Grade C2, Higher Executive Officer

Two-year posting

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) offers a progressive career path. Tasked with protecting British people, assets and borders, our work takes us the length and breadth of the globe. At the heart of this challenge is Joint Forces Command (JFC), a dynamic team who support overseas defence operations and all joint functions that span the three armed forces and civilian personnel. Based in Northwood, JFC provide the backbone for the successful delivery of all frontline operations and ensure we are prepared for whatever the future holds – and it is here that you could play an important part in ensuring national security.

We now a two fascinating financial opportunity within the newly-created Director Overseas Bases (DOB) team, supporting In Year Management (IYM), where you will play an important part in overseeing small joint units who are not based in the UK, plus the operational command and management of overseas bases, and non-operational colleagues who have been deployed internationally.

Within this role role, you will oversee a budget of around £350million, providing financial advice and helping the team achieve their operational objectives. Monitoring the HLB’s financial performance, you will conduct monthly forecasting and tracking, and you will work with overseas BLB finance teams to support them with budgeting and IYM matters. Team-work is a vital part of this role, as you will also handle pension-related queries, respond to audit enquiries and ensure annual report and account submissions are made on time and to the highest standards.

As a financial professional, ideally with an accountancy qualification (CCAB/AAT), you will have a comprehensive understanding of accounting and finance issues. As the role will have line management responsibilities, you will need excellent communication and leadership skills, with the capacity to inspire great results. You will also have responsibility for reviewing and assuring business cases and any expenditure requests, so we will expect you to have the experience required to assess regularity, propriety and affordability, plus whether value for money is being achieved. You will be a problem-solver, with the confidence to make effective decisions when under pressure, and you will have the flexibility to occasionally travel overseas.

The team at Northwood enjoy a unique working life due to the vibrant campus-type environment. Our friendly community of civilian and military colleagues have access to exceptional onsite facilities including restaurants and a leisure centre that a well-equipped gym and exercises classes, and access to a local swimming pool. The work we are doing is ground-breaking, so you will be encouraged to learn about the work of other teams, with the freedom to attend lectures on topics such as the future of pilotless helicopters and developments in the field of cyber security. You will also benefit from:

• A £3,000 Northwood allowance, paid in monthly instalments.
• A good work/life balance supported by an onsite creche and the freedom to work flexible hours. This includes the opportunity to work from home depending on business needs.
• The chance to opt into the desirable civil service pension scheme.
• Plenty of training and development opportunities, with the potential for offsite visits and the chance to participate in staff networks. We can also offer support and funding for professional qualifications as appropriate.
• Access to The Mess, which provides the focal point for many social activities. Sports clubs and family fun-days are also regularly organised.
• Free staff parking, and a shuttle bus which runs to and from Moor Park station on the Metropolitan line.