Head of Financial Planning & Analysis

In their search for a new Head of Financial Planning and Analysis on a permanent basis, The National Archives are partnering with Roberson Bell.

The Organisation

The National Archives is home to 1,000 years of our nation's histories, from Domesday to Downing Street tweets, our vast collection of archival treasures is as varied as it is inspiring.

Our mission is to collect and preserve the public record, to connect citizens with their history through unrivalled collections and to partner with archives everywhere. In 2038 we will celebrate the bicentenary of the founding of the Public Record Office, and our 2038 vision is for The National Archives to be the living digital archive of the state.

With a highly motivated and engaged staff of around 650 based in a beautiful setting in Kew, The National Archives is a surprising and inspirational mixture of talents, from their world-leading experts in history, digital, technology, and conservation to their impressive operational teams delivering public services and providing leadership for the archives sector.

The role

Operating within the Finance and Performance Directorate, as Head of Financial Planning and Analysis, you will lead the Finance Business Partner and Senior Management Accounts team. You will develop the financial planning and analysis capabilities of the team that will better support financial decision making across the organisation and effective risk management. You will lead on The National Archives' financial planning through Spending Reviews and Fiscal Events; ensuring these are reflected and managed internally through budgets, efficiencies and multi-year business planning.

Other responsibilities include:

• Leading the Finance Business Partner and Senior Management Accounts team, providing clear direction, coaching, and support to ensure high-quality professional finance support and advice is provided to the organisation and development of team members.
• Deputising for the Finance Director as required and help lead the Finance and Performance team through periods of change.
• Leading The National Archives' financial planning at single-year and multi-year levels Spending Reviews and other fiscal events.
• Overseeing the annual business planning process to ensure an effective process that allocates budgets and defines key business priorities, and building financial modelling capabilities to support senior managers.
• Delivering timely and accurate management accounts and re-forecasts, presenting key insights and recommendations to the Executive Team, Board, and Committees.
• Acting as a Finance Business Partner, supporting Directorates and budget holders to ensure financial responsibilities are understood, business cases are robust, and governance processes are followed.
• Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Directors, Heads of Department, and HM Treasury, ensuring finance is trusted and influences decision-making.
• Promoting and realising the benefits of our ERP system across Directorates and the wider finance function.

Full details of the job role available in the candidate pack

The successful candidate will

• Be qualified with CCAB, CIMA or equivalent with significant financial experience over an extended period of time, including experience in a relevant strategic financial role.
• Have significant experience of leading and motivating a team of finance professionals to deliver against their personal and team objectives and promote excellence.
• Will be an initiative-taking and an effective organiser, which will allow you to work fluidly in a demanding environment, remaining flexible at all times.
• Have the ability to influence and make impact at senior levels and across the organisation through excellent interpersonal and communication skills including building and maintaining networks and relationships.
• Have an excellent personal presentation and written communication skills, including the ability to put complex financial issues into plain language for non-specialist audiences and build this capability within the team.
• Adopt a collaborative approach to problem solving and the ability to consider a number of options and scenarios in order to achieve effective outcomes.
• Have strong analytical skills to identify and interpret trends and improve financial forecast data.
• Be able to lead, promote and embed the use and value of data and analytics. Be able to identify additional data sources and tools to support specific programmes or areas of spend. Keep abreast of any developments and changes, including changes in technology.

Desirable criteria:

Public sector experience and a strong understanding of the dynamics and differences of leading and working in the public sector.

Location & Working Pattern

This position will require the postholder to travel to our Kew site for a minimum of 60% of their working time.

Closing date for applications: 29th March

Applications will be under constant review before the closing date, so please apply via the link or contact Katie Moore at our retained search agent, Roberson Bell.

Security & Eligibility

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and complete the baseline personnel security standard.

Nationality requirements

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