74860 - Lead Finance Business Partner
We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.
Overview
The Ministry of Justice sits at the heart of public service delivery and the government’s wider social reform agenda, working to protect and advance the principles of justice. The department has been at the forefront of the Government’s wider efficiency agenda making a finance roles an exciting and challenging opportunity.
Finance Business Partners (FBP’s) work alongside the businesses they support and have a close understanding of their business to enable them to help drive better outcomes from ensuring that finance is at the heart of decision making. The FBP role is to protect value, drive value and add value to the business.
The (FBP) team for Property supports the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) Property Directorate in managing and delivering a portfolio of over £0.5bn annual spend across Headquarters Offices, Probation Sites, Prison Facilities Management, and Custodial Maintenance.
The main purpose of this Grade 7 FBP role is providing strategic business support and challenge, ensuring successful delivery of the Facilities Management portfolio (budgets totalling c£340m) delivering:
- Concise, timely and accurate reporting of in year financial management information into past performance and with future insights
- A culture of continuous financial improvement, using data led insights and learning from best practice
- A trusted advisor, offering frank advice based on data driven insights and reported information
- A proactive source of planning, developing intuitive solutions for Property and supporting our stakeholders to articulate their vision.
The role will be responsible for managing a team of 2 SEOs to achieve this, with a further SEO supporting the re-procurement of MoJ FM services.
Role Summary
A business expert with strong interpersonal relationships with the business who translates and reports information between business and finance, acting as a trusted partner who provides valuable financial advice, strategic insight and providing solutions to Directors and other budget holders.
Typical Role Responsibilities
G7 FBPs are business experts with strong interpersonal relationships. They understand the business and are able translate and present complex financial information clearly. They provide valuable financial advice, challenge and support, strategic insight, and business solutions often to Directors and other budget holders. They take on larger or more complex areas and with a focus on business cases.
Entry Routes
Suitable for staff with the required skills and / or experience from within or outside Finance
Progression Routes
Within Finance
This role may be suitable for FBP SEOs and other Finance individuals at SEO, Financial Operations SEOs for example, and G7 with the required influencing, stakeholder management, interpersonal skills, and technical financial understanding.
From Outside Finance
This role is not suitable for non-finance professionals or individuals without significant finance experience.
Role Responsibilities/Tasks
The service provided by the FBP team will be in line with the adoption of the cross-government vision set out in the “Excellence in Finance Business Partnering” handbook (Finance Business Partnering (civilservice.gov.uk):
- Providing specialist financial advice - engaging with experts on behalf of the business and providing advice on key financial planning, processes, and budget setting.
- Taking responsibility for all financial information provided to the business, and the associated recommendations, using all available data and analytics tools.
- Challenging weakness in process compliance within the business and reporting on control effectiveness.
- Supporting the development and implementation of credible financial plans that are consistent with the department performance and activity plans.
- Attending and influencing senior leader team boards.
- Involved at the start of the idea pipeline, engaging early in policy development and business cases.
- Driving evidence-based decision making by inputting financial insight throughout the process.
- Challenging and supporting the business to enhance decision-making and increase performance.
- Providing coaching and feedback proactively to identify gaps in the financial knowledge of the business.
- Supporting and coordinating delivery of financial services to the directorate.
- Horizon scanning to identify potential issues and helping Directorates develop solutions.
- Management of team members or oversight of other's work and developing leadership skills within and across teams.
- Line Managing a team of 3 to deliver the above.
The post holder will be required to work in a flexible way and undertake any other duties reasonably requested by line management which are commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility of this post. This may also include working closely with other MoJ Finance staff to develop solutions/problem-solve, engaging in project work to drive finance improvements.
Behaviours Required
Success Profiles will enable a fairer and more inclusive method of recruitment by enabling us to assess the range of experiences, abilities, strengths, behaviours and technical/professional skills required for different roles. This flexible approach to recruitment focuses more on finding the right candidate for the specific role. To find out more about Success Profiles to support your application please click here for further guidance.
- Managing a Quality Service
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
Please refer to the Civil Service Behaviours Framework, which can be found here, to complete this application: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/717275/CS_Behaviours_2018.pdf
If 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.
We will also sift based on a copy of your CV, and a Statement of Suitability consisting of a maximum of 250 words.
