Role Profile

Title: Head of Finance Directorate: Finance and GovernanceBand: 2Reports To: Chief Financial Officer Location: SwindonContract: 14 month fixed-term

The Organisation:

Innovate UK is the UK’s innovation agency. We know that taking a new idea to market is a challenge. We fund, support and connect innovative businesses through a unique mix of people and programmes to accelerate sustainable economic growth.

For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/innovate-uk

Job Purpose:The Head of Finance will be responsible for the accurate, reliable and timely preparation of Innovate UK’s accounts, financial forecasting and modelling and management of the Finance teams at Innovate UK covering transactional activity to business partnering.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities: Provide financial oversight for Innovate UK, developing and implementing a programme of

activity, with the associated revisions to process, to ensure that the organisation discharges its funding remit and financial responsibilities effectively

Lead budget preparation, management and monitoring, undertaking variance analysis as required

Embed and reinforce a culture of financial prudence and accountability across Innovate UK, ensuring compliance with Civil Service/Public Service principles

Manage the preparation of statutory accounts and reports

Work alongside the CFO to prepare financial submissions to BIS as necessary

Oversee the activities of all financial processes, managing the respective functional team leaders/managers

Ensure delivery of an effective business-partnering model, where coaching and support are given to budget holders to achieve best value for money and accountability

Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders linked to the Finance function (BIS, NAO, Treasury, internal audit etc.) ensuring alignment with the organisations strategic aims, prepare and support implementation of processes which support this delivery

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Maintain responsibility for financial systems and finance services provided by any external partners or organisations; specifically overall management of the implementation of a new finance system and integration of the finance system into the Grant Funding System.

Work with the business to match delivery mechanisms to the goals and objectives of the technological area and Innovate UK as a whole with consideration of the Five Point Plan and the future of Innovate UK’s funding proposition, including support for the CFO is delivering new models of funding

Ensure compliance across the Finance function with all relevant legislation, reviewing, revising and updating financial regulations, policies, procedures, and controls as appropriate and ensuring that this knowledge is reflected across all teams

Represent Innovate UK at meetings, conferences, workshops, regional events and similar activities to help develop and publicise the work of Innovate UK

Direct, develop and modify existing processes to match the changing organisational needs to deliver improved efficiencies, clarity and ease of process utilising the developing IT infrastructures

This is an outline description of the key responsibilities and accountabilities involved in the job. It is not exhaustive and may be revised from time to time.

Context:This role will be central to providing a solid foundation for the financial management of Innovate UK. The post-holder will need to make decisions around the application of budget.

Person Specification:Qualifications: CCAB/CIMA qualified accountant

Desirable –

Continued professional development advantageous Recognised project management qualification

Experience:Essential –

Proven record of successful management of a finance function, covering a range of activities from transaction processing to strategic planning. In particular the:

- preparation of budgets and financial plans

- facilitation of the preparation of statutory accounts and reports

- timely completion of the month end management accounts in line with strict accounting deadlines

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Proven abilities to support the rest of the organisation in developing their understanding and management of finance

Evidence of having critically and continuously examined how to gain optimum value from finite resources and developed innovative ways to improve performance

Management of teams within a fast-paced service delivery/operational environment

Direct management experience in a process intensive service-oriented/operational environment (e.g. competitive procurement or service delivery)

Proven ability to work within the constraints of time and cost to the required quality

Direct experience of business process improvement/re-engineering and associated systems design and implementation

A track-record of delivery to an exceptional standard against rigorous governance and due diligence processes with a clear consideration of public accountability

Desirable –

Financial management experience in budgeting, forecasting and cost control within a Public Sector context

Understanding of structure of and relationships with government and key Innovate UK partner organisations such as the Research Councils and the Devolved Administrations

A working knowledge of EU Framework processes and State Aid rules

Systems development

Skills: Strong technical skills developed in the accounting profession and an in-depth understanding of

relevant extant financial reporting principles

Proven team working and project management skills

Proven people management skills – in particular, developing teams to achieve their full potential, recognising the changing needs of the business

Able to act and think strategically, developing practical, innovative and creative solutions to strategic issues and complex problems

Self-organisation skills and a demonstrable ability to manage and prioritise a workload in order to meet tight deadlines

Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to quickly understand new and complex issues and to develop/propose solutions

Good presentation skills and a professional and engaging style

Highly-effective communication (both written and oral) skills and the ability to produce clear, concise and accurate presentations and written documents

Strong IT skills including process and control development, managing data and maintaining audit trial and data integrity

Ability to manage often conflicting demands of multiple stakeholders whilst protecting the integrity and ownership of the documented processes

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Ability and willingness to thrive in a changing environment, working proactively on new product ideas and processes

The ability to respond calmly under pressure and to make impartial and well-considered judgments in complex situations as and when required

The capability and gravitas to engage effectively with senior representatives from business, academia and government

Developed negotiating and influencing skills

Competencies:As with all roles at Innovate UK applicants will need to demonstrate compatibility with and capability against our Core Competencies:

Thinking and Problem Solving – Stakeholder management – Communication skills – Influencing – Self-awareness/self-management – Strategic awareness – Working with others– Project management

Travel Requirements:There will be the regular requirement for national travel and potentially some international travel as required.

Application Process:

If applying via the website you should complete the on-line application form. This is accessible at: https://www5.i-grasp.com/fe/tpl_capita22.asp?newms=info1

Please include a CV with your application.

Your completed application form must be submitted no later than the date specified in the advert. You will automatically receive an electronic acknowledgement that your application has been received.

The diversity questionnaire section is separate and does not form part of your application.

If you are an internal member of staff, a direct applicant or a Civil Service applicant then please apply directly to:

Mr. Sam Gingham:sam.gingham@innovateuk.gov.uk with a CV and covering letter.

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