Financial Controller

UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL)

The UKTL is building leading edge Telecoms testing facilities to keep our telecommunications networks safe, accelerate the roll-out of new technologies, and grow our world leading telecoms sector to maintain resiliency and security.

Read more about the UKTL here !

Successful candidates will join a state-of-the-art facility and be supporting the team conducting testing and research on the latest technologies and innovations in the industry. You will work alongside our infrastructure and Cybersecurity professionals to ensure that the UK's world class Telecoms infrastructure grows in a resilient and secure manner underpinning growth in other industry sectors.

As a trusted and independent national capability, UKTL interacts with standards bodies, Academia, and government departments as well as Communications Service Providers and equipment vendors.

Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Birmingham with the possibility of hybrid working. You will also need to be eligible for security clearance. This role is considered suitable for flexible hours but the key responsibilities are met on time. The role is suitable for 2-3 days/week or could be spread across several days providing availability for key meetings is maintained.

We strive to offer a great work life balance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where business demands permit. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.

Position: Finance Controller

UKTL is looking for a Finance Controller to join its Technical Programme Delivery team. The finance controller will work closely with management to ensure a firm and confident understanding of both operational and project budgets. They will be responsible for financial planning and analysis, forecasting, budgeting, and internal control. They will also be required to report internally and externally to both stakeholders and customers.

Key Responsibilities

1. Coordinate and direct the preparation of the budget and financial forecasts and report variances.
2. Tracking and planning of operational and project budgets.
3. Prepare, analyse and publish timely monthly and annual financial reports based on data extracted from the NPL ERP system.
4. Prepare monthly customer financial report showing cost to date against budget with narrative against any variances.
5. Support month-end and year-end close process.
6. Recommending changes in policies or procedures that will improve financial performance.
7. Liaise and support NPL's finance team to ensure cohesion across the two organisations.
8. Acting as a local SME on Microsoft D365.

Essential Skills and Experience

1. Understanding of core accounting principles and processes.
2. An understanding of how project and operational budgets function.
3. Experience reporting to a variety of stakeholders with different requirements.
4. Ability to work independently and to collaborate with stakeholders when required.
5. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving capability.
6. Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey financial information to various stakeholders.
7. Experience with D365 desirable.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in this specific area means that nationality, residency and security requirements are more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. However, to work in this role within UKTL, you will need to have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC clearance.