Finance Analyst

The Matrix Programme is a transformation initiative involving 7 Government Departments (listed at the end). It is a unique cross-government collaboration that will unlock simpler, better, and more joined up working by bringing together the systems, processes, and ways of working for key government functions.

Over the coming months we will be preparing to roll out Neo, our powerful new HR and Finance technology and service for the Matrix cluster - driving a more modern, digital government. The first Departments will go live in June 2026. Neo is a cloud-based system, powered by Workday that will replace legacy HR and finance technology and offline processes across multiple Government Departments and associated Arms-Length Bodies (ALBs). Designed to streamline administrative activities and promote intuitive self-service, Neo is enabling time back to focus on what we value the most serving the public. Moreover, Neos adoption means we are harnessing the power of shared technology at scale. This unified way of working delivers better, more accurate data - eliminating errors, creating one trusted source of truth and accurate reporting. Neo is more than just a new system; its enabling us to be data-led, to work smarter, respond faster and deliver services that truly meet the needs of the public.

The Neo Centre Office (NCO) is the strategic service management function for the Neo Service. Hosted within Integrated Corporate Services (ICS), its purpose is to monitor, direct, and advise on the delivery of the Neo service, ensuring it operates efficiently and meets performance expectations. It provides central oversight, enabling consistent service quality, timely issue resolution, and continuous improvement. By acting as a governance and coordination hub, the function ensures alignment with strategic objectives, fosters stakeholder confidence, and supports the seamless delivery of Neo across all relevant departments.

Whilst the NCO will be hosted within ICS, some roles are temporarily aligned to the programme (hosted within Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT)) until all departments are fully onboarded. Whilst the NCO will have employees hosted across both ICS and DSIT, it operates as one unified team and plays a vital role within the ICS organisation.

The Departments forming the Matrix Programme include Cabinet Office (CO), Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT), Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), Department for Business and Trade (DBT), Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), Department for Education (DfE) and His Majestys Treasury (HMT).

This role provides accounting, budgeting and financial management support for the NCO, providing awareness of drivers of financial performance, supporting accurate forecasting and reporting and engaging in the budget setting process.

In this role, you will:

Collect, analyse and interpret financial data from service providers and provide insight into financial performance, identifying and assessing opportunities for improvement.

Assist in developing financial budgets and forecasts for Neo services and prepare financial reports and dashboards to aid decision making.

Conduct variance analysis to compare actual financial performance across the cluster against budgets and forecasts, identifying mitigating actions where necessary.

Support the accurate allocation of costs across departments/ALBs, including when new services are added to the catalogue or existing services are changed.

Support the maintenance and updates to the charging model as required, including reflecting changes in expected volumes.

Support the tracking of benefits against the business case and help to identify corrective actions where required.

Carry out finance impact modelling as new departments/ALBs onboard to the service and advise on future service apportionment as required.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications. Possession of, or active progression towards, a recognised industry-standard finance qualification (e.g. CCAB/CIMA or a Level 4 qualification with AAT, CCAB or CIMA), demonstrating a commitment to professional development and the application of structured financial principles in analytical work. Please note not all accepted qualifications are eligible for the allowance advertised and part-qualified individuals may be eligible for allowances of different denominations.

Proven experience in collecting, analysing, and interpreting complex financial data to provide actionable insights into financial performance, identify trends, and assess opportunities for improvement.

Strong capability in performing variance analysis, comparing actual financial performance against budgets and forecasts, and supporting the accurate allocation of costs, especially in dynamic environments with changing service offerings.

Demonstrated ability to assist in developing financial budgets and forecasts, and to prepare accurate and clear financial reports and dashboards that support effective decision-making.

Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.

Team player with strong communication skills, being able to work and engage with stakeholders across all levels.

Desirable Criteria

Financial Modelling and Benefits Tracking: Experience in conducting finance impact modelling for new initiatives or onboarding processes, as well as supporting the tracking of benefits against business cases and identifying corrective actions.

Charging Model Management: Familiarity with or experience in supporting the maintenance and updates of charging models, including reflecting changes in volumes or service offerings