Navy Command Desk Officer

This role is a fantastic opportunity to join Navy Command Headquarters (NCHQ) in Whale Island, Portsmouth, which is the nerve centre of the Naval Service. Your contribution will help the Royal Navy fulfil its vital responsibilities:

You can be part of supporting operations around the globe which provides the ships, people, aircraft and equipment to deliver the UK’s defence policy. NCHQ supports all the Royal Navy’s activities from front-line operations to personnel support and training, finance and governance; safety; equipment acquisition; programmes and planning; and Defence Engagement. Civil Servants and Armed Forces personnel work together in a wealth of interesting and challenging jobs in different disciplines, from finance; legal services; personnel and HR; project planning and managing contracts, to media and communications.

Defence is currently facing many challenges, and we are all looking at ways to transform, improving the way we do things. The Finance Function is in the process of implementing Finance Functional Leadership (FFL) which provides an opportunity to redefine how we operate and put finance at the heart of decision making, to support and enable delivery of Defence outputs. Functional Leadership is the mechanism for ensuring activities are carried out in a coherent way across all the organisations in Defence, enabling MOD business to be done smoothly and efficiently.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

The Finance Officer is an integral part of the Navy Command (NC) Central Finance Team and is responsible for supporting the Finance Business Partner (FBP) in the effective financial management of the business areas. FBPs are a new, critical role which puts finance at the heart of decision making, with responsibility for building and sustaining a fruitful partnership between finance and the business. You will be fully trained and supported to develop as there are many opportunities to progress both within the Department and across the wider Civil Service.

You will gain knowledge and experience so that you are proficient in all aspects of Financial Management and provide robust and timely monthly accounts for consolidation, variance analysis, assessment of risks and opportunities.

The Finance Officer role aids in the management of decision making, provides the Budget Holder with financial advice on matters affecting their business areas both in the current year and across the longer term financial outlook.

In Navy Command, our civil servants work alongside their military colleagues in jobs that matter; jobs which often have a direct impact on the quality of the operational capabilities we deliver.

Person specification

Once trained, you will be responsible for supporting effective financial management within Navy. Providing advice and guidance to stakeholders regarding effective management of the Budget and monitoring and recording financial risks and opportunities.

• Providing support to the business area throughout the 10-year planning cycle, which can include creation, progression and scrutiny of plans.
• To undertake financial scrutiny, review and financial approval of business cases ensuring propriety, regularity, value for money and affordability under the mentorship of your management.
• Other ad-hoc finance administration duties.

Behaviours

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

Leadership

• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Changing and Improving
• Managing a Quality Service
• We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Changing and Improving

Benefits

As a civil servant in Navy Command, you will be part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies, excellent career prospects, and a job that makes a difference.

Navy Command prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance.

Other benefits for Navy Command civil servants include:

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• A very competitive pension scheme
• Personal & professional development
• Alternative working patterns for many roles
• Access to a confidential, professional support service
• Discount schemes
• Bicycle / season ticket loans
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Special paid leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year