We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce and pride ourselves as being an employer of choice. To find out more about how we champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity
Person
Are you a qualified finance professional (CCAB/CIMA or equivalent)?
Are you looking to develop your skills in Finance Business Partnering, including the management of Contracts?
Are you good at building stakeholder relationships?
Do you enjoy working in a busy and varied environment?
Are you looking for a flexible working environment? This role is offered nationally and does offer the advantages and opportunity for home-working. There is a requirement for some travel to meet with Stakeholders and your wider team.
If you answered yes to the above then our Finance Business Partner role in Custodial Contracts and supporting HM Prisons, could be the next role for you.
Summary
As a Finance Business Partner, you will be a key member of the Finance Team, working within your own team, the wider team, and other MoJ Finance colleagues and key Stakeholders from the Business Area we support – HM Prisons within the Public and Private sectors.
You will provide support to the Strategic Finance Lead of the functional and/or geographical area of HMPPS. You will report to a Lead Finance Business Partner (LFBP), who in turn reports to a Senior Finance Business Partner (SFBP).
You will have a level of authority and respect to proactively support the shaping of strategic decisions and help drive continuous improvement.
This role will build on your experience of finance fundamentals and provide the opportunities to help in managing Contracts within the department.
Salary
- Inner London     £40,478 - £52,248
- Outer London    £38,299 – 49,865
- National             £34,090 – 45,102
Job Role - Main Responsibilities -
Responsibilities, Activities & Duties
You will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties
Strategy & Planning
- Provide professional advice to the Lead Finance Business Partner [LFBP] and the business/accountable officer in response to a changing political and economic climate;
- Accountable for the financial input into the development of the business plans for the units and groups supported over the short, medium and long term
- Work alongside budget holders to deliver local budgets in line with the annual plan and provide help to produce accurate forecasts;
- Responsible for providing financial input into the development of Directorate plans over the short, medium and long term;
- Responsible for contributing to the financial planning and clarity on the affordability and achievability of plans within their business area;
- Responsible for contributing to the development of the group business plans;
- Responsible for providing option analysis and challenge to support decision making
- Responsible for implementing financial strategies to enable delivery of directorate, deputy directorate and group objectives;
Stakeholder Engagement
- Responsible for ensuring regular contact is maintained with key stakeholders and budget holders, building, maintaining and influencing effective key stakeholder relationships with and on behalf of the LFBP;
- Working closely with the colleagues within the Lead Finance Business Partner Team and the Management Accounts Team to ensure understanding of in year variances & forecasts and future years’ planning together with forecast and planning assumptions within prisons;
- Working closely with stakeholders within the Lead Finance Business Partner team and the Management Accounts Team to ensure an understanding of in year forecasts and variances and their alignment with planning assumptions;
- Responsible for ensuring a strong partnership exists with key stakeholders to support organisational performance and delivery of plans.
Expert Financial Advice
- Accountable to the LFBP for financial oversight of budgets, ensuring overall financial control by engaging and influencing key stakeholders, accountable budget holders and other relevant stakeholders;
- Responsible for providing key decision-making support to the business to influence the production of effective and efficient short, medium and long-term plans in line with strategic priorities and available resources;
- Accountable for analytical interpretation of financial performance within the business and providing advice to key stakeholders, taking into account adherence to agreed efficiency proposals and workforce plans and providing support and challenge where appropriate;
- Responsible for being the strategic lead for the provision of professional advice on all financial matters to key stakeholders within the business;
- Responsible for providing key strategic support for the reduction of costs and delivery of the savings targets by providing expert analysis and decision-making support;
- Responsible to the LFBP for the identification and interpretation of cost drivers, their impact on financial results and ability to influence them;
- Responsible for having oversight of compliance with financial regulations and governance within the business, commissioning appropriate assurance testing and providing strategic advice where required;
- Contributing to the development of a culture of financial awareness within the business;
- Responsible for contributing to the benefits realisation process from major change and finance initiatives.
Decision Making
- Responsible for ensuring that budget holders have a common understanding of their financial performance to challenge and support informed decision making;
- Responsible for instigating and maintaining regular and effective contact with key stakeholders, providing expert analysis and challenging and influencing strategic decision making;
- Provide assurance to the key stakeholder and the LFBP on key decisions;
- Responsible for identifying and developing the best use of financial resources at business unit level and playing an active part in corporate decision making regarding finance delivery.
Any Other
- Work with the LFBP to embed business partner capabilities within the team;
- Continually develop knowledge base on best practice and techniques.
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Person Specification
We will assess you against these Success Profile Behaviours during the selection process:
Managing a Quality Service
- Develop, maintain and review systems and services to ensure delivery of professional excellence
- Work with stakeholders to set priorities and objectives
- Deliver high quality outcomes that meet the customers’ needs and give value for money
- Identify risks and resolve issues efficiently
Communicating and Influencing
- Communicate in a straightforward, honest and engaging manner, choosing appropriate styles to maximise understanding and impact.
- Encourage the use of different communication methods
- Ensure communication has a clear purpose, considering different needs
- Show positivity and enthusiasm towards work, encouraging others to do the same
Seeing the Bigger Picture
- Understand the strategic drivers for your area of work.
- Align activities to contribute to wider organisational priorities
- Remain alert to emerging issues and trends which might impact your area of work
Making Effective Decisions
- Analyse and use a range of relevant, credible information from internal and external sources to support decisions
- Invite challenge and where appropriate involve others in decision making
- Display confidence when making difficult decisions, even if they prove unpopular
- Consult with others to ensure the potential impacts have been considered
- Present strong recommendations in a timely manner outlining the considerations of other options, costs, benefits and risks.
Working Together
- Encourage joined up team work within own team and across other groups
- Establish professional relationships with a range of stakeholders
- Collaborate with these to share information, resources and support
Further information on the Civil Service Behaviours Framework can be found at - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/717275/CS_Behaviours_2018.pdf
Technical Skills
- Qualified finance professional (CCAB/CIMA or equivalent)
- Good knowledge of Excel
How to Apply
In the event of a large number of applications, a sift will be conducted using the lead behaviour ‘Managing a Quality Service’.
Applications will be assessed following the closing date and if you are successful at the Sift stage you will be invited to interview.
The interview will be conducted using a blended approach covering behaviours, as outlined above.
Interviews may take place face-to-face or virtually dependant on advice and guidance and Government protocol from Civil Service Senior Leaders during current circumstances.
TOP