Job Description

If you'd like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.
AWE is recruiting for a Financial Compliance Specialist responsible for monitoring compliance with AWE's Internal Financial Control Framework, ensuring key controls and KPIs are robust and fit for purpose.
Package: 36,710 to 42,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience).
Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking. Plan to relocate to Green Park (Reading) from December 2025.
Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application.
Ready to play your part?
At AWE, it's not just a job, it's far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe. Could this role be the opportunity for you to play your part?
As Financial Compliance Specialist, you will monitor, test and report on compliance with the financial controls framework, and participate in and respond to audits to identify areas of non-compliance.
No two days are the same, there is always something new to investigate and could include:
Compliance with financial processes.
Monitoring and assessing compliance with the internal financial controls assurance framework.
Ensuring documentation is updated and maintained.
Responsible for successful remediation of control fails.
Preparation of committee papers.
Ensuring integrity of financial data.
Maintaining and building great relationships with your stakeholders.
Training and development of Finance Analysts and/or graduates and apprentices.
Who are we looking for?
We are ideally seeking individuals with experience of using best practice financial management processes, tools and techniques and building great relationships with key stakeholders. You must have strong IT skills, in particular MS Excel and enjoy coaching and developing team members.
We do need you to have the following:
Good general standard of education, including Maths and English, or equivalent experience.
Membership or working towards obtaining a membership of an appropriate professional body such as AAT, IIA, CIMA or ACCA.
Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we'd like you to have experience in some of the following:
Finance experience, including interaction with auditors, MOD Finance, and NAO.
Familiarity with Sarbanes Oxley (FCA) and SSRO statutory requirements.
Engagement with Financial Control Process, Process and Control Owners, and audit findings.
Oversight of financial Delegation of Authority compliance.
Communication of finance process, policy, and procedure changes.
Coordination and evidence provision for NAO audit queries.
Collaboration with internal/external stakeholders on business system improvements.
Work hard, be rewarded:
We ask a lot and set the bar high because our work truly matters. In return we offer balance, with award winning benefits including:
9-day working fortnight - meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.
The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.
Hybrid working is available for this role on an informal, non-contractual basis. Typically 3 days onsite per week.
#LI-RS
#LI-Hybrid
Next steps:
Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don't always 'tick every box'. That's why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don't meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we'd love to receive your application.
Important things you need to know:

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.
Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.

Skills Required