# Lead, Program Finance

**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** London, United Kingdom
**Role:** Finance & Accounting
**Experience:** 8+ years
**Skills:** Excel, Financial Modeling, Data Analysis, FP&A, Ifrs, Aasb, US GAAP, Government Contracting, Cost Accounting, Earned Value Management, SAP, Oracle, Costpoint, Financial Statements, Data Storytelling
**Posted:** 2026-07-23

> Leads program finance for an aerospace and defense business, building models, analyzing performance, and advising senior leaders on budgets, forecasts, costs, and investments. Requires 8+ years of progressive finance experience, advanced Excel and modeling skills, government contracting knowledge, and a bachelor’s degree.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Build, maintain, and enhance financial models for budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning.
- Analyze financial and operational data and provide actionable recommendations to senior leadership.
- Partner with Program Management and Engineering on program financial health, cost tracking, and workforce planning.
- Support Earned Value Management (EVM) or equivalent program performance frameworks.
- Monitor actuals versus plan, flag risks and opportunities, and support Estimate at Completion updates.
- Participate in month-end and quarter-end close, variance analysis, and executive reporting.
- Support operational planning cycles, business reviews, and investment decisions.
- Collaborate on data transformation and basic modeling initiatives.
- Identify automation and process-improvement opportunities in financial reporting and analysis.
- Conduct operational reviews and ad hoc analysis to align day-to-day operations with strategic goals.

## Requirements
- Experience in the aerospace and defense industry, ideally supporting government or defense programs.
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or a related field.
- **8+ years** of progressive experience in financial analysis, corporate finance, or FP&A.
- Advanced Excel, financial modeling, and data analysis skills.
- Practical knowledge of IFRS, AASB, and GAAP.
- Experience with government contracting, including T&M, CPFF, and FFP structures.
- Understanding of cost accounting, financial statements, and business metrics.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate cross-functionally in a fast-moving environment.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to present complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders.

## Nice-to-haves
- MBA or master’s degree in a related discipline.
- Experience supporting operations or customer-facing teams in manufacturing, aerospace, or technology environments.
- Experience with SAP, Oracle, Costpoint, or comparable ERP and planning systems.
- High-performance track record, bias for action, intellectual curiosity, and attention to detail.
- Ability to use data storytelling to drive strategic decisions.

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