Defence Digital Assistant Finance Manager

Ministry of Defence

Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 6th October 2024

 

Details

Reference number

367873

Salary

£35,290
Finance RRA: In line with the MOD pay allowances table those staff at Band C who are CCAB qualified accountants (or equivalent) will receive an accountancy recruitment & retention allowance of £3,000 p.a. Those CCAB qualified accountants (or equivalent) at Band C level and below will also receive a functional retention allowance of between 13 and 17% dependent on grade.
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Job grade

Higher Executive Officer
HEO

Contract type

Permanent

Business area

MOD - Strategic Command

Type of role

Finance

Working pattern

Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

MoD Corsham, Westwells Road, Corsham, SN13 9NR

Job summary

This role represents a fantastic opportunity for an aspiring Finance Professional to develop their career in Digital and Cyber delivery programmes, an expanding, high profile, high importance sector of Defence. 

Defence Digital Finance values professional qualities and qualifications in its team members who are actively encouraged and supported in developing professional skills and qualifications.  Furthermore, colleagues entering these roles will have the opportunity to gain experience across the full range of Financial Management and Project Finance roles, further developing their range of expertise.  Candidates embracing this powerful combination of experience and expertise have a fantastic opportunity to develop themselves and their careers.      

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

Defence Digital ensures our Armed Forces remain among the most technologically advanced in the world. We do this by putting innovative and effective technology into the hands of over 200,000 users, from the boardroom to the front line.

We lead on cutting-edge data science, automation, and cybersecurity at scale. Our mission goes beyond the battlefield by leading humanitarian efforts and driving digital innovation that impacts lives across the globe.

Defence Digital forms part of Strategic Command which manages the MOD’s joint capabilities for the Army, RAF, and Royal Navy.

Watch to find out more about what we do.

Passionate about using your skills to make a critical difference? Your next career move could be here!

Person specification

This role will be essential in supporting the corporate finance services including planning, in-year management and project accounting. 

You will contribute to the effective and efficient running of governance, investment appraisals and financial reporting supporting Defence Digital delivery.  This will include use of corporate financial systems and tools primarily provided through IBM and Oracle. 

Responsibilities:

    • Delivery of long-term strategic financial plans and budget management including advice on key choices
    • Delivery of In-year expenditure within budgets and monthly forecasting including co-ordinating monthly submissions and analysis and management information packs in line with the review timetable.
    • Ensuring accounts are robust, associated Project Account, asset delivery and inventory information is accurately maintained and reconciled, and reporting is delivered.
    • Undertake reviews of Business Cases and financial accounting returns and processes and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
    • Ensure delivery of a robust compliance and governance framework including discharge of effective financial requirements, Value for Money (VFM) and affordability scrutiny, assurance, and financial concurrence within delegated authority.
    • Effectively manage resources within area of responsibility to deliver VFM.
    • Provision of Cost Models to support evaluation of industry bids and to provide robust evidence in support of financial approvals.

    This is a highly visible role, and the successful candidate will be required to undertake key activities associated with supporting the wider finance team. 

    When submitting your application, you should highlight your experience in line with the below essential criteria:       

    • An understanding of the principles of Finance and Accounting.
    • Experience of application of budget management, governance, planning and other financial management techniques including reconciliation of monthly spend.
    • Experience and knowledge of MS Excel and other Microsoft applications, as well specific financial management systems. 

    For further information on the role and responsibilities, please refer to the Government Corporate Finance Profession Competency Framework (publishing.service.gov.uk) 


    Qualifications

    Minimum Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)  Level 4 or equivalent, (such as CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting).  Please detail in your supporting statement or CV what equivalent qualifications you hold. Please note these should be current/in date.

