Finance Operations Administrator - GKN

GKN; East Cowes; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

GKN Aerospace in the East Cowes Manufacturing Centre of Excellence is seeking a numerate, articulate Finance Assistant to support programme accounting, month-end reporting and ERP data management. No prior finance experience is required as full training will be provided, with an emphasis on accuracy and using AI to enhance reporting.

In this role you’ll assist with journals, cost reporting and data integrity, working closely with the FP&A Manager to strengthen controls and drive efficiency

Qualifications

• Numerate and articulate candidate with strong attention to detail.
• Advanced Excel skills and data analysis capability.
• Confident, clear communication and collaborative mindset.
• Willingness to learn and take ownership of tasks.
• Ability to use AI to enhance reporting and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting: maintain & update rolling financial models; support the preparation of business review presentations & financial reporting packs; optimise AI technologies to automate reporting processes.
• Journal Processing & Month-end: post & validate journals; support month-end close; ensure timely and accurate postings within controls.
• Programme & Cost Reporting: support projects to improve reporting and cost allocation; align overhead with programme reporting; assist with performance analysis.
• Accounts Payable & Reconciliations: assist in balance sheet reconciliation evidence; cost allocation of AP invoices; data/master data management; ensure accuracy.
• ERP & Ledger Administration: run sub-ledger reports; ERP/LM housekeeping; support continuous improvement of finance system processes and controls.

Skills

Advanced Excel Skills

Strong numeracy with attention to data

Confident, articulate communication

Positive, proactive attitude

Team player with good humour

Tools

AI reporting tools

Job description

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

Based in our thriving East Cowes Manufacturing Centre of Excellence, and reporting into the Financial Planning & Analysis Manager, this is a newly created role with the intention of providing financial and operational support across Programme accounting, month-end reporting, transactional finance and ERP data management activities.

The role will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of financial information, supporting business performance reporting, and maintaining financial systems integrity.

No previous experience of finance or accounting is necessarily required, as full training will be given - we're looking for someone numerate and articulate, with an eye fo detail, the right energy, a positive attitude, advanced Excel skills, and a confidence in understanding how to best utilise AI to find reporting improvements and efficiencies across modelling and spreadsheet management.

Job Responsibilities

Financial Reporting

Maintain & update rolling financial models; Support the preparation of business review presentations & financial reporting packs; Optimise latest AI technologies to automate current reporting processes

Journal Processing & Month-end activities

Post & validate prepared journals in accordance with financial controls; Support month-end and year-end close activities; Ensure financial transactions are recorded accurately and within reporting deadlines.

Programme & Cost Reporting

Support projects aimed at improving financial reporting & cost allocation; Maintain alignment between overhead and programme reporting structures; Assist with Programme performance analysis and reporting improvements

Accounts Payable & Reconciliations

Assist in preparation of evidence for Balance Sheet reconciliation activities; Assist with the cost allocation of AP invoices; Systems & Data Management; Perform data check of new Business Partner form; Set up and maintain financial cost centres; Ensure financial master data remains accurate and compliant with reporting requirements

ERP & Ledger Administration

Run & analyse sub-ledger reports; Carry out ERPLM system housekeeping activities; Support continuous improvement of finance system processes and controls

Job Qualifications

Suitable candidates will be able to demonstrate:

• Advanced Excel Skills
• Strong numeracy skills with attention to detail
• Confident, articulate communication skills
• A positive, proactive attitude, with the willingness and ability to take ownership
• Friendliness and a good sense of humour
• Maturity and reliability

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.