Role: Finance Analyst (Programmes)

Location: Bristol or Gosport

Duration: 6 months

Role Type: Hybrid - 3 days onsite

Salary: Depending on experience

Overview:

An opportunity has arisen with our globally renowned aerospace client as a Finance Analyst, providing financial support across a portfolio of defence programmes and contracts. Working within a dynamic and collaborative environment, the successful candidate will partner with Programme Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Finance teams to support effective financial operations and informed business decision-making.

This role offers exposure to both existing and emerging programmes supporting UK Government and Ministry of Defence customers, with opportunities for professional development and career progression within a high-performing finance function.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a trusted finance business partner, providing programme teams and senior management with timely financial insight and analysis to support decision-making.
• Deliver full life cycle project accounting support, from bid and proposal activities through programme execution to contract closure.
• Develop and maintain Estimates at Complete (EACs) in collaboration with cross-functional teams, providing accurate forecasts and performance reporting.
• Apply Earned Value Management (EVM) principles to analyse programme performance, identify cost variances, and support mitigation plans.
• Produce financial reports, variance analyses, and management information to support programme governance and operational performance.
• Manage monthly and quarterly forecasting processes across designated programmes and business areas.
• Assess financial risks and opportunities, supporting operational teams to implement actions that improve programme performance and profitability.
• Monitor programme performance against key financial metrics, including orders, revenue, earnings, cash flow, and remaining effort.
• Provide strategic financial recommendations to support operational and business objectives.
• Support the development and standardisation of financial processes, reporting frameworks, and performance metrics across the wider finance function.
• Ensure compliance with the client's financial policies, procedures, and governance requirements.

Key Skills and Experience:

• Experience working within a programme, project, or operational finance environment.
• Strong financial analysis, forecasting, budgeting, and project accounting capability.
• Proven experience partnering with operational managers and senior stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM), Estimates at Complete (EAC), and programme financial controls.
• Ability to interpret complex financial data and communicate findings effectively to both financial and non-financial audiences.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organisational skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to establish effective reporting processes and work proactively within a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Experience:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Previous experience within the defence, aerospace, or government sectors.
• Familiarity with Cost Schedule Performance Reporting (CSPR) and programme control toolsets.
• Background in accounting, finance, economics, project accounting, or programme controls.