Finance Manager

NKT Photonics; Southampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NKT Photonics in the United Kingdom seeks a Finance Manager/Project Controller to lead financial planning, reporting and contract governance for the Aerospace & Defence portfolio, partnering with program managers and commercial teams to drive profitability.

You will oversee WIP accounting, month-end close, and bid support, ensuring compliant accounting and accurate forecasting across UK projects. This role demands strong analytical skills and rigorous financial discipline.

Qualifications

• Professional finance qualifications (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead all financial planning, reporting, and analysis activities for the UK A&D business.
• Ensure full contract compliance, including financial terms, reporting obligations, pricing structures, milestone tracking, and audit requirements.
• Oversee accounting compliance, including proper recognition and valuation of work in progress.
• Monitor and control project financials, risks, and opportunities, ensuring corrective actions are implemented where needed.
• Partner closely with program managers, commercial teams, and operations to ensure accurate forecasting, revenue recognition, and cost control.
• Oversee month-end close processes and ensure the integrity of financial results.
• Support the development of bids and pricing models to maintain competitiveness and profitability.
• Drive process improvements, financial discipline, and strong internal controls across the A&D portfolio.
• Act as primary point of contact for internal and external auditors on contract-related matters.

Skills

Financial leadership

Aerospace/defense experience

Contract accounting

Compliance frameworks

Cross-functional partnering

Analytical skills

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualification

Tools

Excel

Job description

About The Role

We are seeking a driven and experienced Finance Manager/Project Controller to support our expanding Aerospace & Defense (A&D) business in the UK. This role provides financial leadership and accurate contract accounting, ensuring contract governance and partnering with the business to enhance financial performance and support strategic decision‑making.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all financial planning, reporting, and analysis activities for the UK A&D business.
• Ensure full contract compliance, including financial terms, reporting obligations, pricing structures, milestone tracking, and audit requirements.
• Oversee accounting compliance, including proper recognition and valuation of work in progress.
• Monitor and control project financials, risks, and opportunities, ensuring corrective actions are implemented where needed.
• Partner closely with program managers, commercial teams, and operations to ensure accurate forecasting, revenue recognition, and cost control.
• Oversee month‑end close processes and ensure the integrity of financial results.
• Support the development of bids and pricing models to maintain competitiveness and profitability.
• Drive process improvements, financial discipline, and strong internal controls across the A&D portfolio.
• Act as primary point of contact for internal and external auditors on contract‑related matters.

Qualifications & Experience

• Professional finance qualifications (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience.
• Proven industry experience within aerospace or defense, engineering or other complex project‑driven industries.
• Strong understanding of contract accounting and work in progress (WIP) accounting.
• Strong understanding of compliance frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to partner cross‑functionally and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Exceptional analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in financial systems and advanced Excel skills.