OverviewThe period 2025-30 will define this country''s efforts to drive sustainable economic growth and move towards nature recovery. Natural England is ready to meet this challenge and make a significant contribution to the Government''s missions. We are seeking an exceptional individual for the role of Finance Director in Natural England. The Finance Director will play a key leadership role across Natural England, providing direct and essential support, advice and technical expertise to the Natural England Chief Executive Officer (Accounting Officer) and wider leadership team. Natural England faces several strategic challenges over the coming years which will require exceptional financial leadership driving a focus on value for money and delivering efficiency and productivity. As Finance Director the role holder will be responsible for enabling Natural England to address these challenges while continuing to deliver its vision and mission.

Responsibilities

Develop and drive improved financial insight, capability and maturity across Natural England

Mature Natural England\''s approach to service quality, value for money, business case development, and return on investment thinking

Support delivery of Natural England\''s Critical Reform Programmes

Deliver significant efficiency and productivity savings

Design a new financial model to manage a growing portfolio of novel, strategic schemes, with non-routine sources of income and expenditure

Be the most senior Financial Leader and adviser to Natural England\''s executive team, responsible for oversight of Natural England\''s budget of approximately £350m

Act as a trusted advisor to the Natural England\''s CEO (Accounting Officer) and wider leadership team, providing strategic insight and leadership across all aspects of Natural England\''s finances

Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across Natural England Board and ARAC, Defra group and wider Government

As part of Defra group Finance\''s leadership team, provide insight into current and future service needs and advise the Defra Group Chief Financial Officer on financial matters affecting Natural England and the group

Work with Defra Strategic Finance to prepare Natural England for Fiscal Events and other central government commissions, ensuring Defra has evidence to engage with HM Treasury

Lead and develop a skilled Finance team with credibility at all levels; support the Finance Business Partner Leadership Team to deliver robust information and analysis to inform decision-making

Lead on financial reporting to the executive team, Board and ARAC; act as the interface between Natural England and Defra group on financial services and reporting

Lead Natural England in adhering to the principles of Managing Public Money, ensuring robust standards of compliance and assurance

Ensure the Accounting Officer\''s position is considered in relevant decisions; support the Defra group Finance Director of Operations and the NAO to ensure ARandA are laid promptly

Collaborate with Natural England\''s Chief Officer, Business Management and Director, Planning and Performance and Defra Deputy Directors to align policies and processes across the Defra group and Natural England

Lead on the finance relationship with Natural England Board, ARAC and NAO engagement; provide support to the CEO and Chairman at Public Accounts Committee sessions if required

With the Natural England Finance Business Partnering Leadership Team, co-lead funding and headcount/FTE/workforce cost allocations, business planning, and performance framework

Develop and implement improvements in financial management, awareness and reporting; seek opportunities to deliver better value for money within Natural England

Disability ConfidentAbout Disability Confident: A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered. For more details please go to.

#J-18808-Ljbffr