Project Finance Team Lead

Job Description

Job Title: Project Finance Team Lead

Location: Rochester; Kent (On-site)

Salary: £35,000 – £45,000 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.

Job Description:

Reporting to the Business Area Finance Manager, you will lead project finance activities across budgeting, forecasting and reporting, supporting the development of key financial assumptions, reviewing programme performance and constructively challenging the business to drive improved outcomes. You will ensure robust financial control in line with the Financial Control Framework and Finance Policies, working closely with project finance process owners, governance teams and auditors as required. In addition, you will provide timely insight, analysis and business intelligence to support decision-making and drive business performance, including effective management of the working capital cycle. You will support project teams throughout the full project lifecycle, from initial set-up through to forecasting, reporting, analysis and closure, while also taking line management responsibility for 1–2 team members, supporting their development and performance.

Core duties:

• Support project teams in the preparation and review of financial assumptions, forecasts and budgets, offering constructive input to help drive programme performance
• Apply and maintain effective financial controls in line with the Financial Control Framework and company policies, supporting internal and external audit requirements as needed
• Produce regular reporting and analysis to support business performance, including monitoring working capital and project financials
• Support project teams across the full project lifecycle, including initial set-up, forecasting, trading, reporting, analysis and project closure
• Work collaboratively with multi-functional teams to ensure financial processes are followed and support effective project delivery
• Provide day-to-day guidance and support to 1–2 team members, contributing to their development and performance

Essential Skills:

• Experience in Project Finance, supporting financial planning, performance monitoring, and reporting for complex projects
• Good knowledge of Excel and ability to quickly learn new IT applications
• Accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or in the final stages of study

The Project Accounting Team:

You will join the Project Accounting team within the Electronic Systems business unit, which combines design, production, and support capabilities across the UK and internationally. The team works closely with multi-functional project teams, providing financial control and business partnering for major programmes, including the £200m Site Transformation and Digital Transformation initiatives. Project Accounting at BAE Systems goes beyond reporting, offering an integrated role in driving programme performance and ensuring financial decisions support the overall success and modernisation of the Rochester Site.

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: 15th April 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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