Overview
MI5 keeps the country safe from serious threats such as terrorism and attempts by states to harm the UK, its people and way of life. We carry out investigations by obtaining, analysing and assessing intelligence, and work with partners to disrupt threats. A role in MI5 offers unique and challenging work in a supportive environment, contributing to UK national security.
Specialist Pay considerations may apply if you have the following qualifications: Level 4 AAT qualification, or Part-qualified CCAB (e.g., CIMA Management Level, ACCA Applied Skills, ACA Professional Level, CIPFA Diploma).
The role
As one of our Finance Officers, you’ll help manage annual expenditure with responsibilities shaped by your team. In Financial Analysis, you’ll provide insights to help colleagues across the agencies make better decisions. In Financial Accounting and Reporting, you’ll summarise and detail financial transactions within the UK Intelligence Services. In Financial Operations, you’ll help respond to evolving business needs.
You’ll support the wider finance function—overseeing budgets, reviewing spend, and applying careful judgement to forecast assumptions. You’ll carry out accounting adjustments to keep records accurate, including accruals and prepayments, ensuring the accounts reflect the true position.
You’ll work closely with colleagues, stakeholders and business partners to help others produce forecasts, interpret financial information, and manage budgets with confidence. You’ll translate finance concepts for non‑finance colleagues and have opportunities to develop this skill.
There may be opportunities to take on line management responsibilities. If you join us, you’ll be expected to stay within the Finance Capability for a minimum of five years to grow into the role.
About you
You’ll have either demonstrable experience in a similar role and be actively working towards a Level 4 AAT qualification; or you could hold or be predicted a 2:1 degree (or above) in Finance, Accounting, Business or Economics.
You’re someone who enjoys solving problems and working with others to find solutions. Your collaborative skills will help you build strong relationships and negotiate with key stakeholders. Inclusivity and teamwork are important to you, as is learning new things to develop your skills. You’ll have a passion for finance, an eye for detail and the drive to contribute to a mission that keeps the UK safe.
Training and development
We support your growth. If you’re working towards recognised financial qualifications such as AAT, ACCA or CIMA, we’ll fund your studies. Once qualified, we’ll cover your professional membership fees and provide ongoing technical development.
To help manage studies alongside work, you’ll receive a paid study leave package tailored to your qualification. You’ll also have a dedicated study buddy, regular support from your line manager, and access to internal communities, mentoring programmes and peer networks. To explore roles and pathways, visit our finance careers page.
Rewards and benefits
You’ll receive a starting salary of £40,428 (London) or £37,723 (Cheltenham/Manchester), plus other benefits including:
* 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 5 years, plus 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays
* opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
* dedicated development budget
* interest-free season ticket loan
* excellent pension scheme
* cycle to work scheme
* facilities such as a gym, restaurant and on-site coffee bars (at some locations)
* paid parental and adoption leave
Equal opportunities
We value diversity and inclusion as critical to our mission. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups under-represented in our workforce. This includes people from different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions.
Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our website.
Right to work and recruitment
We require British citizenship or dual British nationality for this role. The role requires security clearance at Developed Vetting (DV). More information about the vetting process is available on our site. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications are received. If you are considering applying from overseas, please wait until you visit the UK to apply.
What to expect
Our recruitment process is fair and merit-based. Typical stages include online application, online SJT, and interviews. You must pass each stage to progress. The process, including vetting, can take several months.
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