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- Tasks: Lead financial operations and analysis for the Asylum Group, ensuring value for money.
- Company: Join the Home Office, dedicated to building a safe and fair UK.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the asylum system while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of financial principles; Contract Management Foundation-level accreditation preferred.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across teams.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Home Office works to build a safe, fair and prosperous UK. We achieve this through our work on counter-terrorism, policing, crime, drugs policy, immigration and passports.
The Asylum Group brings together Asylum & Human Rights, Asylum Policy, Asylum Accommodation, Asylum Support, and Hotel Exits Delivery Unit. The Asylum Group has been formed to put focus on one of the Government’s and Department’s top priorities, which is reforming the asylum system.
Asylum & Human Rights Operations is one of the key business areas within the Home Office. Alongside the other areas of the Home Office, the department is going through a transformational programme. Operational Excellence is at the forefront of what we do.
The vision of Asylum & Human Rights Operations (AHRO) is to be a world-leading immigration service, working for a safe and prosperous UK. We will carry out our vision through the delivery of four strategic missions: to control migration, deliver world-class customer service, safeguard the vulnerable and their host communities, making AHRO a great place to work.
The Irregular Migration Intake Unit (IMIU), which sits within AHRO, is responsible for the timely processing of irregular migrants, consisting of the registration and screening of those arriving in the UK irregularly, locking the identity of asylum claimants from small boat arrivals, lorry drops and other clandestine arrivals.
IMIU consists of the Kent Intake Unit (KIU), Midlands Intake Unit (MIU) within Yarl’s Wood IRC, Intake Response Team (IRT), Manston Onsite Operations, Manston Remote Operations, the Co-ordination Hub, and the Operational Enablement functions.
The Finance Team plays a critical role in overseeing the IMIU budget, ensuring all expenditure aligns with spend controls and delivers value for money. We work closely with the Budget Holder to guide spending decisions and ensure resources are allocated appropriately and efficiently. The team also supports strategic decision making by providing accurate and timely financial data to the Senior Leadership Team.
The Finance and Commercial Lead will play a pivotal role in delivering this work, leading financial analysis, monitoring expenditure, and developing financial reports. They will ensure the team produces high-quality documentation, maintains accurate records, and promotes a strong financial culture where value for money can be demonstrated.
Alongside this, the role involves managing day-to-day communication with customers, suppliers, external contractors, and colleagues. The post-holder will support the management of commercial contracts, identify process improvements, and help ensure accountability across the team.
This position requires a high level of independence, with the post-holder expected to work proactively within their responsibilities while demonstrating a strong understanding of financial principles and procedures. It offers the opportunity to influence decision making, shape strong financial and commercial practices, and build effective relationships.
The post-holder must hold, or be willing to gain within six months, Contract Management Foundation-level accreditation.
Key Responsibilities- Manage IMIU’s Financial Operations - Oversee all financial aspects including record-keeping, transactions, reporting, budgeting procedures, financial analysis for business planning, month-end reporting, and inspection of General Ledgers.
- Identify and Mitigate Risks - Proactively identify risks to delivery, escalating issues and recommending mitigating actions as required.
- Oversee Contracts and Procurement - Support and monitor contracts and purchases, either directly or through the team, throughout their lifecycle to ensure they deliver against objectives.
- Drive Portfolio Delivery and Compliance - Work with stakeholders and enablers to deliver portfolio priorities, ensuring adherence to internal requirements and Government Spend Controls.
- Collaborate with Commercial and Finance Partners - Partner with commercial and finance colleagues to support delivery and ensure compliance with processes and guidance.
- Manage Key Stakeholder Relationships - Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including commercial, finance, and operational teams.
- Lead and Develop the Team - Manage, motivate, and develop team members, including geographically dispersed staff, through coaching, mentoring, and fostering continuous improvement.
- Provide Governance for IMIU Fleet and Promote Financial Awareness - Lead governance and assurance of the IMIU fleet vehicles and identify opportunities to strengthen financial awareness across IMIU.
Working Pattern
This role is available on a full-time basis with the option of compressed hours working. This role is also suitable for part-time working hours, with a minimum requirement to work 4 days / 30 hours per week due to business requirements.
Travel
Travel to IMIU sites may be required, including some overnight stays. T&S will be paid in line with policy. Applicants will be expected to attend the workplace for visits, meetings, or training for 60% of the week with the possibility of the remainder being home working.
If applying for the role at Manston (which is based near Ramsgate), please note local transport does not serve Manston and therefore post-holders need to ensure they can attend the location.
Finance and Commercial Lead in Folkestone employer: Government Recruitment Service
Contact Detail:
Government Recruitment Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance and Commercial Lead in Folkestone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance and commercial sectors, especially those connected to the Home Office. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Asylum Group and its missions. Show us you understand their goals and how your skills can help achieve them. Tailor your answers to reflect their values!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial analysis skills! Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets or improved financial processes in past roles. We want to see your expertise shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and contributing to a safe and prosperous UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance and Commercial Lead in Folkestone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in financial operations and contract management. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities of the Finance and Commercial Lead role.
Showcase Your Financial Acumen: Demonstrate your understanding of financial principles and procedures in your application. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully managed budgets or improved financial processes.
Highlight Stakeholder Management Skills: Since building relationships is crucial for this role, share instances where you've effectively collaborated with internal and external stakeholders. We love to see how you can communicate and work with diverse teams!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance and Commercial Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial principles and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you've managed budgets or improved financial processes.
✨Understand the Asylum System
Familiarise yourself with the current asylum system and the Home Office's priorities. Being able to discuss recent developments or challenges in this area will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role's context.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team, so be prepared to share your experiences in managing and developing others. Think of specific instances where you motivated your team or implemented improvements that enhanced performance.
✨Build Relationships
The job requires strong stakeholder management skills. Prepare to discuss how you've built effective relationships with internal and external partners in the past. Highlight your communication strategies and any successful collaborations you've led.
