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- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis, guiding a team to support decision-making.
- Company: The National Archives, preserving our nation's history with a dynamic mission.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to influence public finance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategies that shape the future of public records.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with leadership experience and strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a collaborative environment with excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: London, TW9 4DU
About the job
The National Archives are partnering with Robertson Bell to recruit to this role.
The Organisation
The National Archives is home to 1,000 years of our nation’s histories. Our mission is to collect and preserve the public record, to connect citizens with their history through unrivalled collections and to partner with archives everywhere. In 2038 we will celebrate the bicentenary of the founding of the Public Record Office, and our 2038 vision is for The National Archives to be the living digital archive of the state.
The role
Operating within the Finance and Performance Directorate, as Head of Financial Planning and Analysis, you will lead the Finance Business Partner and Senior Management Accounts team. You will develop the financial planning and analysis capabilities of the team that will better support financial decision making across the organisation and effective risk management.
Job description
- Leading the Finance Business Partner and Senior Management Accounts team, providing clear direction, coaching, and support to ensure high-quality professional finance support and advice is provided to the organisation and development of team members.
- Deputising for the Finance Director as required and help lead the Finance and Performance team through periods of change.
- Leading The National Archives’ financial planning at single-year and multi-year levels spending reviews and other fiscal events.
- Overseeing the annual business planning process to ensure an effective process that allocates budgets and defines key business priorities, and building financial modelling capabilities to support senior managers.
- Delivering timely and accurate management accounts and re-forecasts, presenting key insights and recommendations to the Executive Team, Board, and Committees.
- Acting as a Finance Business Partner, supporting Directorates and budget holders to ensure financial responsibilities are understood, business cases are robust, and governance processes are followed.
- Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Directors, Heads of Department, and HM Treasury, ensuring finance is trusted and influences decision-making.
- Promoting and realising the benefits of our ERP system across Directorates and the wider finance function.
Person specification
The successful candidate will:
- Be qualified with CCAB, CIMA or equivalent with significant financial experience over an extended period of time, including experience in a relevant strategic financial role.
- Have significant experience of leading and motivating a team of finance professionals to deliver against their personal and team objectives and promote excellence.
- Be an initiative-taking and an effective organiser, which will allow you to work fluidly in a demanding environment, remaining flexible at all times.
- Have the ability to influence and make impact at senior levels and across the organisation through excellent interpersonal and communication skills including building and maintaining networks and relationships.
- Have an excellent personal presentation and written communication skills, including the ability to put complex financial issues into plain language for non-specialist audiences and build this capability within the team.
- Adopt a collaborative approach to problem solving and the ability to consider a number of options and scenarios in order to achieve effective outcomes.
- Have strong analytical skills to identify and interpret trends and improve financial forecast data.
- Be able to lead, promote and embed the use and value of data and analytics.
- Be able to identify additional data sources and tools to support specific programmes or areas of spend.
- Keep abreast of any developments and changes, including changes in technology.
Desirable criteria
Public sector experience and a strong understanding of the dynamics and differences of leading and working in the public sector.
Location & Working Pattern
This position will require the postholder to travel to our Kew site for a minimum of 60% of their working time.
For more information and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button below.
Head of Financial Planning and Analysis employer: The National Archives
Contact Detail:
The National Archives Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning and Analysis
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at The National Archives on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost our chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the organisation's mission and recent projects. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also passionate about their work and how we can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions, especially those related to financial planning and analysis. We should be ready to discuss our past experiences and how they align with the responsibilities of the Head of Financial Planning and Analysis role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and remind them of our enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it shows we’re proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Planning and Analysis
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Financial Planning and Analysis role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your financial planning expertise and team leadership.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll need to present complex financial information clearly, demonstrate your written communication skills in your application. Use straightforward language and provide examples of how you've simplified financial concepts for non-specialists in the past.
Highlight Team Leadership Experience: We want to see your ability to lead and motivate a finance team. Share specific instances where you've successfully guided your team through challenges or changes, and how you’ve fostered a collaborative environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at The National Archives.
How to prepare for a job interview at The National Archives
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Financial Planning and Analysis, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to influence decision-making in previous roles. This shows you can translate complex financial information into actionable insights.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
You'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to highlight your experience in motivating and developing finance professionals. Prepare examples of how you've successfully guided teams through change or challenges, and be ready to discuss your coaching style and how you foster excellence within your team.
✨Build Relationships
Strong interpersonal skills are key for this role. Think about times when you've built relationships with stakeholders, especially at senior levels. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've influenced decisions and collaborated across departments to achieve financial goals.
✨Stay Current with Trends
The role requires keeping abreast of developments in finance and technology. Research recent trends in financial planning and analysis, particularly in the public sector. Being able to discuss how these trends could impact The National Archives will show your proactive approach and strategic thinking.