JOB TITLE: Financial Controller
REPORTS TO: CFO
DEPARTMENT: Finance
About Us:
MSI‑Defence Systems Limited is a UK defence company with a rich heritage in the design and delivery of naval weapon systems. We are trusted by our global customer-base to provide high‑integrity, mission‑critical solutions that fulfil the most challenging operational requirements. The company combines deep engineering expertise with disciplined project delivery to support complex, long‑term contracts in highly assured environments.
MSI‑Defence Systems has entered an exciting phase of sustained growth. Building on its strong foundation, the business has expanded its capabilities into land-based systems, applying the same structured engineering, manufacturing, and commercial disciplines that underpin its success. Continued investment in people, processes, and facilities enables the company to take on increasingly complex work while preserving the values that have earned customer trust.
About the Role:
The Financial Controller is responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and control of the company’s financial operations. Working within a highly regulated UK defence manufacturing environment, the role ensures robust financial reporting, strong internal controls, compliance with statutory, contractual, and security obligations, and effective support to operational and commercial decision-making.
The primary responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
Financial Control & Reporting
* Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and clear variance analysis
* Lead the preparation of the annual budget and monthly forecasts
* Produce statutory accounts in accordance with IFRS and manage the year-end audit process
* Ensure compliance with HMRC requirements, including VAT, Corporation Tax, PAYE, and R&D tax credits
* Maintain a strong balance sheet, including control of inventory, WIP, provisions, and accruals
* Oversee cash flow forecasting and working capital management.
Manufacturing & Project Accounting
* Control costing for complex manufacturing programmes, including overhead absorption, and margin analysis
* Monitor programme and contract financial performance, including long-term contract accounting applying revenue recognition in accordance with IFRS 15
* Support bid pricing, cost models, and financial input into new contract proposals
* Work closely with operations to improve cost visibility, efficiency, and profitability
* Any other such duties that may be reasonably compatible with the nature and scope of the role
The secondary responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
Controls, Compliance & Governance
* Maintain and continuously improve internal financial controls and efficiencies in line with best practice and defence sector expectations
* Develop and implement financial policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency.
* Ensure compliance with defence-related contractual, audit, and reporting requirements
* Support internal and external audits, including customer and government audits where required
* Ensure appropriate segregation of duties and robust financial governance across the business
Leadership & Stakeholder Management
* Lead, develop, and mentor the finance team, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement
* Act as a key business partner to senior leadership, operations, supply chain, and commercial teams
* Provide clear financial insight and recommendations to support strategic decision-making
About the Person:
Essential
* Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
* Significant post-qualification experience in a manufacturing environment
* Strong knowledge of UK statutory reporting and financial controls
* Proven experience managing audits and producing statutory accounts
* Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP systems
* Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Desirable
* Experience within defence, aerospace, engineering, or other highly regulated industries
* Knowledge of long-term contract accounting and project-based manufacturing
* Exposure to bid pricing, programme finance, or government-funded contracts
* Experience of implementing or improving ERP or finance systems
Key Working Relationships:
Internal
* Finance
* Project Management
* Supply Chain
* Operations
* HR
* Engineering
* Senior Management Team
External
* Auditors
* Bankers
* Insurance Brokers
* HMRC
* Customers
* Suppliers