Interpersonal Skills
- Highlight’s areas of potential conflict between stakeholders and manages them accordingly.
- A confident communicator, comfortable with challenging senior business leaders.
- Ability to influence at all levels of the business hierarchy, using logical persuasion and consensus building within groups.
- Able to remain focused on the overall business strategic vision during negotiation, knowing when to compromise and when to challenge for the benefit of the business.
- Highly visible across their area as the primary point of contact for financial advice - the 'face' of Government Finance.
- Understands the vision for the business and confidently leads others to realise the vision.
- Leadership, and the ability to motivate and develop a diverse finance team and promote excellence.
- Highly proficient in using and interpreting data and analytics to support analysis and decision making, identifying gaps in data and reporting, and working with Financial Systems colleagues to develop additional reporting as required.
Professional Skills
Key for Levels of Professional Skills
- A = Awareness
- W = Working
- P = Practitioner
- E = Expert
Core | Level |
Budgeting, forecasting, and costing | P |
The Budgeting Framework | P |
Commercial acumen | P |
Investment appraisal and evaluation | P |
Strategic analysis and insight | W |
Oral and written presentation skills | W |
Performance and risks | W |
Understanding the role of the NAO | W |
Data and analytics interpretation | E |
Useful | Level |
Taxation | A |
Government financial reporting | A |
Supporting the PAC agenda | A |
Risk management and fraud | A |
Interpretation of Accounts | A |
Qualifications
Recommended:
In addition to salary, a pensionable, non-contractual specialist allowance will be applied to this role. Specialist allowances apply to certain roles only, are non-transferable to other roles and are subject to annual review.
Travel
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.
Application Process
To apply please complete the online application form. Applications will be sifted by a panel who will look at the Civil Service Behaviour framework and what is evidenced in your application. Should many applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour, Managing a Quality Service.
Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate the essential role requirements within the application behaviour responses.
Candidates who are successful following the sift process will be invited to interview, where the behavioural elements and strengths will be tested further alongside other elements of the post. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates in advance of the interviews.
Training
The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
Networks
The opportunity to join employee run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.
Interview dates: expected mid/late June
For further information please feel free to contact Daniel van Bregt at daniel.vanBregt@justice.gov.uk.
Working Arrangements & Further Information
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.
For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.
Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.
Flexible working hours
The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices.
Benefits
The MoJ offers a range of benefits:
Annual Leave
Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.
There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
Pension
The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.
Training
The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
Networks
The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.
Support
- A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
- Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
- For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
- Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
- Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order
- To Shared Service Connected Ltd (0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com);
- To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
- To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.
You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team.
We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.
01/06/2023, 23:55 hours.
To apply for roles in MOJ you will need to confirm your employment history for at least 3 years prior to the date of application so that pre-employment checks (BPSS) can be undertaken. If you have spent significant time abroad (a total of 6 months in the past 3 years) you would be required to give a reasonable account of the reasons why.
For some roles you will be required to successfully complete National Security Vetting at Counter Terrorism (CTC), Security Clearance (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV) level as a condition of appointment. To meet CTC/SC/DV requirements you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 3/5/10 years prior to the date of application (The level of checks that are required are stated in the advert).
If you do not meet the above requirements, you may still be considered if, for example:
- You've been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government
- You were studying abroad
- You were living overseas with parents
In such cases you will need to be able to provide referee cover for the period(s) of residence overseas. The duration of overseas residence and the country of abode will also be taken into account.
Success Profiles will enable a fairer and more inclusive method of recruitment by enabling us to assess the range of experiences, abilities, strengths, behaviours and technical/professional skills required for different roles. This flexible approach to recruitment focuses more on finding the right candidate for the specific role. To find out more about Success Profiles to support your application please click here for further guidance.
We have provided detail of the assessment stages and areas being assessed to help you prepare for completing your application form, and to advise of what will be assessed following this, if you successfully pass the application stage.
Application form stage assessments
Interview stage assessments
A Great Place to Work for Veterans
The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit : https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans
Redeployment Interview Scheme
Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ are committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.
MoJ are able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidate's will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
· UK nationals
· nationals of the Republic of Ireland
· nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
· nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
· nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
· individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
· Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules
This Vacancy is closed to applications.