MI5 – The Security Service – Finance Officer
Location: London, Manchester, Cheltenham
Salary: London: £40,428, Manchester and Cheltenham: £37,723
Specialist Pay May Also Be Included For Level 4 AAT qualification, or Part-qualified CCAB (e.g. CIMA Management Level, ACCA Applied Skills, ACA Professional Level, CIPFA Diploma)
Flexible working: this role is entirely office-based due to the sensitive nature of the work. We offer part‑time (minimum four days), compressed hours, and flexibility around start and finish times. Full‑time hours up to 37 hours, depending on location.
About Us
MI5 keeps the country safe from serious threats like 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 then work with a range of partners, including MI6 and GCHQ, to disrupt these threats. Through our protective security arm, we provide advice and guidance to government, businesses and other organisations about how to keep themselves safe. A role in North means you’ll do unique and challenging work in a supportive and encouraging environment, making a real difference to UK national security.
Role Overview
As a Finance Officer, you’ll play a key part in managing annual expenditure, with costs and functions shaped by the team you join. In Financial Analysis, you’ll provide insights that help colleagues across the agencies make better decisions. In Financial Accounting and Reporting, you’ll summarise, analyse and detail financial transactions within the UK Intelligence Services. In Financial Operations, you’ll help us respond and adapt to ever‑evolving business needs.
Whichever team you join, you’ll support our vital work by overseeing budgets, reviewing spend, and bringing careful judgement to forecast assumptions. You’ll also carry out accounting adjustments – from accruals to prepayments – ensuring the accounts always reflect the true position. Day to day, you’ll work closely with colleagues, stakeholders and business partners, helping others understand how to produce forecasts, interpret financial information and manage their budgets with confidence. There may also be opportunities to take on line management responsibilities. This role sits within Finance Capability and you’ll be expected to remain in this area for a minimum of five years.
Qualifications
To apply, you’ll need demonstrable experience in a similar role and be actively working towards a Level 4 AAT qualification. Alternatively, you’ll hold (or be predicted) a 2:1 or above in a degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or Economics. Collaborative, problem‑solving, relationship‑building skills, keen eye for detail and drive to contribute to national security are also essential.
Benefits and Development
We fund recognised financial qualifications such as AAT, ACCA, or CIMA, and cover professional membership fees once you are qualified. You’ll receive a generous 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 a wide range of internal communities, mentoring programmes and peer networks.
Equal Opportunity
MI5 diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from under‑represented groups such as women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and those from low socio‑economic backgrounds. Find out more about our culture and working environment on www.MI5.gov.uk/careers/diversity.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply, you must be a British Citizen or hold dual nationality that includes British. Candidates normally must have been resident in the UK for seven of the last ten years, especially if born outside the UK. You can apply at the age of 17; if successful you will not be offered a start date before your 18th birthday. Full eligibility details are on www.MI5.gov.uk/careers/applying-for-jobs.
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