Finance Officer

Finance Officer – Cheltenham (Corporate Services)

Closing Date – 23:00 on Monday 8th June 2026

Salary – £37,723 per annum

Please note, we are now closed for new applications for London and Manchester, but you can still apply for Cheltenham.

Specialist Pay may also be included for:

• Level 4 AAT qualification, or
• Part‑qualified CCAB (e.g. CIMA Management Level, ACCA Applied Skills, ACA Professional Level, CIPFA Diploma)

Due to the sensitive nature of the work, this role is entirely office‑based. However, we know how important a healthy work‑life balance is, which is why we offer part‑time (minimum of four days), and compressed hours, with flexibility around start and finish times. Full‑time hours are up to 37 hours, depending on location.

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. Through our protective security arm, we provide advice and guidance to government, businesses and other organisations about how to keep themselves safe.

A role in MI5 means you’ll do unique and challenging work in a supportive and encouraging environment, making a real difference to UK national security.

As one of our Finance Officers, you’ll play a key part in managing annual expenditure, with your work shaped by the team you join. In Financial Analysis, you’ll offer vital insights that help colleagues across the agencies make better decisions. In Financial Accounting and Reporting, you’ll summarise, analyse and detail financial transactions within the UK Intelligence Services. And in Financial Operations, you’ll help us respond and adapt to ever‑evolving business needs.

Whichever team you’re part of, you’ll be supporting the wider finance function – overseeing budgets, reviewing spend, and bringing careful judgment to forecast assumptions, challenging and supporting them where needed. You’ll also carry out the accounting adjustments that keep everything accurate from accruals and prepayments, ensuring the accounts always reflect the true position.

But numbers only tell part of the story. Working closely with colleagues, stakeholders and business partners, you'll help others understand how to produce forecasts, interpret financial information, and manage their budgets with confidence. Translating finance for people who didn’t study it is a genuine skill, and it's one you'll have plenty of opportunity to develop and put to good use with us.

In this role, there may be opportunities to take on line management responsibilities. If you join us, you'll be expected to stay within the Finance Capability for a minimum of five years – long enough to really grow into the work and make it your own.

You’ll have either demonstrable experience in a similar role and be actively working towards a Level 4 AAT qualification; or you could hold or be predicted a 2:1 degree (or above) in Finance, Accounting, Business or Economics.

You’re someone who enjoys solving problems and working with others to find solutions. Your collaborative skills will also be key in how you build strong relationships and negotiate with key stakeholders. Inclusivity and teamwork are important to you, as is learning new things to develop your skills. You’ll have a passion for what you do, an interest in a career in finance, an eye for detail and the drive to contribute to a mission that keeps the UK safe.

We want you to keep growing, and we'll put real support behind that. If you’re working towards recognised financial qualifications such as AAT, ACCA, or CIMA, we’ll fund your studies. Once qualified, we'll cover your professional membership fees and make sure you stay sharp with ongoing technical development.

To help you manage your studies alongside your work, you'll receive a generous paid study leave package tailored to your qualification. You'll also have a dedicated study buddy, regular support from your line manager, and access to a wide range…