34455 - Modelling Analyst

The Role

The Operations Group, within the Chief Financial Officer’s Group of the MoJ, administers a combined operational scheme budget of approximately £1.6bn per annum. We are seeking a Modelling Analyst to assist with the development and maintenance of a suite of forecast models to support the effective forecasting of this budget, and of associated financial provisions, to underpin effective budget management across the group, and to adhere to the statutory requirements on financial reporting.

The Person

Are you an individual with a strong analytical background, who thrives on the efficient and effective use of data to deliver business solutions?

Do you have an innovative approach to solving complex analytical problems, with no fear of challenging existing processes?

Can you build effective stakeholder relationships in order to meet the needs of a business, and comfortably break down complex concepts in communications with the wider business?

Do you take responsibility for the delivery of your work to expected standards and timescales?

If so, then a Modelling Analyst role in MoJ’s Financial Operations Group could be the role for you.

The work you will be doing

The MoJ Operations group, comprised of the Legal Aid Agency, the Office of the Public Guardian, and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, administers a combined operational scheme budget of approximately £1.6bn, and the effective forecasting and management of this budget ensures that these agencies, and hence the wider MoJ, maintain credible financial management. This is key within the current environment of budgetary constraints.

This role forms part of the Operations Group Forecasting Team to provide a key function within Finance.

Reporting to the Forecast Modelling Manager, the right candidate will play a pivotal role in the development and maintenance of improved forecasting models to support the timely and accurate production of medium term (5 year) and in-year forecasts and the delivery of Work In Progress (WIP) provision estimates for published Statutory Accounts. The individual will engage with senior stakeholders across the MoJ and externally (National Audit Office) to drive forward improved modelling approaches to add insight into how wider system developments impact Operations Group expenditure, and will also be expected to engage with relevant policy/analytical groups to ensure that the team remains abreast of developments in all areas pertinent to its work. The individual will be comfortable with providing robust challenge to stakeholders of all levels where the priorities of the forecasting team require it.

The individual will analyse complex financial data sets to draw new insights, using their high level of numeracy, and will disseminate these through their excellent communication skills.

Assessment Criteria

Job Summary

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the Experience, Behaviours, Ability and Technical elements set out below. These elements will be assessed during the sift process and further tested at interview. In addition, we are looking to appoint an individual who can manage competing priorities effectively, taking responsibility for their deliverables, and also build strong relationships with other business areas to facilitate co-operation and ensure their input to the financial forecast. You will be unafraid of challenging processes and stakeholders, using strong communication skills to influence them where necessary. We also require a candidate who demonstrates an innovative analytical approach to problem solving.

Ability

You will have strong communication skills, and be particularly well versed in breaking down complex ideas for a range of audiences.

Technical

Internal civil service applicants must be members of a government analytical profession. External applicants must evidence a relevant numerate degree, and be willing to commit to membership of a government analytical profession.

Civil Service Behaviours

The following Civil Service Behaviours are essential to this post and will be assessed upon application

• Changing and Improving

• Communicating and Influencing

• Working Together

Full details on the Civil Service Behaviours Framework can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/717275/CS_Behaviours_2018.pdf

Experience

We are looking for you to demonstrate past experience of having produced forecasts in a complex and dynamic business environment. In particular –

• Application of a range of statistical forecast modelling techniques to complex forecasting problems, including specification and communication of uncertainty.
• An understanding of the importance of a robust analytical quality assurance and governance framework.
• Specification of business requirements through stakeholder interaction.
• An understanding of the strengths and limitations of business MI in informing forecasts.

The Selection Process

To apply, please complete the advertised CS Jobs application process. This includes providing your CV history on-line and uploading a personal statement of no more than 1,250 words explaining how you meet the experience, Ability and Technical elements together with the Civil Service Behaviours detailed above. Applications will be sifted by a panel who will look at the Experience, Ability, Technical and Civil Service Behaviours evidence provided in your application.

Candidates who are successful following the sift process will be invited to interview, where Experience, Ability, Technical and Behaviours elements will be tested further alongside other elements of the post. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates in advance of the interviews.