applicants
Finance Shared Services Lead
at Ministry of Justice London in London (Published at 25-09-2024)
Job Title/ Position: Finance Shared Services Lead
Band/Grade: G7
Number of Vacancies: 1
Business Group: COO
Directorate: FMC
Location: National
Hours: 37
Working Pattern: Fixed Term – 6 MONTHS
Role Type/ Team: Finance Shared Services & Purchase to Pay
Overview
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is a major government department at the heart of the justice system. We serve the public by upholding the rule of law, and by delivering an efficient, fair, timely and effective justice system in which the public has confidence. We:
- Enforce the decisions of the court: we punish offenders and work to reduce reoffending; we prevent victims by changing lives.
- In partnership with an independent judiciary, run the courts and tribunals service, helping individuals, businesses and families resolve their disputes.
- Protect vulnerable members of society and children and help to ensure victims of crime get justice.
- Provide legal aid and advice for those cases where it is justified.
- Develop policy on all aspects of law and justice, both domestically and internationally, helping to build a legal and rights framework that is clear and proportionate, and that commands confidence around the world.
The role sits within the Financial Reporting, Transactions and Governance team within the Ministry’s Financial Management and Control Directorate. The Directorate brings together multiple teams from across the Ministry into consolidated teams and centres of excellence to deliver high quality financial management and reporting services for the Ministry.
Stakeholders and customers include the finance and commercial functions, senior leaders in MoJ, including the Chief Operating Officer, the Permanent Secretary and the Executive Committee, HM Treasury, and Parliament (the Justice Select Committee).
Role Purpose
MoJ receives transactional shared services from an outsourced provider. This role is responsible for maintaining the intelligent client function, working closely with the provider and holding them to account for delivery of effective finance services: including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger and payroll. This function also supports the finance end user community, keeping them informed of service issues and capturing their issues and needs.
The Ministry is looking to replace its current Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software in the next few years. This role will help to lead the Finance Function’s engagement in this programme, ensuring that the future technology and service provision meets the needs of users going forward, championing business change, and maximising the opportunities presented to improve the function.
Responsibilities
The job holder will be required to undertake the following duties and responsibilities.
- Maintain and continuously improve an effective intelligent client function, working closely with the MoJ shared services client team and the shared services provider to ensure the service provided meets the needs of the Finance and Purchase to Pay (P2P) functions and holding the provider to account for delivery against relevant targets and benchmarks.
- Attend supplier and governance meetings as appropriate.
- Act as Finance and P2P lead and subject matter expert (SME) for the department’s ERP, monitoring changes, upgrades, issues and outages and taking appropriate action.
- Chair the Finance & P2P Change Gateway, working with the business and shared service provider to deliver process and system changes and improvements.
- Work collaboratively with others and contribute actively to ensure that Finance is fully engaged and represented in the future Shared Services programme.
- Identify opportunities and minimise risks arising from the procurement and implementation of new technology, and re-competing of the shared service business process outsourcing (BPO) provider.
- Champion shared services and technology with senior leadership in the department, obtaining buy-in for change initiatives and support in delivering any necessary business change.
Key skills and knowledge
Essential Criteria
- Reporting and analytical skills using a major ERP system and Intermediate/Advanced Excel (e.g. Oracle, SAP, Workday)
- Expert knowledge of Finance and/or Purchase to Pay processes and controls in a major ERP system (e.g. Oracle, SAP, Workday)
- Good understanding of sub ledger and general ledger accounting and how these function within an ERP
- Strong problem-solving skills, with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Excellent communication skills, orally and in writing, able to communicate with confidence and credibility on complex issues to a range of financial and non-financial audiences
- Good organisational skills and a proven ability to deliver and manage competing priorities.
- Ability to manage and resolve disputes (arbitrating between service recipients / providers)
Desirable Criteria
Experience of working in a Shared Services environment
Success Profiles
Success Profiles will enable a fairer and more inclusive method of recruitment by enabling us to assess the range of experiences, abilities, strengths, behaviours and technical/professional skills required for different roles. This flexible approach to recruitment focuses more on finding the right candidate for the specific role. To find out more about Success Profiles to support your application please click here for further guidance.
Civil Service Behaviours
The following Civil Service Behaviours are essential to this post and will be assessed upon application:
- Changing and Improving
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
Lead Behaviour if applicable: Changing & Improving
Specific Technical Skills Required
Technical
- Expert knowledge of Finance and/or Purchase to Pay processes and controls in a major ERP system (e.g. Oracle, SAP, Workday)
- Good understanding of sub ledger and general ledger accounting and how these function within an ERP
- A Statement of Suitability is required consisting of a maximum of 1250 words
- CV
Travel
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.
