NDAO - Programme Management Accountant

Police Digital Service (PDS) is recruiting on behalf of the NPCC National Data & Analytics Office (NDAO), a dedicated national capability transforming data and analytics use in policing. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a ground-breaking function within policing which will shape the future of data and analytics in UK law enforcement and help to utilise policing data to better protect the public.

The NDAO will ensure:

• Improved data governance and standardised datasets
• Enhanced data analytics services to support operational decision‑making
• Professionalisation of data and analytics roles within policing
• A more integrated data‑sharing ecosystem across forces, with the appropriate tooling to exploit the data held

For the first time, UK policing will have a recognised, accredited approach to data and analytics, helping forces to work smarter and more effectively without compromising security or integrity.

This role goes beyond traditional management accounting, embedding finance capability directly into programme delivery. The postholder will lead monthly financial reviews with Project Managers, support budget holders with forecasting and financial decision making, and provide a consolidated financial overview of all programmes, funding streams, and financial years. The Programme Management Accountant will be instrumental in managing multiple funding strands, often with different conditions, reporting requirements, and partner organisations, ensuring funding is used appropriately and delivers value for money. They will support annual and multi‑year budgeting, contribute to strategic financial planning, and help establish consistent financial discipline and best practice across the portfolio.

Our Values

• We value People
• We do the right thing
• We are innovative
• We are one Team
• We are proud and passionate

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the lead finance partner to Programme and Project Managers, providing hands‑on support throughout the project lifecycle, from initiation through to delivery and closure.
• Lead monthly financial review meetings with Project and Programme Managers, providing constructive challenge, identifying pressures and opportunities, and supporting timely corrective action where required.
• Develop, maintain, and continually improve robust forecasting processes at project, programme, and departmental level, ensuring forecasts are realistic, evidence based, and aligned to delivery plans.
• Produce a consolidated financial view of the full portfolio, including spend to date, forecasts, risks, and pressures, to support senior decision making and strategic oversight.
• Lead on the development of annual and multi‑year budgets, working with senior stakeholders to align financial plans with strategic priorities and funding constraints.
• Manage and oversee multiple funding streams, including grant and partner funding, ensuring compliance with funding conditions, accurate allocation of costs, and timely financial reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor spend against budgets and funding availability, identifying variances early and working with delivery teams to mitigate financial risks and maximise value for money.
• Support business cases, funding bids, and investment decisions by providing clear financial analysis, options appraisal, and affordability assessments.

What you need to succeed in the role

• Proven experience in a management accounting or finance business‑partnering role supporting complex programmes or portfolios.
• Strong track record in budgeting, forecasting, and financial control, including multi‑year financial planning.
• Experience working directly with Programme and Project Managers, providing challenge, insight, and practical financial support across the delivery lifecycle.
• Demonstrable experience managing and reporting on multiple funding streams, including understanding and meeting funding conditions.
• Ability to produce clear, accurate financial reporting with insightful commentary for senior stakeholders and governance forums.
• Confident communicator, able to translate financial information for non‑finance colleagues and influence decision making.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Part‑qualified or fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA, ACA) or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience in a programme or project‑based environment, ideally in the public sector.
• Experience supporting business cases, funding bids, or investment decisions.
• Understanding of benefits management and value‑for‑money assessment.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

We are committed to equal opportunities for all and will not discriminate on any grounds. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible span of experience. All applicants will be considered without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, nationality, neurodiversity or disability status.

Working Arrangements

This is a remote role. Please note, we may choose to close the advert early if we receive a high volume of applications for this role so please endeavour to complete your application as soon as possible.