At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and provide expert advice to the Board and Executive team.
- Company: Join HS2 Ltd, a key player in major infrastructure development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity to influence national projects.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of transport while ensuring financial compliance and strategic growth.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in financial leadership and strategic decision-making.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
To provide strategic financial, legal and commercial advice and support to the Board and Executive team. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key strategic and business critical leadership position on the HS2 Ltd Executive Team, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer. The role holder will be instrumental in setting, directing, and monitoring the business and delivery strategy for the HS2 programme within the agreed prerequisites of schedule, cost, quality and safety.
In addition, the Chief Financial Officer leads the CFO Directorate and will be accountable for financial planning, management and reporting, ensuring fit with available funding and compliance with regulations. The role holder will work closely with external stakeholders to enable the efficient and economic operation of HS2 Ltd.
As well as being a member of the Executive Committee, the Chief Financial Officer will be appointed to the Board subsequently and will attend other Governance meetings with the Department for Transport in its capacity as Sponsor for the HS2 programme. He/she can also expect to attend meetings with Senior Government officials and Ministers, up to and including the Secretary of State for Transport and more broadly across Whitehall. He/she will be asked to deputise for the CEO, as required.
About the Role
- To have direct responsibility for strategic business, operational and financial planning across all the Directorates within HS2 Ltd.
- Work with the CCO to support the Executive & Board on major commercial and cost-based decisions, ensuring that short and long-term viability and risk is taken into account.
- Advise the CEO, Executive Committee and Board to inform decisions that enable HS2 Ltd to meet its fiduciary responsibilities.
- Provide assurance on organisation & project performance and progress to other government bodies, including the Department for Transport (DfT) and HM Treasury and other review bodies as required.
- Accountable for the performance of the internal controls environment to ensure that the organisation delivers the programme within agreed budgets and to time, quality and safety.
- Establish and direct effective systems to analyse and compare performance against internal targets and external statutory obligations and government policy on 'Managing Public Money'.
- Work with the CCO to provide expert advice on future commercial and major capital opportunities that will allow HS2 Ltd to deliver the programme and realise the wider economic benefits.
- Provide strategic direction on the maintenance and development of HS2 Ltd.'s financial capability considering the wider organisation's complexity and risk.
- Chair internal and external committees as necessary.
- Ensure HS2 remains compliant with Financial, Assurance & Legal regulations and standards.
- Oversight of the Assurance and Risk Function, ensuring the development and implementation of enterprise and strategic risk management.
- Oversight of Actual Cost Assurance, ensuring that HS2 are complying with the obligations set out in HM Treasury's Managing Public Money, and ensuring the processing of final accounting of taxpayers' money is effectively managed.
- Oversight of the Counter Fraud & Investigations function, ensuring the development and implementation of HS2's policy and the resulting strategy for fraud, risks and investigations overall.
- Oversight of the IT and Legal Functions, ensuring HS2-wide system interoperability and integration and maintaining transparency and accountability in all legal dealings.
- Actively promote and embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work, and support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI.
About You
- Skills
- Ability to operate at Executive and Board level within a major capital programme undertaking significant value and high-profile programmes of work.
- Influencing & negotiation skills including influencing the decisions of the Executive committee, Board, government and private sector stakeholders and programme Directors.
- Ability to provide effective and constructive challenge with senior colleagues to improve business performance.
- Ability to advise on strategic commercial decisions at senior level, including high level government, public and private sector stakeholders.
- Ability to produce high quality work to deadline with complex and varied workstreams.
- Public Speaking Skills - including the ability to represent the project with external stakeholders, politicians, and the media.
- Strategy Development and implementation skills - including the ability to develop vision, strategy and implementation plans to deliver business objectives.
- Knowledge
- Knowledge of the UK and international context surrounding HS2, which includes having insight into the political and environmental implications for the programme.
- Knowledge of policies and governance procedures impacting on finance within a Non-Departmental Public Body or Central Government Department.
- Understanding of leading a multi-disciplinary team including legal experts and other professional specialisms.
- Qualified member of a recognised accountancy body or holder of an equivalent qualification or accreditation.
- Understanding of the Hybrid Bill and Parliamentary processes, specifically the demands of stakeholder consultation and engagement.
- Experience
- Experience of leading and developing a broad ranging function for complex major operations in the UK, Europe or globally, including the management of multi-discipline project teams requiring capability development.
- Experience of leading functional teams to provide cost effective services to the organisation.
- Experience of leading the successful transformation or development of a large, complex, outcome focussed delivery organisation, achieving significant improvements in efficiency, effectiveness and customer service.
- Experience of navigating local and national stakeholder complexity to secure major infrastructure programme outcomes including at local and national Government levels.
Chief Financial Officer in Birmingham employer: HS2 (High Speed Two)
HS2 Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London or Birmingham where strategic financial leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of transport infrastructure. With a strong commitment to employee growth, diversity, and inclusion, HS2 Ltd provides opportunities for professional development while ensuring compliance with regulations and fostering collaboration with key stakeholders. Join us to be part of a transformative project that not only enhances your career but also contributes to the wider economic benefits of the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy to reach out for informational chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You should be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it relates to the role of CFO. Keep it concise but impactful – think of it as your personal brand statement that highlights your unique value.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get clicking and let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your skills and experience align with the CFO role. We want to see how you can bring strategic financial insight to HS2 Ltd, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a key player in the Executive Team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and influence at high levels. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects, especially in complex environments. We love seeing strong leadership in action!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at HS2 (High Speed Two)
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief Financial Officer, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them to drive strategic decisions in previous roles. This shows you can provide the strategic financial advice the Board is looking for.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with HS2 Ltd's objectives and the broader context of the project. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially regarding compliance and risk management. This will help you show that you’re not just a numbers person but also a strategic thinker.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Given the role’s emphasis on working with external stakeholders, think about examples where you've successfully influenced or negotiated with senior officials or government bodies. Highlight your public speaking skills and how you’ve represented projects to various audiences.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a member of the Executive Committee, your leadership style will be crucial. Prepare to discuss how you lead multi-disciplinary teams and foster collaboration. Share specific instances where your leadership has led to significant improvements in efficiency or effectiveness.
