Army - Finance Operations Reporting Manager

The Army has circa 13,000 civil servants in 300 locations and The British Army comprises of 112,000 experienced, committed and highly skilled Regular and Reserve soldiers. The British Army protects the United Kingdoms interests at home and abroad, providing a safe and secure environment and is supported by the civilian workforce. Standing Joint Command (SJC) is the Army's supporting command; a generating force, recruiting, training and enabling the Field Army; with people at the heart of our profession, engaged across society sustaining our institutional fabric, delivering UK resilience and the firm base.

The SJC Finance team is part of the SJC Headquarters. The purpose of the branch is to maximise efficiency through taut and realistic planning, scheduling and allocation of resources to meet current and future Operational commitments.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. You will be required to work at HQ SJC, Aldershot office a minimum of 3 days per week and occasional travel to other Defence sites.

Please be advised that the Army is conducting a review of its current Finance Operating Model. At the time of advertisement this post is deemed to have an enduring requirement and it is not anticipated that this post will be likely to change in the immediate future, however, is in scope of the ongoing review.

This role is responsible for reporting the financial position at strategic level for the business area(s) it supports and provides insight and management of the key issues, risks and opportunities to the Business and Finance Leadership team. Ensuring that management reporting meets end user needs and is presented to best convey key messages using continuous improvement principles. Ensuring that financial reporting is accurately completed both within corporate reporting systems and for input of accounting entries to support decision making.

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Finance individual to lead the delivery of a Financial Operations Team, ensuring that Financial Operations is effective and complementary of other finance processes. Your technical knowledge, insight, and ability to work constructively with people at all grades/levels will make you a valued contributor to the decision-making process and a champion for change. You will need to establish and develop effective working relationships with contributing teams and individuals across the Army and wider Finance Profession.

This is a challenging role, and key responsibilities will include:

• Management of financial processes and information, to ensure outputs are accurate and meet the expected standards, including Ownership of Management Information (MI) for monthly financial reviews and Strategic Planning Cycle (SPC) screenings, highlighting areas of concern to the relevant Finance Business Partner to discuss with their business area(s).
• Management of budget profiles, In Year forecasting and 10-year planning (SPC) financial information into corporate reporting systems, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
• In support of the accounts, produce standardised templates / forms for cyclical reporting, advising what information is required and enabling efficient review.
• Provide financial concurrence and affordability assessments in support of procurement. Ensuring compliance with the relevant processes and policies and provide guidance on appropriate procurement routes.
• Reconciliation of core finance operations e.g. Accounting Systems, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable in an efficient and effective manner.
• Effective leadership and management of the Finance Operations Team. Oversee team priorities and resourcing in accordance with reporting timelines. Ensuring all business areas have adequate support, monitoring against the agreed service provision and flexing team members to fill any temporary gaps, as required.
• Responsibility for ensuring sufficient monitoring tools is in place to highlight and eliminate financial control weaknesses, working with control owners as necessary.
• Developing and implementing appropriate policies and procedures for change control, in compliance with government standards.
• Effectively managing internal control and delivery risks with emphasis on customer service.
• Providing intelligent analysis of complex financial information, drawing out common themes and understanding linkages and dependencies.
• Continuously strive to improve the service provision, promptly addressing issues and ensuring that processes or ways of working are adapted, and customers are informed where there is an impact.

• Qualified with CCAB, CIMA or equivalent or working towards qualification
• Experience in relevant strategic financial roles
• Clear evidence of strong numeric ability
• Experience of leading a team with excellent people management skills with the ability to promote team cohesion, adapt to changes and improvements
• Experience of working in a finance role(s)
• Experience in leading and/or influencing organisational change
• Ability to work flexible and adapt to changing priorities
• Strong communicator, able to communicate at all levels and excellent presentation skills
• Ability to develop collaborative relationships with a range of stakeholders and teams, spanning the junior to senior level
• Highly developed planning and organisational skills in a financial environment and experience of delivery and meeting tight deadlines.