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- Tasks: Lead finance support for the National Timing Centre 2 programme and manage stakeholder relationships.
- Company: Join a pioneering initiative enhancing the UK's time infrastructure and global competitiveness.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of a crucial project that strengthens national infrastructure and drives innovation.
- Qualifications: Must be a fully qualified accountant with experience in major project finance support.
- Other info: Diverse applicants are encouraged; security clearances required for this role.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
As our Programme Finance Manager, you will join our finance leadership team and lead functional support for the National Timing Centre 2 programme. You will also take a strategic role as the senior business partner, working across the finance function to support the Project Management Office, Partnership department, and Science and Engineering departments.
The National Timing Centre Delivery Programme (NTCDP) is the UK's first nationally distributed time infrastructure. It aims to provide trusted and assured time and frequency distribution across the UK, reducing reliance on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) like GPS. This initiative ensures the resilience of critical national infrastructure, including energy grids, telecommunications (5G/6G), and financial systems. By establishing a secure, reliable, and nationally distributed time infrastructure, the NTCDP enhances the UK's competitiveness in global trade and manufacturing, ensuring consistency and recognition of measurement units and standards worldwide.
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading the finance team supporting the National Timing Centre 2 programme. This includes work across business planning, management accounting, and capital procurement, coordinating efforts to provide effective support.
- Ensuring NTC 2 complies with all relevant government financial standards, including managing counter-fraud risks.
- Managing relationships with internal stakeholders, the funding body - Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT), suppliers, and customers.
- Building and maintaining relationships with customers and stakeholders to support NPL’s ability to deliver the NTC 2 programme, enhance its reputation, and ensure sustainability.
- Collaborating with leadership colleagues to ensure a unified approach within NPL, working effectively across relevant departments.
- Driving change through visible ownership, clear communication, and focus on benefits realization. As the programme evolves, functional support must adapt to meet changing needs.
What you can bring to the role:
- Fully qualified accountant (e.g., ACCA, ACA, CIMA).
- Experience leading finance support for major projects.
- Ability to manage stakeholders at all levels, both internal and external.
- Capability to work independently, set priorities, and collaborate with a shared support team.
- Leadership and influencing skills to manage conflicting priorities.
Note: Our recruitment actively encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds. Due to the nature of our work, certain security clearances are required, including BPSS and SC clearances. You must be able to obtain SC clearance without restrictions. Application reviews and interviews will be conducted throughout the advert's duration, and the closing date may be advanced. We recommend applying promptly.
Programme Finance Manager employer: National Physical Laboratory
Contact Detail:
National Physical Laboratory Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Finance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the National Timing Centre 2 programme and its objectives. Understanding the strategic importance of this initiative will help you articulate how your skills can contribute to its success during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the finance and project management sectors, especially those involved in government projects. Building relationships with individuals who have insights into the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) can provide you with valuable information and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing stakeholder relationships. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments, as this role requires strong interpersonal skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in finance and project management, particularly in relation to national infrastructure projects. Demonstrating your knowledge of industry standards and best practices will show that you're proactive and well-informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications as a fully qualified accountant and your experience in leading finance support for major projects. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage stakeholders and drive change.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the Programme Finance Manager role. Discuss how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your experience with business planning and management accounting.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on roles where you managed relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners. Emphasise your leadership and influencing skills, especially in contexts where you had to manage conflicting priorities.
Showcase Your Adaptability: Given the evolving nature of the programme, illustrate your capability to adapt to changing needs. Provide examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in previous roles, ensuring effective support and communication throughout.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
As a Programme Finance Manager, it's crucial to demonstrate your financial acumen. Be prepared to discuss your qualifications, such as ACCA, ACA, or CIMA, and provide examples of how you've successfully led finance support for major projects in the past.
✨Highlight Stakeholder Management Skills
This role requires managing relationships with various stakeholders. Prepare specific examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with internal and external parties, particularly in high-pressure situations.
✨Emphasise Change Management Experience
The ability to drive change is key in this position. Be ready to share instances where you've taken ownership of a project, communicated changes clearly, and focused on realising benefits, especially in dynamic environments.
✨Understand the National Timing Centre's Goals
Familiarise yourself with the objectives of the National Timing Centre Delivery Programme. Showing that you understand its significance in enhancing the UK's competitiveness will demonstrate your commitment and strategic thinking.
