At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and provide expert advice to the Board and Executive team.
- Company: HS2 Ltd, a key player in major infrastructure projects in the UK.
- Benefits: Flexible working, personal development opportunities, and a commitment to inclusion.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for career growth and influence.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on the future of transport while shaping financial strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial leadership and strategic decision-making at an executive level.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
Please note that this role can be based in London or Birmingham.
HS2 Ltd endeavours to ensure everyone working for us and with us feels included, thrives and achieves their full potential. In practice, this means we are positive and inclusive about making adjustments, providing flexible working, encouraging our staff networks to flourish and providing personal and professional development opportunities.
Job Purpose
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.
We ask for a variety of detail in your online application; however, we perform the first assessment of suitability for a role based solely on the information in your CV. In a further development of our efforts to create a more diverse workforce, your CV will be anonymised and personal information will be removed during the first stage of the application review. This removes bias from the process and makes it even more important that you attach an updated word version of your CV for each new application ensuring you include evidence directly related to the criteria in the job advert. Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Chief Financial Officer in Birmingham employer: HS2
HS2 Ltd is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and employee development, offering flexible working arrangements and a supportive work culture. With opportunities for personal and professional growth, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to a transformative infrastructure project that shapes the future of transport in the UK. Located in vibrant cities like London and Birmingham, HS2 Ltd provides a dynamic environment where strategic leaders can make a significant impact on national projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that CFO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching HS2 Ltd and its projects. Understand their financial strategies and challenges. We want to see you shine, so come armed with insights and questions that show you’re genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your public speaking skills! As a CFO, you’ll be representing HS2 Ltd to stakeholders and government officials. We suggest rehearsing your pitch and getting comfortable discussing complex financial topics in a clear and engaging way.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Financial Officer role. Highlight your strategic financial experience and any relevant leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with what HS2 Ltd is looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your impact in previous roles, especially in financial planning and management. This will help us see the value you can bring to the team.
Keep It Professional:While we love a bit of personality, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We want to understand your qualifications without getting lost in complicated terms!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website! This ensures your application goes directly to us and helps streamline the process. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at HS2
✨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 they relate to HS2 Ltd’s strategic goals. Prepare examples of how you've used financial data to influence decision-making in previous roles.
✨Understand the Stakeholders
Familiarise yourself with the key stakeholders involved in HS2 Ltd, including government bodies and private sector partners. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with these groups and navigate any complexities that may arise. Showing that you understand their perspectives will set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills. Think about your leadership style and how it aligns with HS2 Ltd’s values. Prepare to share specific examples of how you’ve led teams through complex projects, particularly in high-pressure environments, and how you’ve fostered collaboration and inclusivity.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Practice articulating your thought process when faced with challenges, especially those related to financial planning and risk management. This will help demonstrate your readiness for the role.
