Deputy Director, Financial Systems Improvement

Location Bristol with regular travel to London and other MOD sites

Salary: £85,000

Location: Bristol

Be instrumental in the MODs finance transformation programme. 

Tasked with protecting British people, our borders and assets from state-based threats and terrorism, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) plays an important role in keeping the nation safe. With a proud reputation for being one of the worlds best militaries, our actions lead to enhanced national prosperity, and maintain the UKs global influence. In order to uphold these standards, it is important that we are able to keep pace with the changing state of the world, and as such, we are committed to constantly seeking out areas within the MOD that need to be improved. 

We are now actively investigating ways to develop our finance systems and processes, and to improve our management information. To achieve these goals, we are seeking a proactive senior-level individual to deliver key finance IT projects and it is here that you could get involved in a range of complex challenges. 

Taking a central role in our finance transformation programme, you will develop our finance systems and processes, working with key stakeholders to understand the changes that need to take place, and creating a plan that reflects these. Seeking to better exploit the financial planning tools that are currently used, you will champion automation and technology-enabled programmes of work, including Oracle ERP and Cognos. With your remit extending from leading on financial controls to embedding finance data standards throughout the MOD, you will work with a number of other teams such as the Commercial function and the Cabinet Office to put approval measures in place for the future, and to secure the ongoing integrity of the processes you have established. You will also develop the finance business and data architect role, and you will manage our relationship with our in-house shared services provider (the Defence Business Services), seeing to it that service level agreements are being met.  

This is a stimulating challenge for a senior qualified Accountant with a project management qualification, or significant experience of finance systems change. With a comprehensive background in a finance or financial systems role in a large and complex organisation, you will be fluent in major finance function systems (preferably Oracle), and you will have experience of championing and delivering process redesign and technology-enabled programmes of work. A natural leader with the capacity to build individual and team capability, you will and see to it that all stakeholders remain engaged in the relevant change programmes. Crucially, you will have exceptional communication skills, with solid commercial and political acumen. 

This is a high-profile opportunity to transform how the finance function works. With the scope to network widely across government, you will establish yourself as a finance expert within the MOD. Further enhanced by a good work/life balance and a competitive benefits package, this is a role that will elevate your career to the next level. 

Closing date: 16 Jun 2019