Financial Analyst Senior - 19486BR

We are seeking a highly analytical and commercially minded with EVM experience, Senior Finance Analyst to support strategic decision-making through financial planning, analysis, forecasting, and end positioning accounting.

My client is a leading prime contractor and systems integrator responsible for a wide portfolio of high technology programmes, complex integration, training, and through-life support, spanning the defence and civil sectors. The LMUK business, a leading provider of systems engineering, software development and complex programme management for global security, cyber, civil, and commercial markets.

For allocated programmes, you are required to manage the programme budget baseline using standard templates, updating this baseline as new programme components are scoped.

You will monitor spend and the forecasted estimate to completion (EAC), reviewing actuals, calculating variances, and flagging any anomalies that require escalation, including identifying possible solutions to complex level issues.

Your role also requires you to support the monthly risk‑management process, highlighting and managing financial risk.
To support business planning you will use programme information and wider business examples to generate forecasts for sales, EBIT, and cash on a monthly basis, using advance techniques, including scenario analysis and sensitivity mapping, providing monthly variance analysis as well as supporting the Long Range Plan cycle.

At all times you will verify that business controls and processes are being followed, and ensuring audit trails to maintain the integrity of our financial data. You will also be required to support the annual audit.

Your responsibilities include providing financial management expertise to the Programme Management Team, answering queries, helping with the pre‑planning of programme activities, and documenting assumptions. You will also attend and present the financial position at Internal Programme Reviews, Monthly Programme Reviews and Contract Status Reviews presenting data to varying levels of seniority.

You respond to any ad‑hoc reporting or analysis requests that arise from senior leadership or the Programme Management Office as well as identifying areas for improvement, managing through change initiatives to support the evolvement of the function.

Financial Planning & Control

Manage programme budgets and maintain the baseline budget throughout the programme lifecycle.
Update forecasts as new work packages or programme elements are introduced.
Track actual spend against budget and forecast.
Calculate and explain variances.
Monitor and manage Estimate at Completion (EAC).Forecasting & Financial Analysis

Produce monthly forecasts for:
Sales
EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Tax)
Cash flow
Perform:
Scenario analysis
Sensitivity analysis
Variance analysis
Support annual planning and Long Range Planning (LRP) cycles.Risk Management

Support monthly programme risk reviews.
Quantify financial risks and opportunities.
Identify potential cost overruns and mitigation actions.
Escalate significant financial issues appropriately.Business Partnering

Act as the finance lead for Programme Managers.
Provide financial guidance and challenge where required.
Help programme teams understand financial implications of decisions.
Document assumptions and ensure financial transparency.Reporting & Stakeholder Management

Present financial performance at:
Internal Programme Reviews (IPRs)
Monthly Programme Reviews (MPRs)
Contract Status Reviews (CSRs)
Prepare ad hoc analysis for senior leadership.
Communicate financial information to both finance and non-finance audiences.Governance & Compliance

Ensure financial controls and processes are followed.
Maintain audit trails and data integrity.
Support internal and external audits.
Ensure compliance with company and contractual requirements.Key Skills They Are Looking For

Technical

Budget management
Forecasting
EAC calculations
Variance analysis
Excel (advanced)
Financial modelling
Risk analysis
Management accountingBehavioural

Stakeholder management
Presentation skills
Problem solving
Attention to detail
Ability to explain complex financial issues simply
Confidence working with senior managersIf you receive suspicious outreach claiming to be from us, please contact us via the ManpowerGroup website
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed