At a Glance
- Tasks: Partner with Defence leaders to drive financial performance and support strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join Serco, a key player in supporting UK military operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, private healthcare, and extensive career development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a hybrid work environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in Defence finance while working closely with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with Defence sector experience and strong commercial finance skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
Salary - Competitive + Strong Benefits Package
Permanent - Full Time
Hybrid role with expectations to travel nationally
At Serco, our Defence business plays a critical role in supporting military capability, operational readiness, and essential defence services across the UK. We are looking for an experienced Finance Business Partner with a strong Defence sector background to support a complex and operationally focused portfolio.
This role is a key strategic finance position within our Defence business unit, partnering directly with operational and commercial leaders to drive financial performance, support growth, and influence decision-making across critical services and contracts.
You will operate in a fast-paced environment where strong stakeholder management, commercial judgement, and resilience are essential. This role requires someone who can confidently challenge senior leaders, navigate complexity, and provide meaningful insight that improves operational and financial outcomes.
What you’ll be doing:
- Partner with Defence business leaders to provide strategic financial and commercial support
- Deliver insight and analysis to support profitable and sustainable contract performance
- Lead long-range planning, and scenario analysis activities
- Support operational leaders in understanding financial performance, risks, and opportunities
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and identify efficiencies across contracts and services
- Provide commercial support around contract changes, rebids, extensions, and customer negotiations
- Challenge assumptions and influence decision-making to improve business performance
- Work closely with operational, commercial, and finance teams across the wider business
- Support governance and ensure strong financial control and accountability
What we’re looking for:
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
- Previous experience within the Defence sector is essential
- Strong commercial finance and business partnering background within a complex operational environment
- Experience supporting large-scale contracts, programmes, or service-based operations
- Excellent senior stakeholder management and influencing capability
- Strong communication skills with the ability to simplify complex financial information
- Experience driving transformation, process improvement, or operational efficiencies
- Ability to operate with confidence, credibility, and resilience in a demanding environment
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance operational priorities and financial performance
Additional Requirements:
- Must currently hold, or be eligible and willing to undergo, SC (Security Check) Clearance
Why join us:
This is an opportunity to join a highly visible finance team supporting critical Defence operations and services. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, contribute to strategic decision-making, and play a key role in driving performance and continuous improvement across an important area of the business.
What we offer:
- Company car / £4200 cash alternative
- Private healthcare
- Bonus scheme of up to 20%
- Pension - 6%
- Serco discounts including cinema, Merlin Entertainment and online shopping discounts, and discounts on mobile phone plans and leisure centre memberships
- A range of benefits to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family such as Employee Assistance Programme, Simply Health Cash Plans, and more
- A wealth of career development training to suit your future aspirations. These range from role-specific training, leadership coaching, formal study and much more to support you to build your career with Serco
At Serco, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. We encourage applications from diverse candidate pools and are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working. We operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas.
Strategic Defence Finance Partner employer: Serco North America
At Serco, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for those in the Strategic Defence Finance Partner role. Our hybrid work model, combined with a competitive salary and robust benefits package, fosters a supportive and flexible work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and career development. With opportunities to engage directly with senior leaders and influence critical decision-making, you will find a rewarding career path that not only values your expertise but also encourages continuous improvement and personal growth within the vital Defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Defence Finance Partner
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the Defence sector! Attend industry events, join relevant 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 dream job.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with professionals already working in finance roles within Defence. This is your chance to learn about their experiences and get insider tips. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the field, which can make a great impression!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to demonstrate your financial acumen and strategic thinking. Bring examples of how you've influenced decision-making or improved financial performance in past roles. We want to see your impact!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website for the Strategic Defence Finance Partner role! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Defence Finance Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in the Defence sector and any relevant financial roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns 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 the Strategic Defence Finance Partner role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced decision-making and driven financial performance in previous roles.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:Since this role involves working closely with senior leaders, make sure to highlight your experience in stakeholder management. We love seeing how you've navigated complex environments and built strong relationships in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Serco!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco North America
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Strategic Defence Finance Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the defence sector and be ready to discuss how you've used data to influence decision-making in previous roles.
✨Understand the Defence Landscape
Familiarise yourself with current trends and challenges in the defence sector. This will not only show your passion for the industry but also help you engage in meaningful discussions about how financial strategies can support operational readiness and capability.
✨Prepare for Scenario Analysis
Given the role's focus on long-range planning and scenario analysis, think of examples where you've successfully navigated complex financial situations. Be prepared to discuss how you approached these scenarios and the outcomes of your decisions.
✨Showcase Stakeholder Management Skills
Strong stakeholder management is crucial for this position. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to influence senior leaders and collaborate across teams. Think about times when you challenged assumptions and how that led to improved business performance.
