57690 - Finance Business Partner-Custodial Contracts

The national salary range is £36,049 - £41,095, London salary range is £41,747 - £47,591. Your salary will be dependent on your base location
1
12 Months
National
National
NATIONAL
SEO
SEO
Permanent
Full Time, Flexible Working
Finance

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.

The successful candidate will be required to travel to First Floor, Unit 1100, Daresbury Park, Warrington. Cheshire WA4 4HS a minimum of two days a week.

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 is responsible for the provision of legal aid, administration of justice through courts and tribunals, and detention and rehabilitation of offenders.  Within the MoJ you will provide Finance Business Partnering to senior business leaders responsible for delivery of outsourced Education services within prisons in England.  Our business colleagues operating within Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (an Agency within the MoJ), are highly committed professionals who seek to protect the public and rehabilitate offenders.

More information can be found at: www.justice.gov.uk

There is one SEO / Band B, Custodial Contracts Finance Business Partnering role available within the Finance Business Partnering Group supporting in supporting HMPPS Co-Financing Organisation (HMPPS CFO).

HMPPS CFO is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and provides essential resettlement provisions to the hardest to help offender cohort. The role being advertised is to support the Lead Finance Business Partner.

As a Finance Business Partner, you will be a key member of the finance team, working with other members of the team, wider MoJ Finance colleagues and key stakeholders from the business area we support – HMPPS CFO.

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 opportunity to help

in managing Contracts within HMPPS CFO.

Role Purpose

As a Finance Business Partner, you will need to understand the business area that you support and the way they operate in a prison environment. You will build trust with decision makers so that your advice is actively sought.

You will be the financial advisor to a range of senior contract managers and operational colleagues. You will need a clear understanding of the financial management arrangements of the MoJ – from budget setting to in year control and support to the financial accounts as necessary. You may be required to help develop business cases or to help demonstrate value for money. At all times you will be upholding the integrity of financial management in the public sector and the need to ensure value for money for the taxpayer.

You will have a level of authority and respect to proactively influence decision making and help drive continuous improvement. You will be a trusted adviser to stakeholders, providing support and independent unbiased challenge.

This role will build on your experience of finance fundamentals and provide the opportunity to help in managing finances within Public Sector Prisons.

Responsibilities

The job holder will be required to undertake the following duties and responsibilities;

  • Work with the LFBP to embed business partner capabilities within the team;
  • Continually develop knowledge base on best practice and techniques.
  • Reporting – to be able to translate financial information to non-finance stakeholders, providing the narrative behind the numbers to influence decision making

The key responsibilities listed below 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.

Key responsibilities

Strategy & Planning

·        Provide professional advice to the Lead Finance Business Partner (LFBP) and Senior Management Team in response to changes in ESF guidance

·        Accountable for the financial input into the development of the business

·        Plans for the CFO Project over the short, medium and long term

·        Work alongside the budget holder to deliver in line with the agreed profile annual plan and produce accurate forecasts;

·        Responsible for providing financial input into the development of the CFO Project

·        Plans over the short, medium and long term including accurate profiling of income and expenditure covering several financial years

·        Responsible for contributing to the financial planning and clarity on the affordability and achievability of plans within the CFO project

·        Responsible for contributing to the development of the group business plans

·        Responsible for providing option analysis and challenge to support decision making within the CFO project

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Responsible for ensuring regular contact is maintained with key stakeholders and budget holder, building, maintaining and influencing effective key
  • Stakeholder relationships with and on behalf of the LFBP;
  • Working closely with the colleagues in DWP who are the Managing Authority for the funding are when preparing and inputting financial details for the quarterly claim for funding;
  • Working closely with stakeholders within the Lead Finance Business Partner Team and the Management Accounts Team to ensure an understanding of in year forecasts;
  • Responsible for ensuring a strong partnership exists with key stakeholders to support organisational performance and delivery of project plans.
  • Responsible for providing financial information and liaising with all auditors.

Expert Financial Advice

·        Accountable to the LFBP for financial oversight of budgets, ensuring overall financial control by engaging and influencing key stakeholders;

·        Responsible for all monthly management account processes relating to the project;

·        Responsible for creating robust financial reports which are adaptable to changing requirements / environment;

·        Accountable for analytical interpretation of financial performance within the business and providing advice to key stakeholders, ensuring that all expenditure and claims reconcile to the General Ledger;

·        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 providing expert analysis of all project expenditure to aid decision making

·        Responsible for having oversight of compliance with financial regulations and governance within the project, commissioning appropriate assurance testing and providing strategic advice where required;

·        Contributing to the development of a culture of financial awareness within the project and business;

Decision Making

·        Responsible for ensuring that the budget holder has 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

Travel

This post is advertised nationally but the successful candidate is required to travel to HMPPS CFO offices in Daresbury, Warrington a minimum of two days a week.

Key skills and knowledge

  • Excellent financial management skills and a proven ability to apply them effectively.
  • High credibility with senior colleagues and stakeholders and the ability to influence decision-making.
  • The ability to analyse and communicate financial information in a clear and understandable way.

Civil Service Behaviours

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

  • Managing a Quality Service
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Seeing the Bigger Picture
  • Changing and Improving
  • Working Together

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

Professional Competencies / Requirements

  • A strong and demonstratable understanding of Financial Management / production of Management Accounts gained through qualification or experience in financial roles.
  • Experience within financial roles for at least 5 years.

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, 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.

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 UKor 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

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.

Expected late May

17/05/2022, 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 - 57690.

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.

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.
if you feel that your application has not been treated in line with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, please contact SSCL (Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com) in the first instance

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

Behaviours
Managing a Quality Service - 250 word limit
Communicating and Influencing - 250 word limit
Seeing the Big Picture - 250 word limit
Changing and Improving - 250 word limit
Working Together - 250 word limit
A sift based on the lead behaviour, Managing a Quality Service, may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift, where all behaviours will then be considered.

Interview stage assessments

There is 1 interview stage for this vacancy.
Behaviours
Managing a Quality Service
Communicating and Influencing
Seeing the Big Picture
Changing and Improving
Strengths may also be assessed at interview but these are not shared in advance.

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.