At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data strategy and architecture for government finance, ensuring high-quality data management.
- Company: Join a dynamic team supporting over 9,000 finance professionals in the UK government.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on finance services while working with top civil service leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in data architecture, cloud platforms, and programming languages like SQL and Python required.
- Other info: Opportunities for networking and professional development within a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced senior data professional, with a strong background in data architecture and/or data engineering? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
About the Team
The Strategy, Performance & Improvement (SPI) Team is one of the central Government Finance Function (GFF) teams supporting over 9,000 finance colleagues across government. We set the Finance Standard (GovS006), monitor performance, and maintain a central library of best practice—the NOVA Functional Reference Model to share, improve and drive efficiency in the delivery of finance services. NOVA contains a full suite of functional design artefacts—Processes, KPIs, Business Glossary and a comprehensive Data Dictionary—to be adopted by all government organisations through the delivery of shared services and back-office systems.
We are committed to enhancing finance performance by supporting the adoption of the NOVA finance functional design and its data standards. Driving up finance data maturity, improving data architecture, and creating data integration solutions are central to our GFF 2030 Strategy and ambition for an Insightful and Data Driven finance function.
The seventeen-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
The key responsibilities are:
- Define a Government Finance Data Strategy, vision, and development roadmap, ensuring alignment with departments and wider Government Digital and Data Strategies and Shared Services Strategy and reporting on progress as outcomes are achieved and benefits are realised.
- Deliver a Finance Data Lineage, assessing and capturing the current critical data elements / data sets and systems used across the Government Finance Function. Build a clear understanding of the data lineage between key central reports, with a specific focus on Public Spending data structures including HM Treasury’s OSCAR reporting system.
- Own the Finance Data Standards, hosted in NOVA and engage with, support and lead on the finance data requirements and design for any future systems required for central financial reporting within Government and HM Treasury.
- Showcase excellent metadata quality management and embed effective processes and procedures in product lifecycles to drive high quality outputs and standards, utilising Project, and Programme Management methodologies, best practices, and ways of working.
- Design and implement data pipelines by building data systems to extract, transform, and load (ETL) data from various sources (e.g., MS Fabric or other).
- Lead and facilitate strong stakeholder engagement for effective Data Management, Data Integrity, and Data Governance, across Government and 3rd Parties but particularly with Functional and Department Data Leads.
- Engage and support Data communities to share knowledge and approaches, and provide training, guidance, and support for Data Management best practices.
About You
You will be qualified in Digital Data Architecture – Experience delivering cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP, with relevant TOGAF qualification (e.g., Enterprise Architect, Data Scientist etc.) and Programming - Strong proficiency in SQL and other programming languages, such as Python or Java, with an associated qualification (e.g., Microsoft Azure SQL, Oracle SQL, IBM SQL etc.). You will have proven experience of establishing data standards, metadata management, data structures, and expertise in data analysis. Experience of Digital Solutions such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Platforms) and EPM (Enterprise Performance Management) Technology, including the best practice application of Data Standards.
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 (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant). 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 (e.g. analysts, music society, sports and social club) and diversity.
For more information about the role and how to apply, please follow the apply link. 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.
Contact Detail:
HM TREASURY-1 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Government Finance Function (GFF) Data Architect / Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Government Finance Function (GFF) and its objectives. Understanding their mission to enhance finance performance through data standards will help you align your experience with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the GFF or similar government departments. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the team culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in data architecture and engineering, especially within the public sector. Being knowledgeable about current technologies and methodologies will demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've implemented data standards and improved data quality in previous roles. Concrete examples will showcase your expertise and ability to contribute to the GFF's objectives effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Government Finance Function (GFF) Data Architect / Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description to grasp the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the Senior Government Finance Function Data Architect/Engineer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in data architecture and engineering, particularly with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP. Mention any relevant qualifications such as TOGAF and your proficiency in SQL and programming languages like Python or Java.
Showcase Your Achievements: Provide specific examples of past projects where you defined data strategies, implemented data pipelines, or established data standards. Use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work, such as improvements in data quality or efficiency.
Engage with the Company’s Values: Research the company’s commitment to inclusivity and flexible working. Reflect this understanding in your application by discussing how you value collaboration and adaptability in a team environment, which is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at HM TREASURY-1
✨Understand the Government Finance Function
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and objectives of the Government Finance Function. Knowing how the GFF supports over 9,000 finance colleagues will help you articulate your understanding of the role and its impact during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP, as well as your proficiency in SQL and programming languages such as Python or Java. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully implemented data architecture or engineering solutions.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement Experience
Since the role involves strong stakeholder engagement, come equipped with examples of how you've effectively collaborated with various teams or departments. Discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them to ensure successful data management and governance.
✨Emphasise Your Knowledge of Data Standards
The position requires a solid understanding of data standards and metadata management. Be ready to explain your experience in establishing data standards and how you've applied best practices in previous roles, particularly in relation to financial reporting systems.