At a Glance
- Tasks: Partner with Defence leaders to drive financial performance and support strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join Serco, a leader in Defence services with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private healthcare, bonus scheme, and extensive career development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid role with travel opportunities and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in Defence operations while working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with Defence sector experience and strong commercial finance skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ 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. If you’re looking for a role where you can genuinely influence outcomes, operate at pace, and work within a complex Defence environment, we’d love to hear from you.
What We Offer
- Company car / £4200 cash alternative.
- Private healthcare.
- Bonus scheme of up to 20%.
- Pension – 6%.
- Serco discounts which include 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.
EEO & Inclusion Statement
At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer and holder of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview. We support fair access to employment for those with unspent criminal convictions through the ‘Ban the Box’ pledge, where applicable. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working. We operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas.
Finance Business Partner - Defence in Hook employer: Serco
At Serco, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for those in the Defence sector. Our hybrid work model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while our strong benefits package, including private healthcare and a generous bonus scheme, ensures that our employees feel valued and supported. With a commitment to career development and a culture that champions diversity and inclusion, Serco offers a dynamic environment where you can thrive and make a meaningful impact on critical Defence operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner - Defence in Hook
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the Defence sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Finance Business Partner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Defence industry. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the strategic goals of Serco and how you can drive financial performance in a complex environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your commercial acumen! During interviews, highlight specific examples where you've influenced decision-making or improved operational efficiencies. This will demonstrate your ability to challenge assumptions and add value to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Serco and contributing to our Defence operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner - Defence in Hook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your experience in the Defence sector and any relevant qualifications like ACA, ACCA, or CIMA. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the Defence sector and how your skills can drive financial performance. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, emphasise your experience in managing senior stakeholders. We’re looking for someone who can confidently challenge and influence decision-making, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at Serco!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Know Your Defence Sector Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in the Defence sector. Being able to discuss current events or recent changes will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely interested in the field.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios
Think about how you would handle various stakeholder situations. Prepare examples where you've successfully influenced decision-making or navigated complex financial discussions. This will demonstrate your strong communication skills and commercial acumen.
✨Showcase Your Financial Insight
Be ready to discuss how you've delivered meaningful financial analysis in past roles. Bring specific examples of how your insights led to improved operational outcomes or efficiencies, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Practice Resilience and Confidence
This role demands someone who can operate under pressure. Think of times when you've had to challenge assumptions or manage risks effectively. Practising these scenarios will help you convey your resilience and confidence during the interview.
