Estimates Manager

Location

Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, London, Salford

About the job

The Estimates Manager supports delivery of DBIST's Main and Supplementary Estimates and contributes to maintaining robust budgetary control across the department. The postholder will coordinate inputs from FBPs, finance operations and policy teams to ensure submissions to HMT are accurate, timely, and clearly articulated. They will provide analysis on the department's budget position, highlight risks, and support senior colleagues in planning and decision-making.

The role requires strong analytical skills, sound judgement, and excellent communication with both finance and non-finance colleagues. Working within the Estimates & Analysis Team, the postholder will play an important part in improving reporting quality, strengthening financial processes, and supporting DBIST's in-year financial management.

• Support preparation of the Main and Supplementary Estimates, coordinating departmental inputs and drafting supporting material.
• Produce analysis on DBT's Mains and Supps Budget position, risks, and forecast movements to support informed decision.
• Build effective working relationships with FBPs, HMT, Finance Operations, Management Accounts and Policy Teams to ensure robust, timely data.
• Contribute to the development of high-quality management and parliamentary reporting.
• Provide briefing and insight for senior officials, ensuring financial information is accessible and well-reasoned.
• Undertake scenario modelling and produce evidence-based options to support budgetary decisions.
• Support the in-year reporting team at key month-end points.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in estimates, and forecasting processes.

Key Skills/Experience -
Essential criteria

The below criteria are essential and will be assessed at application stage.

• Qualifications: Fully Qualified Accountant (CCAB or CIMA) or actively working towards an accountancy (CCAB or CIMA) qualification.
• Ability to interpret large volumes of financial information and provide clear analysis for finance and non-finance audiences.
• Strong communication skills to prepare insightful reporting and briefing.
• Ability to influence and build strong relationships across organisational boundaries.
• Ability to work at pace, managing multiple priorities effectively.
• A proactive, problem-solving approach and willingness to take ownership.

Desirable criteria

The below criteria are desirable only. These will not be assessed throughout the recruitment process, but will be used in the event of tied scores between candidates.

• Understanding of Consolidated Budgeting Guidance.
• Understanding of Managing Public Money.

Fully qualified accountant (CCAB or CIMA) or actively working towards an accountancy qualification with significant relevant experience.

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace