Finance Director - UK Financial Control, Accounting and Planning

Location: Crawley, United Kingdom
Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.
Finance Director - UK Financial Control, Accounting and Planning
Location: Crawley (hybrid, 3 days a week)
Closing date for applications: Friday 30th October 2026
A rare opportunity to lead the financial integrity and governance of one of the UK's most innovative and high-profile technology organisations.
About the role:
We are seeking a Finance Director to lead our UK Financial Control, Accounting & Planning function.
Reporting to the UK CFO, this role sits at the centre of financial governance, assurance and technical excellence across the organisation.
This is not a traditional Finance Director role focused on operational finance, commercial partnering or business unit performance. Instead, this is a highly specialised leadership opportunity for an experienced finance professional with deep expertise in accounting, external audit, financial control and statutory reporting.
You will lead a compact team of subject matter experts spanning Financial Reporting, Tax, Treasury and Financial Shared Services, acting as the key interface between Thales UK, Thales Group, external auditors, banking partners and regulatory bodies.
This role is ideal for a highly experienced finance professional who combines deep technical accounting expertise, audit leadership experience and a passion for delivering financial excellence. You'll act as the trusted authority on financial reporting, financial control and statutory compliance, ensuring the integrity of our financial position while supporting the long-term success of the business.
What You'll Be Doing
Leading all UK financial reporting, accounting and financial control activities
Ensuring accurate, timely and compliant statutory and Group reporting
Providing expert advice on complex accounting and financial governance matters, including IFRS interpretation and implementation
Overseeing UK tax, treasury and financial shared services activities
Leading relationships with external auditors, advisers, actuaries and banking partners
Driving the successful execution of annual audits and statutory account production
Supporting budget, forecast and multi-year planning processes at UK level
Providing financial insight and challenge to support strategic decision-making
Leading finance transformation and continuous improvement initiatives
Developing and coaching a high-performing team of specialist finance professionals
What We're Looking For
We're looking for a proven finance leader with outstanding technical expertise and significant experience operating within complex, highly regulated organisations.
You will bring:
Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
Extensive experience in financial control, statutory reporting and corporate accounting
Deep understanding of IFRS and UK reporting requirements
Significant experience leading external and statutory audits
Strong knowledge of financial governance, risk management and internal controls
Experience managing relationships with auditors, banks, advisers and senior stakeholders
Demonstrated success operating at Finance Director, Controller or Head of Financial Reporting level
Strong leadership experience, with a track record of building and developing specialist teams
The ability to influence, challenge and advise senior leaders with confidence and credibility
Core Benefits:
On offer is a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes;
Performance-related bonus
Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00
28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) plus opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)
24 hours volunteering paid for
Private healthcare
Pension scheme
Life cover
24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
Gym membership discounts
You can read about some of our other benefits here: UK benefits | Thales Group
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.
Security Clearance Requirement:
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.
At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. Read more about our benefits here.
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.
If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here.
Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!