UK Ministry of Defence
DNO Cost Controller
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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 cooperation 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.
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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 Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
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Hybrid Working:
Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and working from home as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. All office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of office attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this and other flexible working arrangements may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.
Please Note:
- The post does not offer relocation expenses.
- External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
- Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
- Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
- Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
- The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
- MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
- Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection Process Details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience.
Candidates will be required to provide a statement of suitability (500 words) that sets out your
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