Job Description
Flexible working: due to its sensitive nature this role is office-based and home-workingwill not be possible. We value a good work-life balance and offer part-time (minimum 4days), compressed hours, and flexibility around start and finish times. Full time hours are36 or 37 hours, depending on location.
About us MI5 keeps the country safe from serious threats like terrorism and attempts by states toharm the UK, its people and way of life. We carry out investigations by obtaining,analysing and assessing intelligence, and then work with a range of partners, includingMI6 and GCHQ to disrupt these threats. Through our protective security arm, we provideadvice and guidance to government, businesses and other organisations about how tokeep themselves safe. A role in MI5 means you’ll do unique and challenging work in asupportive and encouraging environment, making a real difference to UK nationalsecurity.
The role Our finance teams keep our internal spending on-track, which makes them critical to ourwork. The Finance Manager role is very varied, and we currently have opportunitiesacross several office-based teams. During the recruitment process, we’ll get to know youand assess which area best reflects your strengths and interests. Financial Analysis One area you could join is our Financial Analysis team. They provide key insights thatguide decision making across the organisation. As a Finance Manager here, you’ll lead ateam and produce monthly financial reports that meet the needs of budget holders. You’llprepare, interpret and present in-year financial information and hold regular reviewmeetings with business areas so they feel fully informed.Because you care about getting things right, you’ll ensure our financial information isalways accurate. You’ll keep strong data controls, advise on the correct treatment ofcomplex transactions and make sure assets and leases are properly accounted for. You’ll
provide thoughtful financial analysis, helping colleagues understand variances, risks andmitigation, and you’ll conduct deep dives and financial modelling when issues need moreattention. At year-end, you’ll bring everything together, leading the provision of evidencefor the National Audit Office and supporting the breakdown of budgets for the newfinancial year.
Your leadership will shape the team’s experience and performance. You’ll motivate peopleto bring their best, ensure month-end activity runs smoothly and balance workloads in away that supports both wellbeing and excellent service. Using your coaching skills, you’llhelp the team grow in confidence and capability. Strategic Finance You might instead join our Strategic Finance team. They support the agencies throughmajor financial decisions and governance. In this role, you’ll lead the processes andproducts that support planning for fiscal events, working closely with your counterpart inthe His Majesty’s Treasury (HMT) Spending Team and building a strong understanding ofthe bigger delivery landscape. You’ll regularly work with senior stakeholders, helpingthem complete key tasks with quick turnarounds and keeping the wider programmerunning smoothly.
In Strategic Finance, you’ll bring together contributions from across the organisation, helpresolve issues and ensure everything is ready for major financial milestones. You’ll buildrelationships across MI5 and with HMT, prepare and deliver products for the SpendingReview and other fiscal events, and represent your area where needed. You’ll takeownership of key strategic work, translate financial data into clear, meaningful insights,and guide other finance functions on HMT priorities. You’ll also prepare briefings forsenior civil servants and ministers, provide timely analysis and presentations, respond toad-hoc enquiries, and support your team through warm, confident leadership. There are many different areas in the finance function you could join or explore duringyour career with us. Find out more about these roles on our Finance careers page.
About you You’ll be a fully qualified Chartered accountant, with experience of not only managing ateam, but motivating them to bring their best. You’ll also bring demonstratable financeexperience from a public sector environment. Organised, positive, and eager to learn, youvalue teamwork, innovation and making an impact. You work professionally andcollaboratively, enjoy solving problems as part of a team, and are skilled at building strong
relationships and negotiating with key stakeholders. All your skills will be underpinned bya passion for finance and aptitude for figures and spreadsheets.