    Behaviours

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

    • Leadership
    • Changing and Improving
    • Working Together
    • Delivering at Pace

    Technical skills

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

    • FCF2 Financial Governance - Level 2
    • FCF4 In-Year Financial Management - Level 3
    Alongside your salary of £35,290, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,223 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

    We offer a generous total package to our employees which includes the following:

    • An environment with flexible working options
    • A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
    • 25 days annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
    • Ability to roll over up to 10 days annual leave per year
    • In addition to 8 public holidays per year you will also receive leave for HM The King's birthday
    • Minimum of 15 Days Special Leave in a rolling 12-month period to for volunteer military or emergency service reserve commitments
    • Special Paid Leave for volunteering up to 6 days a year
    • Enhanced parental and adoption leave
    • Employee Assistance Programme to support your well-being
    • Most sites have good travel links with free car parking; many also have other facilities such as a Sports & Social Club and Gyms
    • Benefit Pension Scheme:   Civil Service pension 
    • Please see Benefits link for more info: Civilian Discover My Benefits (mod.gov.uk)

    Equality and Diversity    

    Our people are at the heart of everything we do at Defence Digital. It’s vital that our workforce reflects the diversity of both our audience and the wider society in the UK, so we’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds and communities. We also recognise the importance of a good work life balance, so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including part-time and job shares for all our roles. Please let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process if this is something you want to explore.

    Professional Framework Statement   

    Defence Digital operates an organisation model in which every individual belongs to a Government Profession. The successful applicant will be posted into one of the defined Government Professions on Standard Terms of Reference for the grade. Defence Digital reserves the right to move individuals between roles, within their allocated profession, to meet the needs of the business and in support of agile resourcing.  Within Defence Digital each profession is led by a Professional Head of Community who will lead professional development and support the Continuous Professional Development path for their group.  

    Learning & Development 

    In Defence Digital we have a strong learning and development ethos, supporting you to fulfil your potential by providing: 

    • Learning and development tailored to your role
    • Professional and Personal Development of skills
    • Access to thousands of training courses through Civil Service Learning, some free or paid by MOD
    • Ability to obtain industry recognised qualifications supported by MOD

    Hybrid Working

    Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working.  This is a non-contractual arrangement where all employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity.  Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office will also count towards this level of attendance.  Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the vacancy holder (see advert for contact details).  This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.  The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.

    Strategic Command is going through a significant transformation programme which aims to improve the way the Command conducts its business and delivers for Defence and the nation. As a consequence of this, all posts within Strategic Command Headquarters and in time the wider organisation, are/will be subject to review and potential changes as we continuously improve across the period of the transformation programme. These changes may be minor or could be more substantive and will generate new opportunities.  Throughout, the Command’s transformation programme is committed to following the MOD’s framework on managing and supporting people through the change process and places an emphasis on early and open consultation and engagement with the Command’s personnel and Trade Unions.

    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.

    Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

    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.

    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/.

    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 however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. 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.

    MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – we may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

        Selection process details

        This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

        At Defence Digital we are replacing a personal statement with technical questions. This change allows you to better showcase your skills and expertise directly relevant to the role, ensuring a fairer and more efficient recruitment process. We believe this will give you the best opportunity to 
        demonstrate your qualifications and strengths.

        The answer to each question should be no longer than 500 words. Your CV and Technical questions will be scored 1-7 and will assess your suitability to be invited to interview.

        To apply please complete the CV template provided on the CS Jobs dashboard, ensuring it highlights your relevance to the essential criteria. Your CV will be scored against the essential criteria, listed within the job advert.

        Technical Questions:

        1. Describe how you would organise and analyse data, to produce reliable financial management information.
        2. Describe how you create good working relationships with stakeholders across many teams.

        Please find below, a link to our video which gives you helpful tips and guidance on the CS Jobs application process:

        Watch: How to apply on CS Jobs: Guide and Tips

        Behaviours

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

        • Leadership
        • Changing and Improving 
        • Working Together 
        • Delivering at Pace

        Technical

        We'll assess you against these technical skills during the interview process:

        • FCF2 Financial Governance - Level 2
        • FCF4 In-Year Financial Management - Level 3

        Please refer to the framework link within the body of the job advert. 

