Commercial Finance Business Partner

We provide the financial management and partnering service for the Department for Work and Pensions, with a relentless focus on maximising efficiency of the Department’s delivery.

FM&P is a respected and collaborative professional team which commands credibility at all levels and promotes a culture of value for money across the organisation. We ensure the Department adheres to the principles of Managing Public Money and the Accounting Officer’s position is considered in all relevant decisions.

We provide financial advice and insight to inform decision making ensuring budget holders make the best use of resources​. We are the first point of contact in Finance Group for Director Generals (DGs) and their teams, providing a joined-up finance view​.

The Directorate consists of eight teams, seven of which are Finance Business Partnering teams with the eighth being our Resource Modelling and Analysis Division (RMAD). Each of the Business partnering teams are aligned to a group and DG. RMAD leads on demand modelling and Department Expenditure Limits analysis.

We are looking for an experienced, qualified finance professional to join our small team providing financial support to DWP’s Service Delivery Commercial function covering a portfolio of £1.3bn. The portfolio includes a wide variety of contracts in a number of areas including contact centres/ banking/travel/logistics/document management. It is a fast-moving/interesting role, you will be at the heart of decision making for some of DWP’s critical contracts.

The successful candidate will provide advice and insight on the financial implications of commercial contracts and commercial strategy decisions. Responsibilities will involve providing support throughout the commercial lifecycle, including procurement stages, design of pricing mechanism, evaluation of tenders, assessment of supplier viability and in-life management.

Working closely with Commercial and Business area experts you will be responsible for providing a wide range of analysis and activities to enable the department to achieve value for money on Service Delivery contracts. Activities will include (but not limited to):

• Providing finance support to complex procurements including developing payment mechanisms, drafting tender documents, financial evaluation, procurement dialogue and commercial negotiation.
• Providing Should Cost analysis and contributing to Delivery Model Assessment to determine the most appropriate delivery method for the service.
• Providing analysis of financial statements and opinion on the relative strength and ongoing financial viability of suppliers.
• Leading reviews and analysing open book data on a regular and ad-hoc basis to ensure the department is gaining the maximum economic value from existing contracts.
• Leading and developing a small team of finance professionals, contributing to joint team and corporate objectives.
• Keeping DWP safe by ensuring that commercial activity adheres to published guidance including Managing Public Money and the Sourcing Playbook.
• Providing advice and insight to support data driven decision making and working collaboratively with other functional experts at all levels to deliver shared objectives.
• Acting as a financial leader and adviser, demonstrating professional and personal credibility and generating confidence in senior stakeholders.

Important Information

You must hold a full chartered level professional qualification awarded by a UK-recognised accountancy body: CIMA, ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA, ICAS and Chartered Accountants Ireland. In addition we accept applications from candidates with a chartered level international qualification where a reciprocal agreement exists with the ICAEW or where the criteria of the ICAEW Pathways programme are met. More information on ICAEW membership agreements can be found here Members of other bodies a z | ICAEW. Your membership of one of these institutes must be up to date and active.

Please note that membership of AAT or other technician level qualifications does not satisfy the qualification criteria. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualification criteria you should confirm with our recruitment team before proceeding with your application. If you are invited to interview, you will be asked to provide evidence of both your qualification status and live membership.

Places for Growth and Social Mobility

As part of the Places for Growth Programme, we are committed to delivering a more geographically diverse Civil and Public Service that will better serve the public and ministers. As part of this initiative, we are continuously reviewing how we recruit into each location.

Postings

Posting will be made in merit order by location, this will be based on the geographical requirement at the time. A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made. Reserve list candidates will be posted in merit order by location. Successful candidates will be posted to a specific role and will have the opportunity to express a preference as part of the selection process, although final decisions may come down to business need, and the skills and development needs of candidates. Standard promotion rules will apply, and successful candidates will be placed on the pay scale and terms and conditions of DWP.

Some travel may be required.