Chief Finance Officer, Dstl

Location: Porton Down, near Salisbury or Portsdown West, Fareham

Job summary: You will be working in a very complex environment alongside respected scientists and professionals who specialise in many different science, technology and related disciplines. You will support and collaborate on research and projects with some of the most talented professionals and academics in the world. You will be accountable for leading a clear financial strategy supported by optimal resource allocations and investment choices, ensuring Dstl stays within its annual budget and has aggregated reporting of financial and operational performance, delivering a ‘single version of the truth’, and providing in-depth analysis of trends and relevant insights to inform decision making.

You’ll be the accountable person for business planning and fiscal events (including Spending Review) in Dstl and be accountable and responsible for the overall corporate guardianship of the budgets and protection of the accounting officer. In addition to the finance element of the role, the CFO also has accountability and oversight for the delivery of Business Planning and Secretariat, Performance Reporting and MI as well as Quality Risk and Assurance, Commercial and Procurement of services and products to support Science & Technology research.

The key responsibilities of this role include:

• Executive Leadership: Have responsibility for the financial strategy of Dstl, leading the annual business planning/budget setting process, to enable a balanced budget to be produced that aligns with the organisation’s strategic goals. Lead medium and annual financial plans and budget allocations with strong links to organisational strategy and annual business plan (in line with Departmental outcome delivery plan). Be accountable for the provision of corporate level management accounting information, including Board level reporting. Have accountability for the provision of the Main and Supplementary Estimates as well as providing strategic financial advice to the Board. Own the relationship with the Departmental Finance team to understand and consider the cross Departmental position, risk and potential Other Government Department implications. Be accountable for Corporate quality, risk management & assurance activities, ensuring their compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, supporting ISO9001 certification. Provide Executive and Board with performance data, analysis & insight to provide a picture of current performance & advise on forward performance to inform options. Provide coordination and integration of Dstl’s plans to deliver its strategy & outputs, to ensure Dstl has effective corporate governance, along with leading on Parliamentary & secretariat matters within Dstl.
• Safety and Security: There is a significant focus within Dstl at present to improve its safety culture and safe working practices. This is being delivered through a change programme managed from within Dstl’s Transformation Portfolio. As the CFO and member of the Dstl Executive Team, you play a key role in promoting these practices at all levels – leading by example. Must appreciate and be responsible for the health and safety of self and others; both understand and meet defined accountabilities as written in Dstl policy. Must demonstrate the expected Health & Safety behaviours as defined by the Civil Service and Dstl and lead by example. Must ensure understanding and maintenance of appropriate training, experience, and knowledge (i.e.: competent / suitably qualified and experienced person) for self and direct reports. Will develop a working environment that is supportive of and champions the Dstl approach to health, wellbeing, safety and environmental (HSEP) management. Will be aware of the downstream impact of your actions and the actions of your direct reports on those outside of their immediate control.

Person specification: The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their experience and skills against the following essential criteria:

• Excellent leadership skills with an ability to motivate, inspire and develop a diverse finance team whilst balancing working at pace to manage a full workload with conflicting short- and long-term priorities. You will also need to provide evidence of how you have been able to create an inclusive working culture where open communication and psychological safety are prioritised to encourage constructive feedback and continuous improvement.
• Evidence of strategic thinking, excellent analytical skills and the ability to translate current challenges in order to create and contribute to a culture of innovation, risk management and long-term improvement. Using evidence-based strategies to evaluate the full range of options, understand the impacts, get the right solution and influence at the most senior levels.
• Extensive Board level experience of financial planning as well as an ability to deliver at pace with conflicting priorities and a backdrop of uncertainty and continual change. You will need to be comfortable making difficult decisions without having the full picture, using sound judgement, evidence and knowledge to reduce ambiguity.
• Demonstrable experience of building and maintaining a strong and diverse network of collaborative relationships with a range of key senior colleagues, especially at Board Level. You will also need to provide examples of your ability to confidently, clearly and credibly influence strategic planning at pace, making an impact at senior levels through your excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must hold the relevant Professional Qualification - Qualified with ICAEW, ICAS, CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA or equivalent and experience in a relevant strategic financial role.

Benefits: Alongside your salary of £100,000, the Ministry of Defence contributes £28,970 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Learning and development tailored to your role. An environment with flexible working options. A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity. A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.

Apply before: 11:55 pm on Sunday 27th April 2025. For further information, and to apply, please visit our website via the “Apply” button below.