Senior Financial Controller

QinetiQ; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Matched contribution pension with life assurance

Competitive holiday allowance with option to buy extra days

Compressed working option (Friday afternoons off or alternate Fridays off)

Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance

Employee discount portal and other perks

Support for Armed Forces community through the Armed Forces Covenant

Volunteering opportunities

Job summary

A leading defense and space manufacturing firm in Farnborough is seeking a Senior Financial Controller to provide financial guidance and drive strategic outcomes. The role requires a qualified accountant with at least 5 years of experience, proficiency in stakeholder management, and the ability to influence decision-making. The position offers a dynamic environment, competitive benefits, and supports national security requirements.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of relevant experience and a proven delivery track record.
• Experience in stakeholder management and communicating with senior management.
• Ability to translate financial information into clear messages and influence decision-making.
• Must be a UK national and will require security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide robust financial guidance as a business partner.
• Ensure successful completion of audits with timely evidence.
• Shape and influence Annual Budgets and Forecasts.
• Drive financial integration of subsidiaries and manage provisions.

Skills

Financial Acumen

Results Orientation

Strategic thinking

Collaboration

Influence

Leadership

Market Awareness

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)

Job description

QinetiQ Farnborough, England, United Kingdom

Overview

Job Title: Senior Financial Controller - Air

Global Grade: GG15 | Location: UK | Role Type: Permanent – Full Time | Role ID: 18542

Role Purpose: The Senior Financial Controller (Air) will be the Finance and Governance business partner of choice, delivering safely, responsibly and sustainably for the benefit of all stakeholders and in support of the strategic growth of the business to deliver operational advantage. This role is based in the UK Defence (UKD) Sector and will work as a business partner to the MD Air, with accountability for the Air portfolio (including UKD subsidiaries Germany, QTSUK, QTS Canada) representing about 45% (c£0.5bn) of the UK Defence portfolio, and for the wider EDP portfolio across UK Sectors.

Key Responsibilities

1. Accountable Business Partner and Accounting Lead providing robust financial guidance to drive outcomes and ensuring proper recording of accounting judgements.
2. Ensure successful completion of internal and external audits with timely, robust evidence to address queries.
3. Shape and influence Annual Budgets and Forecasts; ensure plans are achievable with appropriate challenge.
4. Engage in delivery of key programmes, quantify opportunities and risks, and manage provisions/risk in the accounts each period.
5. Provide financial leadership on large strategic bids and investments to increase win probability and maximise return while delivering acceptable margins.
6. Lead development of financial strategies to support the ISBP process and provide insightful recommendations to Sector FD and Air MD.
7. Line management responsibility for DFCs and Subsidiary Finance Leads; ensure supported service delivery across the Sector by the Finance Team.
8. Accountable EDP financial lead for QinetiQ UK, shaping future EDP strategy across UK Sectors and participating in the Aurora Partner Board.
9. Drive financial integration of three subsidiaries and local Finance Functions, focusing on financial controls, reporting and forecasting, with a special project focus on the German entity.

Key Capabilities/Knowledge

• Financial Acumen: P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow and Investment appraisal experience.
• Results Orientation: focused on improving business results.
• Strategic thinking: long-term, sector-aware analysis and action planning.
• Collaboration: provide guidance while challenging ways of working, programme delivery, bids and investments.
• Influence: ability to influence and engage with Sector Leadership Teams and Subsidiary Leadership Teams.
• Leadership: develop team capabilities and prioritise work across the finance function.
• Market Awareness: understanding of market dynamics, competition, suppliers, customers and regulatory environment.

Experience & Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with at least 5 years of relevant experience and a proven delivery track record.
• Experience in stakeholder management and communicating with senior management.
• Ability to translate financial information into clear messages and influence decision-making.
• Ambitious, energetic and keen to learn and develop; domain knowledge is an advantage.
• Must be a UK national and will require security clearance.
• Experience in shaping business strategies and providing high-quality financial leadership on large value/complex bids or investments; subsidiary integration experience is an advantage.

Why Join QinetiQ?

QinetiQ offers a dynamic environment where innovation meets complex challenges. We value diverse perspectives and collaborative teamwork, offering opportunities to grow while making an impact across international markets. For more about our inclusive workplace culture, visit our site: www.qinetiq.com/en/careers/life-at-qinetiq

• Matched contribution pension with life assurance
• Competitive holiday allowance with option to buy extra days
• Compressed working option (Friday afternoons off or alternate Fridays off)
• Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance
• Employee discount portal and other perks
• Support for Armed Forces community through the Armed Forces Covenant
• Volunteering opportunities

Our Recruitment Process

We strive for inclusive recruitment and provide reasonable adjustments for candidates where needed. Some roles require national security vetting; eligibility for SC clearance is a minimum requirement for this role. Nationality considerations may affect eligibility for certain roles.

Please note: all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum.

UKSV National Security Vetting Guidance: GOV.UK

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Finance
• Industries: Defense and Space Manufacturing