Head of Financial Controls

Job Title: Head of Financial Controls

Location: Preston. (Various locations considered). We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.

Salary: Circa £90,000 plus executive benefits

What you’ll be doing:

• Implement strategic changes in the operation of financial controls, benchmarking against external standards and collaborating with external Subject Matter Experts as needed
• Ensure an efficient quality assurance process in finance, redefining policies with CFO approval to meet regulatory requirements
• Identify and mitigate Financial Reporting risks to the Annual Report, ensuring appropriate representation and approvals
• Oversee the quality of First Line of Assurance for finance processes across the UK and International footprint, collaborating with Governance Operations, Finance Assurance, the wider finance operating model, and Internal Audit to enhance the effectiveness of the three lines of defence
• Support finance modernisation initiatives in alignment with transformation goals and UK Corporate Governance Reform
• Work with Governance Operations and Finance Systems to leverage data analytics and automation for financial assurance
• Drive continuous improvement using innovative technologies, maximising the Governance Risk and Compliance tools
• Lead and develop a team of Governance Business Interface leads, ensuring they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to support the improvement activity alongside partnering with the Business and finance operating model structure.
• Provide practical controls guidance and advice to individuals at all levels both inside and outside the finance function across the UK and International footprint
• Use your networks and contacts to become a key enabler for change, and automation of control activities

Your skills and experiences:

Essential:

• Fully qualified accountant, with experience of Financial Controls ideally in practice
• In-depth knowledge of financial accounting, financial controls, and assurance
• Ability to apply knowledge of high-quality financial controls across a complex industry footprint to ensure enabling efficient and effective operation of those operating the controls
• High level of proficiency in assurance and compliance practices
• Excellent influencing skills and experience in managing senior stakeholder relationships, including internationally
• Leadership and Management skills to guide and coach teams effectively

Desirable:

• Chartered qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA)
• External audit experience of Financial Controls in practice
• Experience working with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SoX)
• Experience of ESG Assurance

Benefits:

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

The Finance Governance Capability team:

Join a team where there is a positive, collaborative and forward thinking dynamic and demonstrable track record of delivering strategic change where your contributions will have impact across the entire business. The team was formed 2 years ago partly as an enabler for readiness for Corporate Reform and as part of the finance modernisation programme with a purpose to provide assurance on the financial controls to internal and external stakeholders efficiently and effectively. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to be part of this, influencing senior stakeholders across our UK and International business and collaborate with subject matter experts across the globe, giving you the opportunity to make a difference, for exposure and to build networks across the business both within the finance function and outside. Career development is a key focus, with ample opportunities to share your knowledge and experience, while also learning from others and having opportunities to stretch, develop and grow. Plus, with some international travel with us, you’ll get network globally. Reporting directly to the Finance Director – Governance Capability, you’ll be at the heart of strategic decision-making, making a real difference to the business. Be part of a team with a global footprint, where your efforts are valued, and your career can truly flourish.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and particularly from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our industry, including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ individuals. We also want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

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: 24th February 2025

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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