Finance Support

Job summary

The RAF Northolt Business Management Team is seeking an individual to provide governance, assurance and financial administration support across the station.

The successful postholder will support the Business Manager and Deputy Business Manager in the management of Government electronic Procurement Cards (ePC), financial governance activities and audit processes. The role involves working closely with station stakeholders, cardholders, HQ Air Finance teams and external providers to ensure compliance with government finance policies and procedures.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong administrative, organisational and customer service skills who is interested in developing a career in finance, governance and business management within the Civil Service.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. Due to the nature of the role, part time and job share arrangements may be considered, subject to the requirement that full-time hours are fully covered (or business needs are met).

Job description

Reporting to the Deputy Business Manager, the postholder will provide business support activities within the Business Management Team, with a particular focus on governance and assurance activities associated with Government electronic Procurement Cards (ePC).

The role requires effective stakeholder engagement, attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate financial records while ensuring compliance with government financial policies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Process electronic Procurement Card (ePC) applications and provide advice and guidance throughout the application process.
• Ensure a complete and auditable record is maintained for all applications and transactions.
• Monitor card approval and application processes.
• Arrange card limit amendments and account changes with Barclays Bank as required.
• Liaise with Barclays Bank regarding account administration and card management matters.
• Audit ePC documentation in accordance with current policy and provide feedback to cardholders on compliance issues.
• Collate and validate monthly returns, following up on missing information where necessary.
• Conduct monthly scrutiny checks against JPA and other approved systems.
• Manage the station's online ePC account.
• Conduct checking officer duties to ensure all cardholder transactions are uploaded and recorded correctly.
• Communicate policy updates and changes to cardholders and stakeholders.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant financial policies, procedures and regulations.
• Complete all mandatory and role-specific training requirements.
• Provide cross-functional support to the Business Management Team.
• Assist with ad-hoc administrative tasks including:
• Provide resilience and cover for colleagues during periods of absence.

The postholder will work closely with:

• Business Manager
• Deputy Business Manager
• Station and Unit Commodity Managers
• HQ Air LVP Team
• RAF Northolt stakeholders
• Barclays Bank representatives

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

Experience

• Experience of providing administrative or business support services.
• Experience of maintaining accurate records and handling information with attention to detail.
• Experience of working with stakeholders and providing customer support or advice.

Skills

• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyse information and identify discrepancies.
• Ability to work accurately and consistently in a compliance-driven environment.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.

Proficient in:

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• Standard office systems and databases

Training:

Essential:

• Foundation Skills Certificate (FSC Foundation) to be achieved within six months of appointment.
• Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption training.

Desirable Criteria:

• Knowledge of Government electronic Procurement Card (ePC) processes.
• Experience of financial governance, audit or assurance activities.
• Knowledge of MOD or wider government finance processes.
• Understanding of financial compliance and policy requirements.

Behaviours

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

• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £27,866, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,072 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• 25 days paid annual leave rising to 30 days on completion of 5 years’ service, plus leave for HM The King’s birthday
• 6 days special leave per year which can be used for volunteering activities
• Subsidised membership to a fitness suite and lunchtime/evening Military led
  fitness classes
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

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