Finance Officer

Flexible Working: Due to the sensitive nature of the role, you’ll be based in the office five days per week. However, we know how important a good work/life balance is, which is why we offer part-time (minimum 4 days) and compressed hours, with flexibility around start and finish times. Full-time hours are 37 hours.

About Us

MI5 keeps the country safe from serious threats like terrorism and attempts by states to harm the UK, its people and way of life. We carry out investigations by obtaining, analysing and assessing intelligence, and then work with a range of partners, including MI6 and GCHQ to disrupt these threats. A role in MI5 means you’ll do unique and challenging work in a supportive environment, making a real difference to UK national security.

The Role

Our finance teams keep our internal spending on track. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or looking to progress, our team offers numerous opportunities to grow your skills and build a long-term career in finance. We currently have roles across a variety of teams, including Financial Analysis, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Financial Operations.

As one of our Finance Officers, you’ll manage our annual expenditure. Depending on where you join, your work will have a slightly different focus. In Financial Analysis, you’ll provide insights that help us make decisions. In Financial Accounting and Reporting, you’ll summarise, analyse and detail the UK Intelligence Services’ financial transactions. In Financial Operations, you’ll ensure we’re able to respond to ever-evolving business needs.

You’ll build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, both internal and external, ensuring a consistent approach to financial advice and processes. You’ll use your communication skills to explain finance requirements to colleagues and customers who might not be familiar with financial concepts.

You might be producing reports, offering financial advice, or ensuring purchase orders are actioned correctly. You’ll also be involved in month and year-end processes, helping colleagues across mission teams meet their financial requirements.

We offer and fund a generous study package to support you in gaining your professional qualifications, so you can develop your finance career in the long term. To see the kinds of opportunities you could grow into, take a look at our finance careers page - https://www.mi5.gov.uk/careers/finance.

About You

To apply, you’ll need to have experience in a similar role, have achieved or be actively studying AAT or higher, or hold or expect a 2:2 or higher in a Finance/Accounting/Maths/Economics/Business degree.

You’ll enjoy solving problems and working with others, and you’ll have the skills to develop collaborative relationships with key stakeholders. Inclusivity and teamwork will be important to you, as will learning new things and developing your skills. You’ll also have a passion for what you do, attention to detail, and a drive to contribute to our overall mission of keeping the UK safe.

Training and Development

If you’re passionate about professional development, we’ll fund your training and support you in gaining qualifications with AAT, ACCA, or CIMA.

While you study, you’ll benefit from a generous paid leave package, which varies depending on the qualification you’re studying for. Additionally, you’ll be assigned a dedicated buddy, receive guidance from your line manager, and have access to internal communities, support networks, and mentors.

Rewards and Benefits
Along with your starting salary, you’ll also have access to other benefits including:

• 25 days’ annual leave, automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, plus an additional 10.5 days’ public and privilege holidays
• Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Excellent pension scheme
• Facilities such as a gym, restaurant, and on-site coffee bar
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal Opportunities

At MI5, diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce.

We’re Disability Confident

MI5 is proud to have achieved Leader status within the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme. This is aimed at encouraging employers to improve how they recruit, retain and develop disabled people. We aim to offer a fair number of interviews to candidates who self-identify as disabled and meet the essential criteria for the role.

What to Expect

Our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. Here’s a brief overview of each stage:

• Initial pre-screening questions to find out if you meet our criteria.
• Create an account and complete a registration form.
• Complete an online application form.
• If successful, you may be invited to a final interview.

Please note, you must successfully pass each stage of the process to progress. Your application may take around 6-9 months to process including vetting.

Before You Apply

To work at MI5, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. This role requires the highest security clearance, known as Developed Vetting (DV).

Please note we have a strict drugs policy. Once you start your application, you can’t take recreational drugs and you’ll need to declare your previous drug usage.

The role is based in Belfast, so you’ll need to live within a commutable distance. Consider any financial implications before submitting an application.

Right to Withdraw Statement:

Please be aware that we may bring forward the closing date for this role once a certain number of applications have been received.