        The sift will take place W/C: 07/10/24, with interviews via Teams, taking place, W/C: 14/10/24.  Please note, that these dates may be subject to change, depending on the volume of applications we receive. We will try and offer as much flexibility as we can, but it may not be possible to offer alternative dates for interviews or assessments.

        AI Usage in Job Applications
        We encourage the use of technology to streamline the job application process. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be helpful in generating ideas, improving writing style, and increasing efficiency. However, it is essential that any content submitted as part of a job application is truthful, accurate, and a genuine reflection of the applicant’s qualifications and experiences. Any use of AI should be supplementary to your own knowledge and abilities. Ultimately, the application should demonstrate your unique skills and suitability for the role.

        The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk .

        As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical.

        As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa.  It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.

        Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

        CANDIDATE INFORMATION

        Please read this document prior to completing your application.

        Please note: internal candidates must include their staff number when prompted during the application process.

        Should you have any queries relating to the vacancy information or sift and interview process, please contact the recruiting line manager using the contact details listed on the vacancy. Please do not direct vacancy related queries to the recruitment team as they will be unable to advise.

         

        FURTHER INFORMATION

        CV’s

        Should the selection process require a CV, you will be prompted to complete the required criteria during the application process. CV’s sent directly to the recruiting line manager will be deleted immediately to maintain anonymity.

        Civil Servants (all grades)

        Applicants should monitor their Civil Service Jobs application centre regularly for updates.

        Some of MoD’s Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS) changed from 3 February 2014. Those TACOS changes applied to Broader Banded and Skill Zone staff who were new recruits to MoD or who were appointed to a post on substantive promotion, progression or advancement. On the same basis, the TACOS for Departmental Retained Grades changed with effect from 01 September 2014.

        Applicants should be aware that any move across the Civil Service on or after 5 October 2018 may have implications on an employee’s ability to carry on claiming childcare vouchers.

         

        Please see link below to Civil Service Recruitment Principles http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/RECRUITMENT-PRINCIPLES-April-2018-FINAL-.pdf

         

        Please see the MOD Privacy notice which informs how we will use your personal data, explains your rights and gives you information you are entitled to under Data Protection legislation.

        https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministry-of-defence-privacy-notice/mod-privacy-notice

         

        Non Civil Servants

        All employees joining MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a 6-month probation period effective from the employment start date.

         

        COMPLAINTS

        Please be aware that the selection and interviewing of applicants is the responsibility of the Recruiting Line Manager (RLM) and not the Defence Business Services (DBS) Resourcing team. DBS does not play any part in the selection and interview process itself.

        Therefore, if you wish to discuss your feedback, or you are dissatisfied with your markings, you should in the first instance raise this with the Recruiting Line Manager of the vacancy.

        If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint. by writing to DBS at the following address:

        Defence Business Services

        Scanning Hub

        Room 6124

        Tomlinson House

        Norcross Lane

        Blackpool

        FY5 3WP

         

        FOR EXTERNAL VACANCIES If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address:

        Civil Service commission

        Room G/8

        1 Horse Guards Road

        London

        SW1A 2HQ

        Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk

        Cabinet Office Fraud Checks

        Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant whose details are found to be held on the IFD will be refused employment



        Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

        Security

        Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
        Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

        See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
        People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

        Nationality requirements

        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)
        • 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)

        Working for the Civil Service

        The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).
        The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
        The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

        Diversity and Inclusion

        The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
        This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
        Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

        Contact point for applicants

        Job contact :

        • Name : Defence Digital Talent Acquisition Team
        • Email : UKStratComDD-HR-TalentAcqDel@mod.gov.uk

        Recruitment team

        • Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk

        Further information

        Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: , Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email:
        info@csc.gov.uk.

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