Business Controller

Saab UK; Fareham; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job description

Introduction

Saab UK is part of Scandinavia's largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence has been growing at pace, meaning we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. We currently employ over 500 people across eight sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training.

As part of the global entity Saab AB, Saab UK combines the innovative spirit of a start-up with the resources and expertise of a larger corporation. Globally, Saab employs over 22,000 people, with operations on every continent. Our partnerships with UK customers and industry mean we are able to deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges, anticipating the threats of tomorrow. We invest 23% of our annual revenue into research and development, collaborating with a range of partners including industry and academia.

Saab is a company that offers our employees plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. We embrace diversity and are committed to providing a workplace where individuals can thrive professionally, paving the way for future progression. We also recognise the need for a healthy work-life balance to ensure our staff have the chance to live a fulfilling life beyond the workplace.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Work as part of a collaborative team with other UK controllers, reporting into the CFO.
• Consolidation and reporting of Saab UK's individual business units.
• Perform month end close and own internal control frameworks.
• Report on internal controls and month end close.
• Prepare and submit the annual budget, quarterly forecasts, and reporting.
• Cost centre controlling in the financial system.
• Control and maintain the finance systems hierarchy.
• Project controlling and reporting, including the setup and management of projects in the accounting system.
• Financial contact for Win Business Process: ensuring financial and commercial rigor.
• CAPEX accounting and support managers with business investment requests.
• Act as a UK point of contact for the accounting services team.
• Coordinate with Saab group on transactional financial processes and controls for the UK Division.
• Calculate hourly rates.
• Support business partnering to Project Managers and Management functional directors in achieving financial goals and budgets.
• Manage all accounting operations for a Division.
• Coordinate and direct the preparation of the annual budget and quarterly forecasts.
• Prepare and publish timely monthly management accounts, including full variance analysis to budget and forecast.
• Create monthly and annual reports to identify results, trends, and financial forecasts.
• Ensure all reporting is compliant with statutory law and financial regulations.
• Ensure compliance with all HMRC requirements.
• Communicate business processes and accounting finance policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls for all Saab UK colleagues.
• Contribute to managing the external annual financial audit process and liaise with external personnel as required.
• Contribute fully to the company's financial strategy and decision-making processes.
• Present reports and results to senior executives, stakeholders, and UK board members.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Fully Qualified Accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA).
• Minimum 5 years experience in a Controller or Finance Manager role.
• Adept at working independently and making proactive improvements.
• Ability to meet monthly deadlines and manage the accounting calendar for Saab UK.
• Supportive, collaborative approach across all business stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to interpret and manipulate large volumes of data.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence at all levels within the business.
• Ability to challenge at all levels and communicate with clear and reasoned verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to work to conflicting deadlines and effectively prioritise own and team's dynamic workload.
• Highly PC literate & skilled with all Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience of Unit 4 Agresso (desirable).

• Professional and positive with high ethical standards.
• The ability to lead a team and inspire your team while influencing both the finance team and wider business.
• Tenacious and pragmatic approach, able to get to the root of issues and implement appropriate processes and controls.
• Excellent judgement and decision-making skills in a fast-paced, commercial environment.

We expect you to have a minimum of 5 years working experience as a Business Controller or Finance Manager. This position will require hybrid working with the expectation of 2-3 days per week in the office on average.

By submitting an application to Saab UK, you consent to undertaking workforce screening activities that may include but are not limited to: Baseline Personnel Security checks, National Security Vetting, reference checks, verification of working rights, and in all circumstances preferred candidates will be placed through a security interview.