40262 - Head of HMPPS Financial Accounts (jobshare)

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

The Ministry of Justice sits at the heart of public service. It works to protect and advance the principles of justice that underpin our democracy. Common with other public services the department has also been at the forefront of the Governments wider efficiency agenda, supporting fiscal consolidation by driving innovation across our frontline services to improve productivity and through carefully prioritising diminishing resources. 

The Ministry’s Financial management and Control directorate brings together multiple teams from across the Department to deliver high quality financial management and reporting services for the Ministry. 

The Ministry is looking to recruit a technically strong team leader to head the HMPPS Financial Accounts team as part of a job-share. We are looking to recruit an experienced practitioner with an ability to analyse complex information, provide written and verbal advice and explanations that can be easily understood by both finance professionals and non-finance stakeholders. Experience of financial accounts production is essential.

The Head of HMPPS Financial Accounts will also play a key role in developing the MoJ Financial Accounting Centre of Excellence. Alongside strengthening capacity and capability, we need to ensure that the financial accounting function is agile and able to quickly prioritise work across the organisation to meet competing demands, therefore it is expected that this position will gain a solid understanding of accounting practices across the whole of the Ministry and is able to take on specific tasks/prepare advice in all areas as required.

This is a job-share and you are strongly encouraged to engage with the existing job-share partner, Michelle Edmands, in advance of applying. Contact michelle.edmands1@justice.gov.uk

Successful candidates may be seconded to other parts of the Ministry and its Agencies.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities are as follows:

• Leading the production of unqualified HMPPS Annual Report and Accounts, and submissions for consolidation into MoJ departmental accounts and the Departmental WGA submission
• Leading HMPPS’ relationship with National Audit Office during external audit of annual report and accounts
• Providing sound technical accounting advice, acting as subject matter expert on the Financial Reporting Manual (FReM), Managing Public Money, Consolidated Budgeting Guidance and Cabinet Office spending controls
• Attending and contributing to Board, Executive Committees and Audit Committees as required
• Supporting the continuous improvement of business and financial control processes and helping build and develop financial capability and professionalism both inside the function and across the business
• Identifying and ensuring appropriate management of risks to delivery;
• Co-ordinating the response to emerging issues across the wider finance function;
• Managing and coaching staff within the Financial Accounting Centre of Excellence, and ensuring that all professional training and development requirements are met
• Demonstrating a strong commitment to making the job-share work for your team, your peers and your seniors.​

The Person

Required experience

Essential Criteria:

• excellent technical skills across a range of financial disciplines and a proven ability to apply them effectively including comprehensive knowledge of IFRS and/or FReM reporting requirements for central government;
• Proven ability to meet tight deadlines within unpredictable and demanding environments whilst delivering high quality products;
• high credibility with senior colleagues and stakeholders and the ability to influence decision-making
• a strong track record in team leadership and developing high performing teams
• Excellent interpersonal skills, a proven record of building strong working relationships with stakeholders, and the ability to analyse and communicate complex financial information in a clear and understandable way; and

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of Oracle Financials
• Significant understanding of Public Sector Expenditure framework (Managing Public Money, Consolidated Budgeting Guidance etc)

Required Technical skills / qualifications

CCAB qualified accountant (i.e. ICAEW, ICAS, ICAI, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) or a recognised equivalent

Excellent Microsoft Office skills

Personal skills and attributes

Successful candidates will:

• be strong leaders who can build highly effective teams and influential relationships;
• be innovative in how we provide and use financial accounts and information;
• be a credible and authentic leader, with the ability to, engage and motivate people to deliver results;
• show the ability and willingness to make difficult decisions and stand by them; and,
• be able to communicate effectively to inspire your team and stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes.

Behaviours

You will be required to demonstrate these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service

Interviews will be held by MS Teams, this will include a mix of questions to assess against behaviours, strengths and technical knowledge. Interviews are scheduled for 8/9 February but could be subject to change. 

In the event that we receive a large volume of applications we reserve the right to conduct the sift based on one lead behaviour. The chosen lead behaviour for this campaign is Managing a Quality Service.