FP&A & Project Finance Manager

Purpose of the role:  

The FP&A and Project Finance Manager is responsible for leading financial planning, forecasting and project finance activities for the UK business. The role provides high-quality financial analysis, reporting and insight to support strategic decision-making, effective financial control and sustainable business growth.

The role combines responsibility for corporate financial planning with hands-on project finance oversight across complex, multi-year and international projects. The postholder works closely with the Chief Financial Officer, project managers and senior stakeholders to ensure financial accuracy, transparency and compliance with internal controls and external requirements

Key job requirements and responsibilities:  

Financial Planning and Analysis

• Lead the annual budgeting, rolling forecast and long-range financial planning processes for the UK entity.
• Develop, maintain and improve financial models to support forecasting, scenario analysis and strategic planning.
• Produce and present monthly management information, analysis and commentary in collaboration with the Financial Controller.
• Provide clear, evidence-based financial insight to support leadership decision-making.
• Partner with operational and functional teams to support cost control, margin improvement and financial discipline.
• Support group-level financial reporting and planning requirements in alignment with the parent company.

Financial Planning and Analysis

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of company-wide project financial tracking, forecasting and reporting processes.
• Act as the finance lead for major projects, from bid stage through delivery and close-out.
• Ensure accurate project cost tracking, revenue recognition, cash flow forecasting and foreign currency management.
• Monitor project performance against approved budgets, identifying and escalating risks and opportunities in a timely manner.
• Support customer billing and supplier payment processes, ensuring accuracy, transparency and compliance with contractual terms.
• Implement and maintain robust project accounting controls in line with internal policies and relevant accounting standards.
• Provide financial guidance and challenge to project managers throughout the project lifecycle.

Commercial and Strategic Support

• Provide financial input into pricing strategies, bid pricing, bid reviews and commercial decision-making.
• Support contract reviews and negotiations by providing clear financial analysis and risk assessment.
• Evaluate business cases for new initiatives, investments and long-term service arrangements.
• Contribute to the development of financially sound customer proposals and commercial models

Qualifications / skills and experience   

Essential:

• Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA), or equivalent relevant experience.
• Significant experience in financial planning and analysis within a project-based, technology, engineering or comparable environment.
• Strong understanding of project accounting and commercial finance principles.
• Advanced Excel capability, including complex formulas, financial modelling and handling of large datasets.
• Ability to analyse complex financial information and present clear, accurate insights to non-finance stakeholders.
• Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder-management skills.

Desirable:

• Experience in defence, aerospace or advanced technology sectors.
• Experience of projects incorporating hardware, software and service elements.
• Knowledge of IFRS and revenue recognition requirements for long-term or multi-year contracts.

Attributes

• High level of analytical capability and attention to detail.
• Commercially aware and able to apply financial judgement pragmatically.
• Proactive and solutions-focused, with the ability to identify and address issues early.
• Collaborative and inclusive, able to work effectively across functions and disciplines.
• Comfortable operating in a dynamic, growing organisation.

Diversity & inclusions

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone is respected, valued, and empowered to thrive. We believe that different perspectives and experiences enrich our organisation, and we welcome applications from all qualified individuals.

We are dedicated to ensuring fair and accessible recruitment processes. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

This job description is not exhaustive and will be subject to periodic review.  It may be amended to meet the changing needs of the business.