Remote Finance and Procurement Manager in Craigavon

The Single Source Regulations Office (SSRO) is an executive non-departmental public body that supports the regulatory framework for single source defence contracts established by Part 2 of the Defence Reform Act 2014. It plays a key role in the regulation of the UK government’s ‘single source,’ or non-competitive, procurement of military goods, works and services. The framework places controls on the prices of qualifying defence contracts and requires greater transparency from defence contractors.

In conducting its functions, the SSRO aims to ensure that government obtains good value for money in its expenditure on qualifying defence contracts, and that contractors are paid fair and reasonable prices. By working for the SSRO you will be an important part of a dynamic organisation. Our staff have a range of professional skills and include accountants, analysts, economists, researchers, and military experts.

The SSRO is seeking a qualified accountant with experience in preparing and managing a corporate budget. This role involves managing a tight budget and provides an opportunity to tackle complex transactions working in an outsourced system environment. You will also be required to provide advice on the SSRO’s financial policies and ensuring compliance across the organisation.

Working with the Head of Corporate Services, this role will also provide end-to-end procurement support for the organisation’s purchasing of goods and services. Whilst a procurement qualification is not needed for this role, some procurement experience (ideally gained in the public sector) is required.

• Finance
  • Lead on the preparation of the SSRO’s corporate budget and the subsequent management of it.
  • Ensuring regular review of expenditure takes place; developing relationships with budget holders and/or managers within SSRO and understanding their priorities and spending plans; providing advice and guidance.
  • Communicating and interpreting of financial data to non-financial managers to facilitate monitoring of annual spend outturn on projects and long-term contracts.
  • Production of monthly, quarterly and annual budgets and forecast reporting.
  • Liaising with budget holders and/or managers to collate information and identify key financial risks, pressures and opportunities.
  • Administration of the quarterly drawdown of Grant-In-Aid funding.
  • Providing input into the development of and then ensuring compliance with finance and procurement policies and procedures.
  • Lead on the production of the Remuneration Report for inclusion in the Annual Report and Accounts.
  • Assist with the management of the outsourced finance and payroll contract and supplier.
  • Liaise with internal and external auditors on matters relating to the budget and remuneration report.
  • Provide cover, as needed for the Finance Manager.
• Procurement
  • Provide end-to-end procurement support activity, while identifying and managing procurement risks.
  • Supporting service managers in identifying appropriate routes to market, production of procurement project plans, securing internal approvals and managing any market pre-engagement.
  • Preparing and issuing procurement documentation and co-ordinating communications with bidders.
  • Supporting evaluation panels, assisting the Legal Team with any contract negotiations and making the contract award.
  • Fulfilling relevant transparency requirements, including the publishing of notices and compliance with relevant government procurement policy.
  • Contribute to the review and development of the SSRO’s Procurement Strategy, policy and processes.
  • Undertake periodic reviews and updating of the SSRO’s procurement policy and procedures.
  • Manage the SSRO’s Contract Register and contract management processes.
  • Liaise with internal and external auditors on matters relating to procurement.
• General
  • Engage actively with internal and external stakeholders and work closely with them. Manage and maintain effective relationships.
  • Actively learn and develop your skills and experience.
  • Act with integrity, apply the SSRO’s governance procedures, and promote good governance.
  • Make best use of available technology and contribute to the delivery of new and innovative ways to deliver our work that improve quality and efficiency.
  • Promote the SSRO’s values.
  • Undertake such other duties as the SSRO may require, in line with business need.
  • Support working relationships with the MOD sponsor team, the internal audit function, NAO and HM Treasury.
  • Represent the SSRO in meetings and other forums as requested. Participate actively and constructively in discussions in line with the SSRO’s vision, values, objectives, and priorities.

• AAT qualified or Part qualified accountant e.g., CAB, ACA, CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA or equivalent.
• Experience of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and supporting senior management with decision making.
• Experience of supporting end-to-end procurement activity.
• Strong financial analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, generate insights and construct solutions.
• Good communication skills with the ability to explain financial data to non-financial managers.
• Intermediate excel skills.
• Demonstrable ability to meet deadlines and a “can do” attitude with the willingness and ability to work flexibly and undertake a wide variety of activities.
• A natural team player who can interact easily with colleagues and have strong communication skills.
• An ability to switch between tasks, to quickly get up-to-speed on new subjects and to deliver to sometimes challenging timetables, consistently delivering high quality and robust advice and support.
• Strong communication skills, with ability to explain and defend a position to a variety of audiences and to express procurement issues in easy-to-understand plain English.
• A team player who enjoys and has experience of working collaboratively with others.
• An ability to build strong working relationships, internally and externally, and to engage with stakeholders at all levels in business and government.

• Relevant professional qualification(s), or part qualification in procurement and supply.
• A good understanding of the defence sector.
• Experience of contract relationship management, and an understanding of how that can deliver and improve value for money.
• Experience of working in a similarly sized and funded NDPB, or a public body would be an advantage but is not essential.

The role will require you to undergo and successfully secure national security vetting and obtain Security Check (SC) clearance.

To apply for the position, please submit both of the following: A covering letter of no more than 1000 words (font size 12), clearly explaining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as outlined above, using appropriate examples; and Your CV, setting out your qualifications and experience. This should clearly include any professional bodies of which you are a member. Applications that do not contain both covering letter and CV may be rejected.

The SSRO embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. We recruit by merit based on fair and open competition.

Contact point for applicants: Ruaidhri.Magee@ssro.gov.uk