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 innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private healthcare, bonus scheme, and extensive career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid work structure and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in Defence operations while working in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with Defence sector experience and strong commercial finance skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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.
Strategic Finance Partner - Defence Sector in Hook employer: Serco
At Serco, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer within the Defence sector, offering a competitive salary and a robust benefits package that includes private healthcare, a generous bonus scheme, and extensive career development opportunities. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing you to partner with senior leaders and make a meaningful impact on critical Defence operations while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your professional growth in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Finance Partner - Defence Sector in Hook
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the Defence sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Strategic Finance Partner role. A personal recommendation can go a long way in getting your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Defence sector. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the operational challenges they face. Show them you understand their world!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings; proactively reach out to companies like Serco through our website. Express your interest in the Strategic Finance Partner role and highlight how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your storytelling skills! Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've influenced decision-making and driven financial performance in previous roles. Make it memorable and relevant to the Defence sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Finance Partner - Defence Sector in Hook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Strategic Finance Partner role. Highlight your experience in the Defence sector and any relevant financial achievements. 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 passionate about the Defence sector and how your skills can contribute to our team. 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 that demonstrate your ability to navigate complex environments.
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 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. Understand how financial performance impacts operational readiness and military capability, as this will help you engage meaningfully with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing senior stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced decision-making and driven financial performance in previous roles, especially in complex environments.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you've balanced operational priorities with financial performance. Use real-life scenarios to illustrate how your commercial judgement has led to successful outcomes in past projects.
✨Practice Simplifying Complex Information
Since strong communication skills are key for this role, practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will show your ability to make financial insights accessible to non-financial stakeholders, which is crucial in a fast-paced environment.
