Job Description

On behalf of AWE, we are looking for a Finance Senior Manager (Financial Accounting) Inside IR35 for an 18 month contract based Hybrid working (3 days per week on site in Reading and remaining WFH)



What if you could work on something that you can't test... but cannot afford to fail? Something that could have spent years on a submarine, is launched into outer space (where the temperature is below -250c), comes hurtling through the atmosphere, being heated up and shaken and then must work? Some challenge. That's exactly what the team of over 6,500 people at AWE do every day delivering important work, in support of the most important mission - keeping the nation safe.



AWE plays a crucial role in national nuclear security. Their role in nuclear deterrence and their specialist technical assistance to nuclear threat reduction is vital in the defence against the most serious threats faced by the UK. Working to support the defence of our country, AWE has a clear mission to keep everyone, the environment, their products and information, sites, and everything around them, safe and secure.



The main duties and responsibilities of the Finance Senior Manager (Financial Accounting) would be:

Managing and delivering all financial activities as assigned to time, cost and quality. Developing and delivering functional strategy and drive delivery of objectives. Line managing and task managing as appropriate in accordance with company policies, processes and guidelines. Providing guidance to and drive performance of team. Ensuring a rigorous internal finance control and governance framework is in place and is complied with for relevant functional activities. Driving and enabling identification and implementation of process improvement activities and other innovation activities. Supporting and/or developing CFO policy and procedures as required Managing provision of financial information on a timely basis. Ensuring analysis and interpretation of financial information is provided by team as required. Establishing, monitoring and reporting of compliance with financial processes. Ensuring integrity of financial information provided by team. Developing and maintaining effective senior stakeholder relationships. Training and development of Finance Manager and Finance Analysts. Coordinating and planning of team deliverables. Leading by example to create a high performing team. Maintaining and promoting high personal standards in environment, safety, health, security and quality and be a great team player. Maintain and promote high personal standards in environment, safety, health, security and quality and be a great team player.

SC Clearance is an essential requirement for this role, as a minimum you must be willing & eligible to undergo checks. Please note, due to the exceptional requirements of this position (short-term nature of this role and speed at which we require a postholder in situ) preference may be given to candidates who meet all of the essential criteria and hold active security clearance.

Essential:

Extensive experience in financial accounting and reporting, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery of financial information. Proven ability to lead and manage finance teams, including line management, coaching, and development of staff to achieve high performance. Strong knowledge of financial governance, internal controls, and regulatory compliance frameworks, with a track record of maintaining integrity of financial data. Demonstrated capability in developing and implementing functional strategies that align with organizational objectives and drive continuous improvement. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial information and provide actionable insights. Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience influencing and building relationships at senior leadership level. Commitment to high standards in safety, health, security, and quality, while fostering a collaborative and accountable team culture.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.



AWE's ambition is to create workplaces that recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and where people feel able to be themselves at work. They strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants.



Disability Confident



As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, AWE guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.



Armed Forces Covenant



AWE guarantees to interview?veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we?will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.



In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".