Career coach | What employers want
TECH FOR DEFENCE
Shaping the future at the Ministry of Defence
Why working for the Ministry of Defence could be a super smart career move
At a glance
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You’ll learn while you study in a three year apprenticeship course
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You will be working on some of the world’s most complex projects
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You will join a diverse team chosen for its ability to embrace challenge and manage change
If you are looking for a career that offers great development opportunities, the opportunity to manage large and politically important budgets and teaches you to develop high standards of accuracy, you could consider an accountancy role within the DE&S.
Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) is a government organisation, part of the MOD, and it equips and supports the UK's armed forces. It is a highly specialised part of the Ministry of Defence involved in the procurement of clothes to carriers, food to fighter jets.
The role of the DE&S is to ensure that its UK military customers – the Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Air Force – have the equipment and support they need to carry out their duties effectively.
“We are looking for people who can understand the bigger picture whilst dealing with the essential detail, have high standards of written and verbal communication and are keen on embracing change,” says Pam Hawkins MAAT, Scheme Lead of Finance & Accounting, Corporate Services Group & New Schemes Apprentices and DE&S HR Entry Talent COE.
Over your three-year apprenticeship you will need to show an interest in solving complex problems and being able to deliver clear and effective solutions.
What is DE&S looking for?
If you enjoy working as a team, tackling complex challenges and getting to understand the demands and constraints of working with internal and external customers then this could be the role for you.
It would suit people who are keen to seek out new opportunities for learning, personal and career development, are prepared to commit to a three-year training and study programme and are pro-active and willing to take responsibility for their own development and career progression.
Recruits also need to be willing to share information, knowledge and skills with their colleagues, have a strong focus on and have a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Government finance is non-profit, so this is an accountancy job with a difference.
“We do not have to make a profit but we have to spend the money wisely,” says Pam Hawkins. “Value for money is very important.”
What does the DE&S Finance & Accounting function do?
DE&S employs over 11,5000 staff across more than 150 locations around the world, managing more than 600 projects. Over the next ten years it will operate with a budget of £178 billion and is made up of 9 functions, of which the Finance & Accounting team is one.
The role of the Financial & Accounting Function is to record, communicate and drive financial performance. This involves ensuring the delivery of capability and capacity to the armed forces and securing the best value for the taxpayer.
The role of accountants within the function is to:
- Protect value – Ensure a robust control environment and accounting for all financial transactions accurately and efficiently
- Add value – Deliver accurate, insightful, timely and meaningful financial information to stakeholders
- Drive value – Be an active and influential partner for the business, supporting effective decision-making through your expertise and judgement
What roles are available at DE&S?
Apprentices are moved around to experience different parts of the business in management, financial accounting, management accounting, finance advisory and support. Apprentices benefit from a mentoring scheme, and they are paired with a buddy from previous apprenticeship schemes in order to help them settle in.
The finance and accountability accountancy function of DE&S takes 25 people each year on its apprenticeship scheme, and they come from all sorts of different backgrounds.
The tremendous job opportunities mean most people complete their apprenticeship and develop their career further. For example, you could specialise in the finance and accounting function, which has a strategic role and deals with large budgets, or you could work in project control, which is about day-to-day financing of a single project. Tax audit and inventory are additional options, and you gain experience in different domains such as ships or land.
What are the prospects like?
DE&S offers a unique experience supporting the UK’s armed forces and delivering some of the world’s most complex projects. It offers a comprehensive benefits package, the flexibility to maintain a great work-life balance and the opportunity to achieve your full potential. Recruitment is managed via the DE&S HR Entry Talent Centre of Expertise (ETCOE) team.
“DE&S offers a first-class finance apprenticeship scheme,” says Pam Hawkins. “Our retention rate is high, and there's the opportunity for apprentices to go on to study for higher qualifications such as CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.”
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