Navy Command Head of Financial Operations

Navy Command Headquarters (NCHQ) in Whale Island, Portsmouth, is the nerve centre of the Royal Navy. It supports operations around the globe and provides the ships, people, aircraft and equipment to deliver the UK’s defence policy. The 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.

The Deputy Head Financial Operations is a key role in the Royal Navy Finance team of c120, reporting to the Deputy Finance Director (Navy) and accountable to the Finance Director (Navy). The majority of the team are located in Portsmouth; however, with the option of hybrid working, the post could also be based in Bristol, Plymouth or London, noting that weekly travel to Portsmouth would still be required to meet the business and team needs.

With an annual Navy financial expenditure of c£8Bn per annum, the Finance function has responsibility for delivering an effective financial service to Budget Holders and Navy Command Senior Leadership. This role is pivotal to our interactions with Head Office and the Enabling Organisations, requiring regular engagement, strong relationships and cross team working with civil servants and Armed Forces personal. Navy Command operates within agile culture, always looking to find new and innovative ways working, whilst ensuring value for money in decision making, meaning every day is different. Having a focus on continuous improvement will give you the opportunity to learn and develop quickly.

The Navy Command finance function is aligned with the Service Delivery Model, with this role leading on Financial Operations, Management Reporting and Financial Accounting lead. In addition, also within the team, there are Finance Business Partners, a Specialist Services Team and a Strategic Finance Function.

Accountancy RRA may be payable to eligible candidates. This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

This is a vital role in support of the Deputy Finance Director, setting the strategic direction of the Finance Operations Team leading in each of the following areas: Management Reporting, Financial Reporting and Accounting.

The post holder is a member of the Finance Senior Leadership Team, responsible for influencing the strategic direction of the business and enabling the organisation to deliver against its plan, objectives, and outcomes.

The Finance Operations Deputy Head is responsible for ensuring the delivery of accurate and timely financial and management reporting, that meets the needs of the business and Strategic Head Office, fully utilising the capabilities of the corporate systems. They have a key leadership role and are responsible for understanding and explaining the financial position at strategic level, providing insightful analysis and highlighting the key issues, risks and opportunities to the Finance Director and senior stakeholders. They will ensure there is sufficient capability within the team to deliver high quality reporting and to provide advice and guidance to both finance and the business, on all aspects of financial accounting.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Providing insight to the Business, Finance Leadership Team, and wider
• Optimising performance including by the production of clearly documented services
• Routine requirements including those required for monthly and annual reporting, and providing advice on material and complex accounting issues
• Continuous improvement, by sharing best practice, leading input to change programmes, striving to improve the service provision and promptly addressing issues
• Leading the team, by setting clear direction, empowering, inspiring and motivating team members

The ideal candidate will have experience of working at a senior level within a Finance environment, briefing at Board Level including presentation of complex financial information simply and effectively and using financial, operational performance and economic data to deliver insight that both drives and facilitates change and continuous improvement.

The post holder will demonstrate a willingness and ability to work effectively as part of the Finance function both in Navy Command and wider MOD through participating in transformation and wider change programmes; collaborating and engagement to forge effective relationships with other front-line commands (Army, Air, Strat Comm, Defence Nuclear Organisation) and Head Office.

In addition to providing advice and professional judgement to Deputy Finance Director & Finance Director on the level of acceptable financial risk, those risks requiring mitigating action will be identified and actions proposed.

As a major stakeholder to delivery agents including Defence Equipment & Supply (DES), Submarine Development Agency (SDA) and Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), the post holder will scrutinise, review and challenge financial information provided by the finance team and delivery agents.

• CIMA/CGMA (or Equivalent)

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

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Developing Self and Others
• Seeing the Big Picture

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

• Communicating and Influencing

• 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%
• Hybrid Working is encouraged to meet business and personal effectiveness
• Annual Leave of up to 30 days a year

For further information, and to apply, please visit our website via the “Apply” button below.