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- Tasks: Manage budgets, monitor finances, and support communication objectives in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Defence's Directorate of Defence Communications, a diverse and professional organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, tailored learning, and a generous pension contribution.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting Defence-led activities while developing your finance skills in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Recent finance experience and excellent communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Apply by 11:55 pm on Thursday 24th April 2025.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 62000 £ per year.
Location: MOD Main Building LONDON SW1A 2HB
About the job
The Directorate of Defence Communications (DDC) is a dynamic, diverse, professional organisation which communicates the activities of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces both externally to the outside world and internally to the people who work for the Ministry of Defence. The Finance Manager works at the heart of DDC providing support to colleagues that enables communications objectives to be met. The selected candidate would be joining at an exciting time for DDC as the Directorate is working at the heart of several Defence-led activities. This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Job description
Are you the sort of person that likes to solve problems, pays attention to detail and is unafraid of spreadsheets? If so, this could be the job for you. In this role, you will be responsible for the co-ordination, monitoring and financial planning of all budget and finance issues directly associated with the Directorate of Defence Communications (DDC). Reporting to the DDC Assistant Head (Grade 7) Business Management, you will be responsible for managing DDC’s multi-million pound in-year budget highlighting the key risks, issues and opportunities for senior management, which will involve presenting complex financial information. You will ensure that financial information is accurate, timely, and complete, and that reporting requirements relating to in-year financial management and annual budget planning are met. You will advise on business cases for new requirements and will outline the financial implications of expenditure proposals. In addition, you will also be a Contracting, Purchasing & Finance (CP&F) super user, providing advice and support for all members of DDC. In this role, you will build and sustain strong working relationships within the MOD and externally. You will regularly work with colleagues in all parts of DDC and with Finance Business Partners. You will keep abreast of team and Departmental activities and priorities to support the efficient management of DDC’s budget.
Person specification
You will be responsible for the co-ordination, monitoring and financial planning of all budget and finance issues directly associated with DDC. Specifically, you will be:
- Managing DDC’s in-year budget:
- Hold regular meetings with DDC team heads to plan and monitor spend against funding bids.
- Compile monthly forecasts for Director DDC to approve before submitting the final version to Finance Business Partners.
- Compile the monthly finance brief for DDC senior management.
- Support the DDC Business Manager with headcount planning.
- Electronic Procurement Card (ePC) holder for purchase of low value items.
- Review of DDC business cases for expenditure proposals and provide financial input.
- Provide support for savings and costings exercises.
- Act as a primary contact for financial issues in DDC.
- Work with DDC section heads to review proposed spend for future years.
- Staffing of ABC plan to Director DDC before submission to Finance Business Partners.
- Completion of ABC Workbooks including checking of headcount figures.
- Costing of new expenditure proposals to be included in the ABC submission.
- Liaison with Finance Business Partners.
- Provision of advice to DDC users on CP&F issues.
- Creation of new contract and contract amendment requisitions.
- Raising of purchase requisitions and receipting.
- New user requests.
Training to be undertaken before joining or when in post:
- Contracting, Purchasing & Finance (CP&F).
- MOD Basic Financial Skills Certificate.
Essential criteria:
- Recent finance experience with a focus on the support of delivery.
- An ability to operate effectively within a complex and dynamic structure with a diverse range of stakeholders and provide support to other team members.
- Self-motivated and highly organised with a high level of commitment, autonomy and resilience.
- Excellent communications skills.
Behaviours
We will assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Changing and Improving
- Making Effective Decisions
- Delivering at Pace
- Managing a Quality Service
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £44,590, Ministry of Defence contributes £12,917 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. Learning and development tailored to your role. An environment with flexible working options. A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity. A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%. London locations may attract an allowance of £3,300 per annum.
Apply before 11:55 pm on Thursday 24th April 2025. For further information, and to apply, please visit our website via the “Apply” button below.
Finance Manager, Directorate of Defence Communications employer: Ministry of Defence
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager, Directorate of Defence Communications
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial management tools and software used within the Ministry of Defence. Being knowledgeable about these systems will not only help you in the role but also demonstrate your commitment and readiness to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the Directorate of Defence Communications. Engaging with them can provide you with valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be a great advantage during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with budget management and financial planning in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets in previous roles, as this will be crucial for demonstrating your fit for the Finance Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by preparing to explain complex financial information clearly and concisely. This is essential for the role, as you'll need to present financial data to senior management and collaborate with various stakeholders.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager, Directorate of Defence Communications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant finance experience, particularly in budget management and financial planning. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to work with complex financial data and support delivery.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the Directorate of Defence Communications. Mention how your skills align with their needs, especially your problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your communication skills and ability to build relationships, as these are crucial for the role. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with diverse stakeholders in previous positions.
Showcase Your Understanding of the Role: Demonstrate your knowledge of the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Discuss your experience with financial reporting, budget monitoring, and any relevant training or certifications you possess.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Defence
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll be expected to handle complex financial data. Brush up on your financial metrics and be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past. Be ready to present examples of how you’ve identified risks and opportunities in previous roles.
✨Understand the DDC's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the Directorate of Defence Communications and its objectives. Understanding their communication strategies will help you align your financial planning with their goals, showing that you're not just a numbers person but also a strategic thinker.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
You'll need to present financial information to senior management, so practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. Highlight your experience in liaising with various stakeholders and how you’ve effectively communicated financial insights in the past.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
The role requires someone who can solve problems and pay attention to detail. Prepare examples of challenges you've faced in financial management and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and adapt in a dynamic environment.
