The Strategic Finance and Investment Approvals group sits at the heart of the MOD, leading on financial management, strategic financial planning and control and approval of a multi-billon pound programme. The group is friendly and supportive, operating a flat structure and empowering our people to the fullest extent possible. We’re a diverse group bringing a mix of policy, finance, strategy and project skillsets, and experience both within national security and a range of other departments.

Within the group, Defence Resources is the strategic finance function for the department, bringing financial insight and challenge to all areas of the Department’s work. The team plays a vital role, developing strategic financial policy, securing, and managing funding to achieve the department’s strategic objectives and advising MOD Ministers and the Executive Team on financial strategy and financial management.

We are looking for a Grade 7 Assistant Head to lead on all aspects of operational spending across the Ministry of Defence. Currently, the major focus here is on support to Ukraine, but you will have oversight over the full range of military operations including support to UK based civilian authorities and ongoing support to the resettlement of those who supported HMG in Aghanistan. You will lead a small mixed (civilian and military team), and work closely with stakeholders across defence, and whitehall – leading on MOD’s engagement with Treasury on these issues.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week

Posts based in London will attract the relevant London weighting.

You will lead on our operational spending which, separate to MOD’s core budget, may be funded through alternative mechanisms including directly from HMT’s Special Reserve, or by OGDs (for military aid to civilian authorities – MACA). You will work closely with military officers and civilian advisers to scrutinize, provide advice, and ensure appropriate governance for this dynamic and high profile area of spend. This role will give you the chance to develop your understanding of front line defence activity, and how it supports National Security Council priorities as set out in the recent Integrated Review.

Specific responsibilities include

• Liaise closely with key stakeholders to manage the impact of changes in the operational landscape on MOD’s in year budget. This will involve monitoring requirements, providing scrutiny and financial advice, supporting briefing, attending senior operational planning meetings, and leading quarterly finance reviews

• Leading the engagement with HM Treasury and cross Whitehall departments to secure appropriate resources for operational activities

• Oversight of the governance of operational spending including preparation of instructions and guidance, input requirements into Main and Supplementary Estimates, monthly reporting and the annual reports and accounts;

• Prepare for discussions of operational funding at the next Spending Review, exploring alternative models to support effective prioritisation of activity, and drive value for money.

• Providing support and coverage on other operational funding issues including providing out-of-hours consideration of urgent resourcing issues through the Defence Crisis Management Office

• Leading a range of cross cutting strategic finance projects tackling departmental and cross government issues, ensuring the Defence vision and voice is represented.

• Management of team members, empowering, motivating and coaching to enable effective delivery, including rapid prioritisation of activities to support operational outputs. Supporting individual’s personal development and careers, ensuring you and the team make time to develop themselves and their peers.

This is a UK national reserved post and holding, or being willing to obtain, Developed Vetting clearance is essential for this role.

The ideal candidate will bring a mix of policy and finance experience, with excellent leadership credentials.

Interpersonal Skills

• Able to work independently, proactively, passionately and confidently on high-profile areas across the Department and lead others to achieve quality and on time delivery of outputs
• Comfortable and confident in working at pace to manage a full workload with conflicting short and long-term priorities
• Building positive relationships with partners in other teams and departments, and to use those relationships to influence others through excellent interpersonal and communication skills, tailored to the recipient. This includes the ability to critically consider and confidently challenge stakeholders regarding their delivery or information and translating across functions to obtain a joined-up approach
• Leading policy development and making decisions in complex policy areas, using analytical skills and different evidence sources to provide Ministers or senior officials with high-quality advice
• Considerable experience in providing written and oral briefings to Ministers and/or senior officials
• Leading collaboratively with structure, by constructing clear timelines and processes, with interdependencies and owners, to lead others to successful delivery with clear products and outcomes for the process
• Fostering and leading a culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration between policy, programmes, the business, finance and other corporate services

Essential

• Strategic Analysis and Insight
• Oral and Written presentation skills
• Data and analysis interpretation
• Influencing Senior Leaders and Ministers (including drafting skills)
• The Budgeting Framework
• Proactive problem resolution
• Understanding the role of NAO
• Negotiating with Pragmatism
• Supporting the PAC Agenda
• Government Financial reporting and governance requirements

Desirable

• Budgeting, Forecasting and Costing
• Risk management and fraud
• Taxation
• Performance and risk management
• Commercial acumen
• Investment appraisal and evaluation

For more information on the items above please see the Government Finance Function Strategic Finance framework

Qualification: It is desirable but not essential to hold or be working towards a Level 7 CCAB, CIMA, equivalent qualification.

Nationality and Security: Due to the content of this work, this post requires developed vetting and is reserved for UK Nationals only

Behaviours:

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Working Together

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Working Together

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

  The post attracts an inner London allowance (currently £3,000pa)

  The post may also be eligible for a CCAB level (or equivalent) accountancy qualification allowance (currently £3,000pa)

  The post does not offer relocation expenses.

  External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

  The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment by 31st December 2022. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

  Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

  Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

  Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

Job contact :

Name :
Chris Marsden - Acting Deputy Head IYM and Operations, Defence Resources
Email :
christopher.marsden110@mod.gov.uk
Telephone :
0300 161 9075

Recruitment team

Email :
DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk