At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic finance for a £15 billion budget, driving financial strategy and planning.
- Company: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, focused on innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Flexible job share, competitive salary, and the chance to influence major financial decisions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the economy while working with top stakeholders and embracing new technologies.
- Qualifications: CCAB or CIMA qualified with experience in strategic financial leadership.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Deputy Director, Strategic Finance role at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Location: Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Darlington, Glasgow, London, Salford. Job Share (Wednesdays to Fridays weekly).
We are excited to have appointed our new permanent Deputy Director of Strategic Finance! As they will be working part‑time, we are now opening a search for a talented job‑share partner to join them on Wednesdays to Fridays. This is a unique opportunity to lead our strategic finance function in a flexible, collaborative partnership.
This is an exciting and high‑profile role leading DSIT’s Strategic Finance and Management Accounts team at the strategic centre of the department, leading on financial strategy and planning for a budget of around £15 billion a year. The postholder will have considerable influence, working closely with a range of stakeholders including Ministers, the Permanent Secretary, his senior leadership team and HM Treasury. This is an important period for DSIT as we take forward our Spending Review settlement to deliver outcomes for the economy and for citizens. The postholder will work across multiple teams to ensure that available budgets and flexibilities are maximised whilst ensuring control totals are protected.
DSIT is ambitious to be at the forefront of embracing new technologies and you will take a lead role in driving forward improvement in our finance processes and products, using your experience and enthusiasm for great data and financial insights. You will lead a high performing team and collaborate with brilliant colleagues across the finance team, wider department and beyond to shape and influence policy decisions through your strategic approach.
Key Responsibilities- Provide insight across large and complex budgets, identifying solutions that embed financial objectives, drive decision making and secure strong outcomes aligned with DSIT’s strategic objectives.
- Ensure that existing commitments and new proposals are challenged to optimise value for money, leading engagement with HMT on new areas of work or financial issues.
- Overall financial strategy and management for current and future years, ensuring resources are deployed to support delivery of Ministerial priorities and value for money.
- Lead financial planning in the Department and articulate strategic choices for the Executive Committee and SoS.
- Lead in‑year financial management across the Department, including management accounting overseeing the Estimates and OSCAR processes and preparation of Memoranda for Parliament.
- Work closely with central teams on fiscal events such as Spending Reviews and Budget, leading DSIT’s relationship with HM Treasury.
- Support the Leadership Team and Ministers to ensure funding is spent effectively – driving value, providing advice on managing within control totals and options for headroom.
- Lead the business planning process for the department, working with finance business partners and colleagues across the department.
- Help shape the function as part of the finance senior leadership team, continually seeking opportunities to drive efficiency and innovation.
- The Secretary of State and her Ministerial Team – influence medium and long‑term financial strategies and provide day‑to‑day financial advisory input.
- The Permanent Secretary and the Executive Committee – provide insight and recommendations on Spending Reviews, financial planning, resource allocation, and strategic choices.
- Director General for Corporate Services and Chief Operating Officer – ensure financial management aligns with wider departmental transformation and operational objectives.
- HM Treasury – engage on fiscal events such as Spending Reviews and Budgets, ensuring value for money and compliance with government financial controls.
We are looking for a strategic finance leader with excellent communication and interpersonal skills who has a passion for data and can translate financial information into a story that stakeholders can engage with. You will enjoy working strategically, collaboratively, and be able to deliver at pace.
- Experience of strategic financial leadership and management within Civil Service, including working with HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office, or similar scale and complexity.
- Proven success in driving improvements in financial reporting in uncertain organisational contexts.
- Excellent presentation and interpersonal skills, especially in communicating complex financial information clearly and accurately.
- Strong leadership skills, capable of navigating ambiguity, complexity and motivating teams through change.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills at senior levels.
- Expertise in data‑driven decision‑making and improving or automating services to enhance user experiences, including utilising AI tools.
- Experience of large‑scale organisational change.
Fully CCAB (or CIMA) qualified with up‑to‑date CPD.
Deputy Director, Strategic Finance in England employer: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Contact Detail:
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director, Strategic Finance in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with strategic roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the department's recent projects and financial strategies. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to explain complex financial concepts in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand. This will help you connect with stakeholders during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director, Strategic Finance in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Deputy Director, Strategic Finance role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a high-performing team, be sure to include examples of your leadership experience. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to motivate teams and navigate complex situations.
Communicate Clearly: We want to see your ability to translate complex financial information into engaging narratives. Use clear and concise language in your application to showcase your communication skills, as this is key for influencing stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all candidates efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Deputy Director in Strategic Finance, you’ll need to be comfortable with large budgets. Brush up on financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed or influenced financial strategies in the past. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to drive value for money.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, including Ministers and HM Treasury. Think about how you can demonstrate your experience in stakeholder engagement. Prepare to share stories where you’ve successfully influenced decisions or navigated complex relationships.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
The interviewers will be looking for your ability to think strategically. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve approached financial planning and decision-making in previous roles. Highlight any innovative solutions you’ve implemented that align with organisational objectives.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to translate complex financial information into engaging narratives. Practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms. During the interview, focus on clarity and ensure your communication style resonates with the panel, showcasing your interpersonal skills.
