Managers can thrive, with tailored career development opportunities, competitive salaries, and a commitment to employee growth through bespoke training and mentoring. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the world of science and technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Harston
✨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 the interview 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 genuinely interested and informed.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since you’ll need to explain complex financial info to non-finance staff, try explaining some financial concepts 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, it shows you’re keen on joining the team at Science Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Harston
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 management accounts and financial reporting. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific experiences that relate to the job description and show us your passion for finance and consultancy.
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your ACA/CIMA/ACCA qualifications prominently. We’re looking for someone with proven expertise, so make sure we can easily spot your credentials in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
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.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll need to explain complex financial information to non-financial staff, practice simplifying your explanations. Use examples from your experience where you've successfully communicated financial concepts to diverse teams.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Mindset
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've analysed large volumes of data to make informed decisions. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how they led to tangible improvements in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific financial scenarios or challenges. Think about past experiences where you implemented process improvements or managed competing priorities, and be ready to share those stories.
