Finance Manager; Assurance & Controls

Overview

The Judicial Office (JO) reports to, and is accountable, to the Lady Chief Justice (LCJ). It was established in 2006 to provide support to the LCJ and to the wider judiciary in upholding the rule of law and in delivering justice impartially, speedily and efficiently, following the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. In addition, we support, and are accountable to, the Senior President of Tribunals, whose responsibilities extend to Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The JO is an interesting and unique place to work. Everything we do is in support of upholding the independence and impartiality of the judiciary. We work closely with HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and others across Government as well as with the legal professions. We are an Arm's Length Body sponsored by the Ministry of Justice.

This creates an interesting and complex environment in which to work where we agree our priorities with the senior judiciary and receive our funding to deliver them from the Ministry of Justice. The Judicial Office has been through a period of significant growth resulting from an expansion of our remit. The Business Support Team sits at the centre of the Judicial Office with a broad corporate portfolio that includes responsibility for the departmental budget.

The team is led by the Chief of Staff and provides a wide range of support, advice, assurance and services for Judicial Office staff and to the Judicial Office Management Board. This includes accommodation, health & safety, people survey, staff engagement, business continuity, learning & development, people services, risk management, financial planning and budget management & forecasting. The team also work closely with specialist teams in the wider Ministry of Justice and Whitehall.

The growth of the Judicial Office has resulted in a larger and more complex budget and the Finance Team is lead by a qualified finance professional.

This position is eligible for hybrid working (current minimum requirement for time spent at base location is 60%, which is subject to business requirements). The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas).

All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity. Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone's circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review. For nationally advertised role: all successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale.

This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) - See Map. All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity). For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location's respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended).

The JO Finance function aims to provide financial reporting that is accurate, complete and transparent. It also provides advice to stakeholders across the JO ensuring value for money for the taxpayer and how the departments portfolio is delivered. The Senior Finance manager leads and supports the management on key financial processes covering the delivery of month end reporting, business case approval, yearly budget allocation, and the response to government commissions.

• Provide clear and robust strategic financial advice to JO stakeholders, to ensure that the complete view of accounts is up to date. They will work closely with the JO Directorates to ensure month end deadlines are met and that the variance analysis has relevant commentary and clear explanation of the risks, pressures or opportunities.
• Embed consistent and efficient processes & reporting across the Directorates to save time & give clarity.
• Promote strong working relationships both within the finance team, corporate services, JO Directorate and MOJ.
• Coordinate responses to financial commissions covering subjects such as yearly financial planning, and Spending Review returns.
• Provide advice and support to JO staff on financial controls, completion of business cases, also navigate Commercial controls.
• Develop and embed approach to counterfraud.
• Oversee the training and development of the JO Finance team.

• Breadth of finance…