Financial Controls Manager

Job Description

Job Title: Financial Controls Manager

Location: Preston, Glasgow or Barrow-In-Furness. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: £64,000+ depending on experience

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

What you’ll be doing:

You’ll own the delivery and continuous improvement of accurate and efficient financial processes within business ERP systems, ensuring robust financial controls are maintained. You’ll lead the application and development of financial control frameworks, advising stakeholders across multiple teams and business units on policies, procedures, and compliance.

You’ll take responsibility for resolving complex financial transaction queries and driving efficiency across process workflows. You’ll manage and review transactional activities to ensure data accuracy, quality, compliance, and process assurance, applying expert judgement where required. You’ll drive the design and enhancement of financial control processes to support evolving business needs and regulatory requirements.

You’ll prepare, analyse and present comprehensive reports and tailored insights to senior stakeholders to support strategic decision-making. You’ll plan and oversee the coordination of data collection and reporting activities across multiple stakeholders and finance functions. You’ll manage a small team, providing guidance and support to ensure high-quality delivery of business process inputs and outputs across various finance toolsets.

You’ll lead preparation for and engagement with internal and external audits, supporting management review sessions and root cause analysis to implement continuous improvements.

Core duties:

• Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
• An understanding of finance systems, and how they can be optimised within end-to-end processes
• Comprehensive knowledge of core finance processes
• Clear understanding of how effective financial controls are applied and maintained across key processes
• Background in audit or experience supporting audit activity is beneficial
• Experience of using SAP and associated reporting tools — advantageous
• Experience of Record to Report (R2R) and Procure to Pay (P2P) finance processes — beneficial

The Finance Team:

This role sits within the Financial Control & Systems Capability Centre at Head Office, supporting the Maritime and Land sector. Reporting to the Senior Finance Controller, it presents an excellent opportunity to take ownership of key financial controls and lead improvements that enhance process accuracy and efficiency. You will have increased responsibility for influencing strategic finance activities and collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders across multiple Lines of Business, finance teams, and external parties, including audit teams.

It’s an exciting time for Finance at BAE Systems, as we continue to modernise and improve how we work as a function, to deliver increased value and drive performance of the business.

As the Maritime & Land Financial Control Capability Centre continues to evolve, this role is ideal for an adaptable and proactive individual who thrives on driving change and delivering value. You will lead a small team, play a pivotal role in shaping financial control frameworks, and have broad exposure to both operational delivery and strategic finance initiatives.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 31st March 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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