Navy Command Assistant Finance Business Partner

About the job

Job summary

Navy Command Headquarters (NCHQ) in Whale Island, Portsmouth, is the nerve centre of the Naval Service. It supports operations around the globe and provides the ships, people, aircraft and equipment to deliver the UK’s defence policy.

The NCHQ supports all the Royal Navy’s activities from front-line operations to personnel support and training, finance and governance; safety; equipment acquisition; programmes and planning; and Defence Engagement. Civil Servants and Armed Forces personnel work together in a wealth of interesting and challenging jobs in different disciplines, from finance; legal services; personnel and HR; project planning and managing contracts, to media and communications.

This is an exciting time to be part of the MoD’s finance function as we evolve to put finance at the heart of decision making through our Finance Functional Leadership programme. This is an ambitious programme to build capability in the MoD’s finance function and to introduce a revised finance operating model which is consistent with that in other government departments.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

The vision for the finance function for financial management is: Protecting Value, Driving Value, Adding Value and putting finance at the heart of decision making to support and enable delivery of Defence outputs. The Assistant Finance Business Partner (AFBP) is a critical role which is key in achieving this vision by demonstrating the need for finance, ensuring that the function is included in decision making, with responsibility for building and sustaining the partnership between Finance and the Business.

The role requires a wide range of skills and requires the incumbent to utilise a combined skill set encompassing interpersonal skills, professional skills and technical knowledge. By applying these skills together with their contextual understanding of the business’ goals, plans, performance and risk management, the AFBP will be equipped to provide financial advice and enhance the quality of decision-making.

Relationship management and stakeholder communication is a key part of the AFBP role to ensure stakeholder confidence and raise awareness of interdependencies ensuring timely delivery against objectives.

Person specification

As part of the finance team you will support the wider finance function staff providing opportunities for development and encouraging ideas for improving team performance.

Responsibilities

• As part of the finance team you will provide support to the Deputy Finance Business Partner, as well as cohering activities across the other areas of the business unit.
• You will be responsible for the effective financial management of the respective business area.
• Provide advice and guidance to the Budget Holder regarding their financial situation.
• Capture and review financial risks and opportunities to mitigate their impact.
• Provide support to the planning round through preparation of robustly costed 10-year plans.
• Undertake a full re-cost of the business area by assessing current commitments and future opportunities.
• Undertake financial scrutiny, review and financial approval of business cases ensuring propriety, regularity, value for money and affordability.
• Support to audit activities ensuring robust evidence is presented to National Audit Office (NAO).

Applicants will need to give evidence to demonstrate their experience of:

• An aptitude for working with data and figures.
• A track record of creating, maintaining and manipulating spreadsheets in Excel to a high standard.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to quickly form collaborative teams and partnerships with MoD colleagues to produce timely, accurate and effective management information.
• Able to work with and exploit a variety of different IT systems.

Desirable but not essential skills:

• Experience of Programme and Portfolio management.
• Professional Accounting Qualification or studying towards qualification.
• Experience of managing a team.
• Provide support and motivate the team to ensure priorities and deadlines are met.

Behaviours

We\’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Changing and Improving
• Leadership
• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Working Together
• Changing and Improving

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £36,530, the Ministry of Defence contributes £10,582 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

As a civil servant in Navy Command, you will be part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies, excellent career prospects, and a job that makes a difference.

Navy Command prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance.

Other benefits for Navy Command civil servants include:

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service.
• Personal & professional development.
• Alternative working patterns for many roles.
• Access to a confidential, professional support service.
• Discount schemes.
• Bicycle/season ticket loans.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• Special paid leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year.

Apply before: 11:55 pm on Wednesday 30th April 2025.

For further information, and to apply, please visit our website via the “Apply” button below.

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