Finance Manager

AMS; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

AWE is seeking a Finance Manager (Inside IR35) for a 12-month contract based in Reading with hybrid working. The role focuses on financial accounting, FP&A, compliance, and finance systems within a regulated environment.

The successful candidate will deliver timely financial data, maintain controls, mentor junior staff, and contribute to continuous improvement while working with stakeholders across the organisation.

Qualifications

• Active SC clearance.

Responsibilities

• Deliver assigned financial activities to agreed timescales and quality standards.
• Provide accurate and timely financial data, reporting, and analysis to support business decision-making.
• Assist in the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of financial information.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, procedures, and governance requirements.
• Maintain the integrity, accuracy, and completeness of financial data and records.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of internal financial controls.
• Identify and contribute to process improvement and efficiency initiatives.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders.
• Support the development and mentoring of Finance Analysts, graduates, and apprentices.
• Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team culture by leading through example.

Skills

SC Clearance

Qualified accountant (ACCA/CIMA/ACA)

Financial reporting

Governance & controls

Stakeholder management

Excel & financial systems

multitasking & deadlines

Analytical & problem solving

Team orientation & improvement mindset

Education

ACCA/CIMA/ACA qualification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP platforms

Job description

On behalf of AWE, we are looking for a Finance Manager (Inside IR35) for a 12 months contract based in Reading Hybrid working.

What if you could work on something that you can't test… but cannot afford to fail? Something that could have spent years on a submarine, is launched into outer space (where the temperature is below -250c), comes hurtling through the atmosphere, being heated up and shaken and then must work? Some challenge. That’s exactly what the team of over 6,500 people at AWE do every day delivering important work, in support of the most important mission – keeping the nation safe.

AWE plays a crucial role in national nuclear security. Their role in nuclear deterrence and their specialist technical assistance to nuclear threat reduction is vital in the defence against the most serious threats faced by the UK. Working to support the defence of our country, AWE has a clear mission to keep everyone, the environment, their products and information, sites, and everything around them, safe and secure.

We are seeking an experienced Finance Manager to join the CFO Finance team, supporting the delivery of financial accounting, financial planning & analysis , financial compliance, and finance systems activities.

This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional who can deliver high-quality financial support, maintain strong financial controls , and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within a complex and regulated environment.

As a Finance Manager, your main responsibilities will be:

• Deliver assigned financial activities to agreed timescales and quality standards.


• Provide accurate and timely financial data, reporting, and analysis to support business decision -making.


• Assist in the analysis , interpretation, and presentation of financial information.


• Ensure compliance with financial policies, procedures, and governance requirements.


• Maintain the integrity, accuracy, and completeness of financial data and records.


• Support the implementation and monitoring of internal financial controls .


• Identify and contribute to process improvement and efficiency initiatives .


• Build and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders.


• Support the development and mentoring of Finance Analysts, graduates, and apprentices.


• Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team culture by leading through example.


• Promote and maintain high standards of safety, security, quality, and professional conduct.

Essential:

• Active SC Clearance.


• Part-qualified or fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or equivalent).


• Experience working within a finance function covering financial accounting, FP&A, financial compliance, or finance operations.


• Strong understanding of financial controls , governance, and compliance requirements.


• Experience producing and analysing financial reports and data.


• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to maintain data integrity and accuracy.


• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.


• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and financial systems.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to deadlines.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Team-oriented with a proactive and continuous improvement mindset.

Desirable:

• Experience working within government, defence, engineering, or other highly regulated environments.


• Knowledge of finance systems, reporting tools, and ERP platforms.


• Experience supporting audits and financial compliance activities.


• Experience mentoring junior finance professionals, graduates, or apprentices.


• Understanding of finance process improvement and transformation initiatives

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

AWE's ambition is to create workplaces that recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and where people feel able to be themselves at work. They strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants .

Disability Confident

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, AWE guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

AWE guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".