Financial Operations Integrity and Master Data Manager in Manchester

Location: Hemel Hempstead, Manchester, Wolverhampton

Are you an experienced finance leader ready to drive operational excellence and shape the future of government finance services? Join us as a manager of the Financial Operations Integrity and Master Data Team and play a pivotal role in delivering a quality service in a control based environment that supports the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and its key Arm’s Length Bodies: the Planning Inspectorate, the Valuation Tribunal Service, and the Regulator for Social Housing.

Here at MHCLG, we work on things that make a real difference to people’s lives. Whether it’s through the homes we live in, the work of our local councils, or the communities we’re all part of, our work is at the top of the political agenda. We have ambitious and far-reaching outcomes to achieve this year and, if you’re thinking of joining us, there’s never been a more exciting time.

As the manager of the Financial Operations Integrity and Master Data Team, you will drive a dynamic team responsible for technical advice, financial controls and reconciliations. You will manage and develop a team of up to 5 direct reports, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and control excellence in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Period and Year End Timetables
• Master Data Reconciliations
• Debt Management
• Payroll Interface
• Budgeting

You’ll be at the forefront of implementing a new team structure, embedding innovative ways of working, and ensuring every team member has clear goals and a tailored training plan. Your leadership will be crucial in maintaining high standards, meeting service level agreements, and driving improvements across the team.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting time to join government finance operations, with significant change and investment underway through the Government Shared Services programme. You’ll have the opportunity to shape and embed new processes and technologies, drive continuous improvement services that make a real difference to the department’s mission. Be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. Help us deliver the future of public sector finance.

Job description:

• Embed new ways of working and lead the team to become a flexible, multi‑skilled operation.
• Lead, motivate, and develop a high‑performing team, ensuring clear goals and personal development plans for all members.
• Co‑ordinate the daily Lean process, assigning responsibilities and ensuring timely completion of tasks, including payroll interface posting, debt management tasks, period / year end timetables and master data creation.
• Responsibility for ensuring bank reconciliations and suspense account reconciliations are completed on a monthly basis by the team, reviewed and signed off.
• Work closely with Finance data and improvement colleagues to drive continuous improvement and innovation, embed and document new processes, challenge technical solutions, and support progress against divisional Business Plan objectives.
• Support senior leaders in strategic planning and contribute to future Shared Service cluster activities as part of our planned move to Unity Business Services in late 2027.
• Deputise for the Reconciliations and Control Team Manager as required.
• Champion service excellence, upskilling, and capability building within the team.
• Ensure robust controls are in place for data accuracy, risk management and audit compliance.
• Take the lead on debt management including a review of debt strategy and reporting and co‑ordinating on this with HMT.

Person specification:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or part‑qualified and actively studying towards qualification.
• Proven experience in leading teams and fostering staff development through coaching, mentoring and performance management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships at all levels.
• Working knowledge of SAP or similar Finance ERP systems.
• Proven experience in embedding risk awareness and control measures across processes and teams.
• Ability to make effective, risk‑based decisions at pace and deliver results to tight deadlines.
• Experience in environments focused on process improvement and control measures.
• Commitment to maintaining data accuracy and providing timely, accurate information to stakeholders.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to multi‑task and be able to respond to changing priorities and take on a variety of tasks as needed.
• Strong organisational skills, with a structured approach, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritise and deliver high‑quality outcomes under pressure.

For more information and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button below.