DNO Cost Controller

Job summary

The Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) is responsible for the provision of the nuclear deterrent, encompassing our submarines and nuclear warheads, while also advising on UK nuclear planning and fostering international co-operation on nuclear matters. With a multidisciplinary team of over 700 professionals, the DNO brings together expertise in science, engineering, finance, policy, programme delivery, and more. We work in partnership with the Royal Navy, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the Atomic Weapons Establishment as the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE).

Here at DNO we strongly believe that diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but is also essential for a thriving and successful organisation. We have a culture where differences are celebrated, and our people feel supported, included and empowered. Join us and be part of an organisation that truly values diversity and inclusion and makes a positive impact on the world.

This role sits within the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) Warhead Group, primarily supporting the Astraea Programme while also providing financial support across the wider Integrated Stockpile Management (ISM) portfolio where required. The team plays a critical role in supporting one of Defence's highest-priority capabilities, contributing to the long-term sustainment of the UK's nuclear deterrent.

The role forms part of the DNO Finance Business Partnering team, which provides financial insight, challenge and assurance to support effective decision-making across a complex portfolio of programmes and projects. Working within a dynamic programme environment, the successful candidate will support the financial management of significant Defence expenditure and contribute to the delivery of strategically important outcomes.

The postholder will work closely with colleagues across DNO, programme delivery teams, commercial and finance functions, and key delivery partners including the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE). The role will also provide exposure to wider Defence stakeholders, and other areas of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, as well as engagement with United States counterparts operating under the Polaris Sales Agreement (PSA) and Mutual Defence Agreement (MDA) frameworks.

Operating within a unique and nationally significant area of Defence, this role offers an excellent opportunity to develop experience in programme finance, cost management and financial business partnering within a high-profile portfolio. The successful candidate will gain exposure to senior stakeholders, complex financial challenges and international collaboration, while supporting the delivery of a critical national capability.

This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

As a Cost Controller within DNO Warhead Group, you will support the financial management of the Astraea programme and the wider Integrated Stockpile Management (ISM) portfolio where required. Working closely with the Deputy Finance Business Partner, Finance Business Partner and programme teams, you will help deliver robust cost control, forecasting and financial reporting across a strategically important area of Defence.

As a DNO Cost Controller, you will be responsible for:

• Supporting the financial management of the Astraea programme and the wider Integrated Stockpile Management (ISM) portfolio, ensuring financial information is accurate, timely and supports effective decision-making.
• Maintaining financial forecasting models and cost management tools, supporting budget management activities, forecast updates and affordability assessments across a complex portfolio of work.
• Delivering robust financial reporting and analysis, including the preparation of management information, variance analysis and financial performance reporting to support programme governance and business planning activities.
• Supporting Statement of Financial Position (SoFP) reporting and wider financial accounting activities, ensuring compliance with departmental policies, controls and reporting requirements.
• Supporting General Ledger management activities, including account reconciliations, accruals and prepayments, investigation of accounting discrepancies, and maintaining appropriate audit trails and supporting evidence.
• Working collaboratively with stakeholders across Finance, Programme Delivery, Commercial and key delivery partners to monitor expenditure, identify financial risks and opportunities, and support the effective management of approved budgets.
• Building effective working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders across Defence, industry and international partners, communicating financial information clearly to both finance and non-finance audiences.
• Supporting financial management, reporting and forecasting activities delivered under the Mutual Defence Agreement (MDA) and Polaris Sales Agreement (PSA), contributing to the financial management of international collaborative activities.

As the post holder will have access to very sensitive information, there are limitations on travelling to a small number of countries and we will undertake additional security checks as part of the recruitment process. Applications from candidates with close connections to certain countries may take considerably longer to process, or in some cases result in a withdrawal of an offer of employment. Further details will be provided at the conditional offer stage.

Additional Information

Due to the nature of the role, travel between DNO locations will be required. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements may be considered; however, regular workplace attendance is expected due to security requirements. Candidates are encouraged to discuss potential arrangements with the recruiting line manager prior to applying. Periodic international travel may also be required.

Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but will need regular workplace attendance due to security constraints. Hybrid working is a non-contractual arrangement. Employees are expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity. Attendance at other MOD locations or official business-related travel will count towards this requirement.

Due to the volume of work, stakeholder engagement requirements and the need for consistent support to programme delivery, forecasting and financial management activities across Astraea, this post not suitable for Job Share or Part-time working.

Person specification

Essential Skills:

• Intermediate working knowledge of Microsoft Excel including Vlookups and pivot tables is essential.
• Demonstrate previous cost/financial experience and an understanding of budgeting and forecasting, variance analysis and capturing project costs.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Qualified Level 4 – AAT or Certificate level CCAB/CIMA or working towards qualification.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions
• Changing and Improving

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,720, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,927 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Servic