A base location near or within the region will be allocated to the successful candidate, as set out below. The post holder is expected to meet their own travel costs to and from their base location. If required to attend a location other than their base location, post-holders may be entitled to claim some or all any extra expense (beyond the usual base location travel costs) in line with the T&S policy.
The successful candidate will be appointed to either one of the locations specified in the advert or, if nearer to their home, an alternative MoJ office location in the region which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed upon completion of pre-employment checks.
You are advised to access the JCC/JSO office map, which is updated whenever a new JCC/JSO site opens, to determine potential travelling times and distances to MoJ locations before applying for a job.
Additional InformationWorking Arrangements & Further Information
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.
Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.
For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.
Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.
MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.
All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.
Flexible working hours
The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.
Benefits
The MoJ offers a range of benefits:
Annual Leave
Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.
There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
Pension
The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.
Training
The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
Networks
The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.
Support
- A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
- Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
- For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
- Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
- Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order
- To Shared Service Connected Ltd (0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com);
- To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
- To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)
As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.
For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please see our Disability Confident Scheme Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
Interview dates Expected end of October Closing Date:08/10/2024, 23:55 hours.
Contact information If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com Please quote the job reference - 90822.To apply for roles in MOJ you will need to confirm your employment history for at least 3 years prior to the date of application so that pre-employment checks (BPSS) can be undertaken. If you have spent significant time abroad (a total of 6 months in the past 3 years) you would be required to give a reasonable account of the reasons why.
For some roles you will be required to successfully complete National Security Vetting at Counter Terrorism (CTC), Security Clearance (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV) level as a condition of appointment. To meet CTC/SC/DV requirements you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 3/5/10 years prior to the date of application (The level of checks that are required are stated in the advert).
If you do not meet the above requirements, you may still be considered if, for example:
- You've been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government
- You were studying abroad
- You were living overseas with parents
In such cases you will need to be able to provide referee cover for the period(s) of residence overseas. The duration of overseas residence and the country of abode will also be taken into account.
Success ProfilesSuccess Profiles will enable a fairer and more inclusive method of recruitment by enabling us to assess the range of experiences, abilities, strengths, behaviours and technical/professional skills required for different roles. This flexible approach to recruitment focuses more on finding the right candidate for the specific role. To find out more about Success Profiles to support your application please click here for further guidance.
if you feel that your application has not been treated in line with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, please contact SSCL (Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com) in the first instanceWe have provided detail of the assessment stages and areas being assessed to help you prepare for completing your application form, and to advise of what will be assessed following this, if you successfully pass the application stage.
Application form stage assessments
Behaviours Changing and Improving - 250 word limit Seeing the Big Picture - 250 word limit Communicating and Influencing - 250 word limit Working Together - 250 word limit Experience CV Statement of Suitability - 1250 word limit Technical Skills Expert knowledge of Finance and/or Purchase to Pay processes, controls and reporting in a major ERP system (e.g. Oracle, SAP, Workday) - 250 word limit Demonstrate good understanding of sub ledger and general ledger accounting and how these function within an ERP - 250 word limit A sift based on the lead behaviour, Changing and Improving, may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift, where all behaviours will then be considered.Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
You must ensure that any evidence submitted as part of your application, including your CV, statement of suitability and behaviour examples, are truthful and factually accurate. Please note that plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.
Interview stage assessments
There is 1 interview stage for this vacancy. Behaviours Changing and Improving Seeing the Big Picture Communicating and Influencing Working Together Technical Skills Expert knowledge of Finance and/or Purchase to Pay processes, controls and reporting in a major ERP system (e.g. Oracle, SAP, Workday) Demonstrate good understanding of sub ledger and general ledger accounting and how these function within an ERP Strengths may also be assessed at interview but these are not shared in advance. Additional Assessment(s) PresentationA Great Place to Work for Veterans
The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit : https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans
Redeployment Interview Scheme
Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ are committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.
MoJ are able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidate's will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules
Recent jobs at Ministry of Justice
-
28 Aug
Financial Accountant
Ministry of Justice,
London -
22 Aug
Senior Communications Officer, Judicial Office
Ministry of Justice,
London -
19 Aug
IT Service Continuity Analyst
Ministry of Justice,
London -
19 Aug
Senior Security Engineer
Ministry of Justice,
London
