Lead Finance Business Partner (Ref: 1279)

Overview of RoleHis Majestys Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) is an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). MoJ is responsible for everything that goes into running the UKs criminal and civil justice systems, creating the foundations for a safe, fair and prosperous society. We are one of the largest government departments with over 88,000 staff based across England and Wales. We are responsible for 500 courts and tribunals, 122 prisons, the policies underpinning the system and much more. The MoJ Finance Function is a high performing group with a commitment to provide the best possible information and advice to our business colleagues. This role sits in the HMPPS Finance Business Partnering Team and will provide direct FBP support to two HMPPS Area Executive Directors and their operational teams running prisons and probation services. Its an interesting business area to support and will give the postholder a fascinating insight into operational challenges and delivery.Role SummaryGrade 7 FBPs work within broad guidelines set out by the Finance Directorate. They act independently on day-to-day issues and take a strategic view on operational or policy areas. They will typically deal with complex or contentious issues which have broad impact across their business area or organisation wide. This may involve solving poorly defined issues without precedent or where potential outcomes are unclear. The role will use creative thinking to develop new approaches in solving problems.The postholders will often deal with difficult and novel situations. They will regularly use creative thought to develop possible courses of action, to evaluate risks and to make judgements on the most appropriate solution taking into account internal and external requirements. As team leaders, they will set the framework for the work of junior grades, including embedding organisational vision and values.You will be a leader in a high performing finance function where you can rely on colleagues to support you in delivery of the finance business partnering role. We have a strong focus on continuously learning and developing, working collaboratively and a focus on value-add.The MoJ Finance Function embraces diversity and celebrates our differences. We are inclusive and care about our people. We actively promote a flexible approach to working whilst giving our staff opportunities to maximise their skills and achieve their full potential.We recognise the challenges that people with protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities and we are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible.This Grade 7 role leads the team providing FBP support to prison and probation leads based in Wales. The role leads a team of 4 staff partnering colleagues who operate up to 5 prisons and 10 probation units across Wales along with supporting a headquarters function. The finance team is geographically dispersed. Travel will be required within the region on average once or twice a week either to visit staff or business colleagues. Role ResponsibilitiesAs a Finance Business Partner, you will build trust with decision makers so that your advice is actively sought. You will be the lead financial advisor to senior prison and probation operational leads. You will need a clear understanding of the financial management arrangements of the MoJ from budget setting to in year control and support to the financial accounts as necessary. You may be required to help develop business cases or to help demonstrate value for money. At all times you will be upholding the integrity of financial management in the public sector and the need to ensure value for money for the taxpayer. Specific responsibilities:Stakeholder Engagement develop and maintain strong partnerships with your business colleagues. Help improve their financial awareness and provide accurate and credible advice on financial management and wider governance issues. Actively contribute at business meetings and be proactive in looking for efficiency.Leadership lead a team of 4 staff. Establish strong communications across the team and support and inspire staff to fulfil their potential as well as to deliver a highly effective service. Your team will be geographically dispersed. As a senior member of the wider finance team, contribute to the ongoing development of the function, keeping an awareness of cross government financial management initiatives.Financial management co-ordinate of your business areas annual financial planning activity and provide information and advice to support effective financial control in year. Present and explain financial information clearly and offer advice to inform decision making. Understand the cost drivers of the business and carry out analysis of information to improve efficiency and understanding.Critical friend to the business you will feel confident to challenge and advise business colleagues on their spending plans and keep a focus on outcomes and business priorities. Give advice to support decision making, encouraging options analysis and appropriate governance. Use your insight to add value.