Finance & Risk Lead in Bristol

Location: Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, London, Salford

About the job:

The Integrated Corporate Services (ICS) is a new shared corporate service, launched in July 2023. It provides corporate services (HR, Finance, Digital, Commercial, Security and Estates) across the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT). Our team of just over 300 professionals will be leading the way in how these functions will be delivered in the future. Our ambition is to be the leading provider of integrated corporate services for government and set the standard for quality, efficiency, and innovation in our field. We offer great working benefits including a world‑class pension, flexible working options and a career where your learning and development is taken seriously. We are enormously proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We support candidates with adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.

Job description:

The Role and Our Team:

The Matrix Programme is a transformation initiative involving 7 Government Departments. It is a unique cross‑government collaboration that will unlock simpler, better, and more joined up working by bringing together the systems, processes, and ways of working for key government functions. Over the coming months we’ll be preparing to roll out Neo, our powerful new HR and Finance technology and service for the Matrix cluster – driving a more modern, digital government. The first Departments will go live in June 2026. Neo is a cloud‑based system, powered by Workday that will replace legacy HR and finance technology and offline processes across multiple Government Departments and associated Arm’s‑Length Bodies (ALBs). Designed to streamline administrative activities and promote intuitive self‑service, Neo is enabling time back to focus on what we value the most – serving the public. Moreover, Neo’s adoption means we are harnessing the power of shared technology at scale. This unified way of working delivers better, more accurate data – eliminating errors, creating one trusted source of truth and accurate reporting. Neo is more than just a new system; it’s enabling us to be data‑led, to work smarter, respond faster and deliver services that truly meet the needs of the public.

The Neo Centre Office (NCO) is the strategic service management function for the Neo Service. Hosted within Integrated Corporate Services (ICS), its purpose is to monitor, direct, and advise on the delivery of the Neo service, ensuring it operates efficiently and meets performance expectations. It provides central oversight, enabling consistent service quality, timely issue resolution, and continuous improvement. By acting as a governance and coordination hub, the function ensures alignment with strategic objectives, fosters stakeholder confidence, and supports the seamless delivery of Neo across all relevant departments.

This role leads financial and risk management of the NCO and Neo services. Accountable for financial management and reporting, cost allocation and recharging, and assuring risk management across the cluster. Whilst the NCO will be hosted within Integrated Corporate Services (ICS), some roles are temporarily aligned to the programme until all departments are fully onboarded. The NCO operates as one unified team and plays a vital role within the IIS organisation.

We envisage further job opportunities being available in the near future and we reserve the right to draw applicants from available merit lists.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the financial strategy for the NCO, ensuring alignment with broader cluster objectives and effective end‑to‑end financial planning across shared services.
• Drive clarity and consistency in cost modelling, user volumes, and financial accountability.
• Support monitoring and reporting of efficiencies as they relate to the Neo programme.
• Lead the financial management of the Neo service.
• Develop and update the charging strategy and cost model for allocation of service costs.
• Manage the cost allocation, budgeting and invoicing for the cluster.
• Oversee financial planning and forecasting to support cost‑effective operations.
• Ensure robust financial controls policies and procedures are in place.
• Define and maintain the risk and controls environment.
• Lead the development of the internal and external audit and compliance processes.
• As a line manager, define objectives, manage development and performance of staff members.

Essential criteria:

• Finance qualified with CCAB, CIMA or equivalent.
• Substantial senior experience in risk management or a relevant risk management qualification.
• Comprehensive understanding of financial governance, strategic risk management and assurance frameworks.
• Proven track record in managing financial controls and risk frameworks.
• Background in strategic finance, including benefits realisation and value for money assessment.
• Strong analytical and financial modelling skills.
• Ability to manage ambiguity and lead through change.
• Customer centricity and service centred mindset.

Desirable criteria:

• Experience with shared services and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Exposure to commercial supplier oversight.

Behaviours:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace