Senior Business Controller
Location: Glasgow (travel required/hybrid)
Thales UK is seeking a Senior Business Controller to join a major, high‑value programme within our UK defence business.
This is a high‑profile finance leadership role on a £250m+ complex, multi‑entity programme, offering strong visibility across senior United Kingdom and Group stakeholders. You will act as a trusted finance partner to Programme leadership, providing robust financial control, insight and governance as the programme transitions from development into testing and production.
Key Responsibilities
Lead programme financial control, including estimates at completion, estimates to complete, cost risk and contingency
Ensure financial performance aligns with earned value management principles
Own budgeting, forecasting, cash flow and margin management
Present clear, insightful financial updates at senior programme reviews
Manage month‑end close, reporting and variance analysis
Ensure compliance with financial controls, audit requirements and regulatory obligations
Support bidding activity, commercial discussions and margin improvement initiatives
About You
Professionally qualified accountant (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, or equivalent)
Strong experience in long‑term project accounting within defence or commercial aerospace
Comfortable operating in complex, fast‑paced settings with senior stakeholders
Strong analytical capability with the confidence to explain complex financial matters clearly
Advanced user of Microsoft Excel; experience with Oracle and TM1 planning tools is desirable
Why Thales?
Work on nationally significant, technically complex projects
High‑visibility role with clear career progression opportunities
Flexible working arrangements and strong development support
Inclusive, collaborative and high‑performing culture
Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment.
To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.
Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.
In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.
At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.
Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment, if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.
Great journeys start here, apply now!
Top Skills
What We Do
Thales is a global high technology leader investing in digital and “deep tech” innovations – connectivity, big data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum technology – to build a future we can all trust, which is vital to the development of our societies. The company provides solutions, services and products that help its customers – businesses, organisations and states – in the defence, aeronautics, space, transportation and digital identity and security markets to fulfil their critical missions, by placing humans at the heart of the decision-making process.
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