At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business performance through financial analysis and strategic insights in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Shield AI, a cutting-edge defence-tech company dedicated to protecting lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive rewards package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping strategy and driving innovation in a high-visibility role.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in finance with strong analytical skills and experience in the Aerospace & Defence industry.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.
We’re looking for a Finance Lead with sharp analytical instincts and a passion for driving business performance to join our high-performing finance team. Supporting our fastest-growing Hivemind business unit, this is a high-visibility, high-impact role where your insights will directly shape strategy and fuel innovation. In this fast-paced, constantly evolving environment, you won’t just crunch numbers—you’ll influence decisions, uncover opportunities, and partner with leaders across engineering, operations, and product to deliver actionable financial intelligence. Your work will help optimize performance and steer one of our most critical business areas toward sustained growth.
The ideal candidate brings deep experience in financial modeling, operational finance, and data analysis, as well as a solid grasp of IFRS/GAAP, government contracting, and both hardware and software businesses. If you're energized by complexity, motivated by results, and ready to make a real impact, we want to hear from you.
What you'll do:
- Build, maintain, and enhance financial models to support budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning
- Analyse financial and operational data to generate insights and provide clear, actionable recommendations to senior leadership
- Partner closely with Program Management and Engineering teams to support program financial health, cost tracking, and workforce planning
- Support the development and execution of Earned Value Management (EVM) or equivalent program performance frameworks
- Collaborate with program managers to monitor actuals vs. plan, flag risks/opportunities, and support EAC (Estimate at Completion) updates
- Participate in the month-end and quarter-end close process, including variance analysis and executive reporting
- Assist with financial operational planning cycles, business reviews, and investment decision-making processes
- Support data transformation initiatives and basic modeling efforts in collaboration with analytics or data engineering teams
- Drive continuous process improvement by identifying automation and efficiency opportunities within financial reporting and analysis
- Ensure financial alignment of day-to-day operations with long-term strategic goals through regular operational reviews and ad hoc analysis
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or a related field
- 8+ years of progressive experience in financial analysis, corporate finance, or FP&A
- Experience working in the Aerospace & Defence industry, ideally supporting government or defence programs
- Advanced proficiency in Excel, financial modeling, and data analysis
- Strong understanding of IFRS/AASB/GAAP, with practical experience applying accounting principles in a government contracting
- Familiarity with cost accounting concepts and government contract structures (e.g., T&M, CPFF, FFP)
- Solid understanding of financial statements and business metrics
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaborate cross-functionally in a fast-moving environment
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders
Preferred qualifications:
- MBA or Master’s degree in a related discipline
- Experience supporting operations or customer-facing teams in a manufacturing, aerospace, or tech environment
- Experience with ERP and planning systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle, Costpoint, or comparable tools)
- Track record of being a high performer with a bias for action, intellectual curiosity, and attention to detail
- Passion for using data to tell a story and drive strategic decisions
Lead, Program Finance (R5328) in London employer: Shield AI
At Shield AI, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Greater London. Our employees benefit from continuous growth opportunities, competitive compensation, and the chance to contribute to groundbreaking technologies in the defense sector, all while enjoying the dynamic lifestyle that London has to offer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead, Program Finance (R5328) in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Shield AI. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead, Program Finance (R5328) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Shield AI.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Shield AI's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shield AI
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Shield AI.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Shield AI will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Shield AI employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
