47911 - Strategic Finance and Commercial Lead
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.
Job Title/ Position: Strategic Finance and Commercial Lead
Band/Grade: Grade 7b
Number of Vacancies: 1
Business Group: Chief Financial Officer Group
Directorate: Financial Strategy, Planning and Performance Directorate
Location: National
Hours: 37
Working Pattern: Permanent
Role Type/Team: Finance and commercial
Ministry of Justice an Inclusive Employer
We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer of choice and ensuring equity of opportunity for all. We welcome the unique contribution diverse applicants bring in terms of their culture, ethnicity, race, nationality or national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, religion or belief, disability status, sexual orientation, educational or social background or any other factor. To find out more about how we champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity
Overview
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is one of the largest government departments, employing around 70,000 people and with an annual budget of approximately £9 billion. It works to protect and advance the principles of justice that underpin our democracy. Each year, millions of people use our services, including at 500 courts and tribunals and 133 prisons in England and Wales. Our principal role is to uphold the rule of law, the cornerstone of the British way of life, and we deliver services which are some of the most fundamental in a democratic society. MoJ supports the Secretary of State for Justice, who is also the Lord Chancellor, and his ministerial team to deliver the Government’s priorities. Our vision is to deliver a world-class justice system that works for everyone in society.
The role is within the Financial Strategy, Planning & Performance Directorate which is part of the Chief Financial Officer’s Group. The Directorate has a wide range of responsibilities including Spending Reviews, departmental financial strategy, performance management, commercial finance, income control and the Office of the Accountant General (OAG).
The specific team is the Commercial Finance, Income team and OAG which themselves have a range of responsibilities such providing technical commercial & corporate finance expertise in influencing the financial construct of various initiatives and programmes for both current and future undertakings; delivering opportunities and managing risk, keyholder for business cases and management of OAG which is a delivery body for third party clients.
This is an exciting and very challenging role which requires a balance of technical skills, leadership, working with others to deliver high quality outcomes. It will give excellent experience and opportunity to build on current and build wider skills across the financial, strategic and commercial space.
Role Purpose
To be a critical leader in the progression of strategic and commercial expertise including driving forward the Office of the Accountant General future strategy in ensuring robust Outline Business case and strategic business cases are delivered to ensure successful outcomes. This also covers developing and embedding strong commercial relationships with key outsourced providers including potentially wider work on supplier health; and building strong effective links with other related work within the Deputy Directorate such as income generation.
As part of this Ministry of Justice this contributes to Priority 3 Deliver Swift Access to Justice in Ministry of Justice Outcome Delivery Plan: 2021-22
Responsibilities
- Driving forward the OAG Strategic Future Programme by being the lead manager for ensuring that the Strategic Outline Business Case and the three Delivery Business Cases are compliant with HM Treasury Green Book and all supporting guidance on preparation of business cases including Ministry of Justice specific governance and approvals.
- To ensure all OAG Strategic Future Programme Business cases receive the necessary quality assurance from expert stakeholder colleagues such as Commercial, Economists, Analytical, Financial, Legal and Policy. To ensure that all business cases receive the necessary governance approvals in line with MoJ policy and all programme documentation and decisions are retained for internal and external scrutiny whether internal to MoJ or Government Internal Audit Agency and the National Audit Office.
- Understanding and experience of managing commercial relationships and how these can be leveraged to deliver optimum outcomes and Value for Money including how to assess business proposals and complex interdependent options. Provide expert corporate and commercial finance advice on the financial implications of commercial strategies and decisions for major change programmes and existing commercial arrangements.
- Understanding of the principles of assessing external suppliers’ health and contribute to process improvement on supplier financial health monitoring, including developing the service offer across other government Departments. This includes working with other functional areas and Commercial in developing tools that allow easy analysis of outputs.
- Develop expertise in the end-to-end commercial cycle on commercial arrangement types, supplier legal structures, payment mechanism (including payment by results), financial contract clauses, financial rights and obligations, market players, macro-economic impacts (e.g. inflation and foreign exchange), financial protections and guarantee models and overarching bid/cost model requirements.
- Develop commercial finance policies/guidance and support their introduction and implementation in the relevant business areas. These will include learnings from key cross-government guidance documents.
- As the role is evolving there are potential opportunities to widen skills and knowledge across the Directorate including within the role line leadership and management responsibility.
Key skills and knowledge
- Detailed understanding and application of the HM Treasury’s Green Book and supporting guidance including preparation of Strategic Outline Business Cases, Outline Business Cases and programme methodologies including understanding and application of economic, analytical and financial appraisal techniques and how these are used to assess complex options to drive the future of public services as part of the Ministry of Justice.
- Understanding and experience of managing commercial relationships and how these can be leveraged to deliver optimum outcomes and Value for Money including how to assess business proposals and complex interdependent options.
- Good interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues, internal customers and stakeholders including at Senior Civil Service and equivalent external level
- Excellent written and oral communication skills to be able to explain in clear terms complex financial, commercial and legal principles
Success Profiles
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.
Civil Service Behaviours
The following Grade 7 Civil Service Behaviours are essential to this post and will be assessed upon application:
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Delivering at Pace
A Statement of Suitability is required consisting of a maximum of 250 words
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
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 Leadership.
Specific Technical Skills Required
Technical knowledge and practical experience of HMT Green Book principles is essential for this role particularly in financial evaluation, discounting etc.
Professional Competencies / Requirements
Qualified or Part Qualified CCAB accountant. Other relevant specialist qualifications will be considered.
The Selection 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 a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour Leadership. 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.
For further information please feel free to contact John Little. Email: john.littleoag@justice.gov.uk
Working Arrangements & Further Information
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:
The pay structure is being consulted upon and therefore the pay advertised/offered may change depending on the outcome of the consultation. If you have any concerns, please check what the situation is before accepting any offer.
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.
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.
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.
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
1- To Shared Service Connected Ltd (0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com);
2- To Ministry of Justice Resourcing (resourcing-services@justice.gov.uk);
3- 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.
Grading Structure Review
The Ministry of Justice is currently undergoing a review of posts which are currently graded at Band A to realign our grading structure with the majority of the wider Civil Service.
Posts advertised at Band A may be graded at either Grade 6 or Grade 7 once the review has taken place.
28/09/2021, 23:55 hours.
If you require any assistance please call 0845 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com
Please quote the job reference - 47911.
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.
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.