Head of Finance Systems and Change

Job summary

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the financial foundations of the newly set up Greater Cambridge Development Corporation. The Greater Cambridge Development Corporation is an urban development corporation. Its role is to work with partners to set out and deliver an ambitious plan for long-term sustainable growth for Greater Cambridge by coordinating the delivery of infrastructure, investment and strategic developments.

Job description

As an experienced finance professional, you will play a leading role in developing robust financial reporting, governance and assurance processes, ensuring the organisation has the financial information and controls needed to support effective decision-making and accountability. This role reports directly Finance Director.

You will lead the development, optimisation and governance of finance operations, ensuring that financial systems are efficient, compliant and capable of supporting strategic decision-making both now and in the future. Working across the organisation, you will drive improvements that enhance financial controls, increase the quality and accessibility of management information, and support the delivery of organisational priorities.

The role offers the opportunity to influence how finance services are delivered, including overseeing the evolution of key operational arrangements and helping to build a modern, scalable finance function. You will collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders across the Corporation to identify opportunities for improvement, implement change and ensure that finance operations remain robust, responsive and fit for purpose.

This is a high-profile role for someone who combines strong financial and operational expertise with a passion for continuous improvement. You will help create the foundations for effective governance, informed decision-making and long-term organisational success, while contributing to a positive, collaborative and inclusive culture.

This role is being recruited by Homes England to support the establishment and operation of the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation. The successful candidate will initially be employed by Homes England and will work predominantly on matters relating to the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation and its activities.

Person specification

We're looking for a highly capable finance professional who combines strong technical expertise with a passion for improving systems, processes and organisational performance. You will have experience working in complex organisations and be confident leading change that strengthens financial operations, enhances controls and delivers lasting improvements.

You will bring a strong understanding of finance systems, governance and compliance requirements, together with experience of managing finance service delivery arrangements and stakeholder relationships. You'll be comfortable reviewing existing processes, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing practical solutions that increase efficiency, reduce risk and improve the quality of financial information.

A skilled problem-solver, you will be experienced in using data, insight and performance measures to drive decision-making and improve outcomes. You will have the ability to analyse financial and operational information, using tools such as Power BI to identify trends, monitor performance and support evidence-based recommendations.

You will also be an effective leader and collaborator, with experience of developing team capability and supporting colleagues through change. Confident working with senior stakeholders, you will be able to communicate complex issues clearly, influence decision-making and build strong relationships across a range of internal and external partners.

Above all, you will be someone who enjoys creating order from complexity, embraces continuous improvement and is motivated by the opportunity to help build a modern, high-performing finance function that supports the long-term success of the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation.

Benefits

Homes England is an executive non-departmental public body with its own terms and conditions, benefits and pension scheme. We are a government agency working in partnership with the private sector and want to employ and retain great people. In return we offer a range of excellent benefits.

Holiday - Homes England offers all staff 33 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 statutory bank holidays.

Working Flexibly - At Homes England we have a strong culture of flexible working and encourage all employees to have a healthy work/life balance. We offer a wide range of potential working patterns, including part time, job share and compressed hours.

These need to be balanced with business needs so they will vary from job to job. If you would like to know more please speak to the Recruiting Manager.

Health and Wellbeing - We offer health screening with Nuffield Proactive Health Clinics, a free Employee Assistance Programme which offers confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as well as access to Occupational Health.

Professional Development - At Homes England we are committed to your continued professional and personal development with learning as one of our core values. We pay for one job-related professional membership subscription per year for our employees.

We also offer an excellent range of family friendly benefits, for example, maternity, paternity, shared parental leave.

If anyone has any queries on any of these terms and conditions, please get in touch for further information.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

How to apply?

To apply please follow the links to our careers page.

Security

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Selection process details

For more information on the role, please see the attached Job Description.

Successful applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application and interviews held as soon as practical after the closing date. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in this role and Homes England.

Please note – Homes England has a responsibility to ensure compliance with HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard to address the potential problems of identity fraud, illegal working and deception generally. To ensure compliance we will carry out a pre-employment Personal Identity and Vetting Report through Giant to meet the standard and you will therefore be asked to provide certain information including Right to Work in the UK in order that the verification check can be carried out if you are successful in your application.

Homes England are an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer that values and respects the people who work for us. Our aim is to be an emplo