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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance performance reviews and drive improvements across government departments.
- Company: Join a dynamic team within the Government Finance Function focused on modernising finance services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and generous parental leave packages.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on government finance while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in finance performance analysis and continuous improvement.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values inclusivity and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you motivated, proactive and experienced finance professional with a background in analysing the performance of finance functions and identifying opportunities to help them be more effective and efficient? If so we would love to hear from you!
About the Team
The Strategy, Performance & Improvement Team is one of the central Government Finance Function (GFF) teams, responsible for driving finance performance, standards and leading practice to achieve a vision of a modern, digital finance function that delivers quality services more effectively and efficiently.
We launched our new GFF Strategy earlier in 2025, which sets the direction for the function for the next 5 years, encouraging finance teams to be more skilled, innovative, and insightful. We are now focussed on helping finance teams across government embed the new strategy, while also developing an accompanying performance framework that establishes clear line of sight from strategic objectives to performance metrics. We are also responsible for setting clear standards for the function and maintaining a relentless focus on finance foundations, proactively strengthening them to deliver even greater value across government and for the citizen.
The twenty-person team works across a wide range of partners, providing the individual with the opportunity to be part of creating positive and long-lasting change across finance function communities. The role offers exposure across Whitehall, including the chance to work and influence at the highest levels of the Civil Service. The team prides itself on providing an encouraging working environment, which role models flexible working and inclusivity, with opportunities to build networks within the finance function and beyond.
About the Job
In this role, you will:
- Lead the annual review of finance performance across all government departments and identify opportunities to improve and strengthen the process.
- Maintain and improve the Government Functional Standard GovS006-Finance, ensuring clear standards are set and maintained in line with government priorities and leading practice.
- Lead the evaluation of the GFF Strategy, through establishing a clear Strategic Outcomes Framework aligned to the GFF 2030 vision to strengthen functional productivity and quality.
- Create actionable reports, data visualisations, frameworks and guidance that support departments to understand and assess their performance and identify priority areas for change and improvement.
- Lead the GFF Finance Foundations Group, driving strategic priorities, and improvement opportunities, informed by insights from the annual review of finance performance.
- Provide quality leadership and mentoring across the team, working to build an encouraging and inclusive team environment.
About You
The ideal candidate will:
- Have a track record of assessing finance and delivery performance to improve business outcomes.
- Adopt a government wide perspective to ensure activity is relevant and aligns to shared interests and outcomes with strategic partners.
- Have experience of driving continuous improvement across government finance by leading cross government performance reviews and strategic forums.
- Use performance data and analysis to drive transparency of performance and inform decision making.
Some of the Benefits our people love!
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King’s birthday.
- Additionally, we operate flexitime systems, allowing employees to take up to an additional 2 days off each month.
- Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours).
- Generous parental and adoption leave packages.
- Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions of 28.97%.
- Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme and season ticket advances.
- A range of active staff networks, based around interests and diversity.
If you need any reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please tell us about this in your online application form, or speak to the recruitment team at hrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk.
Head of Performance for the Government Finance Function in Durham employer: HM TREASURY-1
Contact Detail:
HM TREASURY-1 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Performance for the Government Finance Function in Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the Government Finance Function. A friendly chat can give us insider info on what they're really looking for and how we can stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the GFF Strategy. We should be ready to discuss how our skills align with their vision for a modern finance function. Show them we’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a mate to do a mock interview with us. This will help us articulate our experience in analysing performance and driving improvements clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Performance for the Government Finance Function in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've improved finance performance in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at HM TREASURY-1
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Performance, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to analyse finance performance metrics. Brush up on key financial indicators and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive improvements in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team and influencing at high levels. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in a government or finance context, and be ready to discuss your approach to mentoring and building inclusive environments.
✨Understand the GFF Strategy
Familiarise yourself with the Government Finance Function's strategy and objectives. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to embedding this strategy across departments and what innovative ideas you might bring to the table.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to drive continuous improvement. Think of specific scenarios where you've identified performance gaps and implemented successful changes, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
