SEO Financial Analyst

Location

This role is available on a remote, hybrid, or office basis.

Initially, all DBS employees' contracts are office-based at one of our two sites (Liverpool and Darlington). Employees can apply for remote or hybrid work from day one. If approved, the arrangement will start after six months for transfers from Home Office or after completing probation for new joiners. Requests will be considered based on business needs and role requirements. Informal hybrid working arrangements are also available from day one, subject to business needs and role requirements and will be discussed further following any job offer.

About the job

Job summary

About the Department:

DBS was established under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 on 1 December 2012, working from two sites, which are Liverpool and Darlington. We operate on behalf of government delivering Disclosure functions in England, Wales, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man, and Barring functions for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. We function within a framework of legal and regulatory requirements and that includes work with a range of external organisations including other government departments, regulators, and trade bodies.

We provide a service that enables organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors to make better informed, safer recruitment and other decisions. We do this by providing information to enable them to determine whether individuals are unsuitable or unable to undertake certain work, particularly with occupations involving regular contact with vulnerable groups, including children.

Our Strategy:

Our current Strategy sets out our purpose, vision, and the impacts we want to achieve. Our strategy was co-created with our staff and has been supported by insight from our various partners, and throughout, you will find our ambitions to be achieved. Everything that we do within DBS, from developing our strategic intent, to the day-to-day operational delivery of our services, is underpinned by constant considerations of safeguarding, quality, sustainability, value for money, and diversity and inclusion. Our strategic objectives aim to enhance our effectiveness, influence, and customer satisfaction while fostering a supportive environment for everyone.

Equality, Diversion, and Inclusion at DBS

DBS is committed to fostering an environment that values individual differences and ensures fair treatment to unlock the full potential of staff and better support customers. Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are core to driving organisational success and we have developed specific equality objectives for DBS.

Every decision and activity will be considered through an EDI lens, aiming to build an inclusive culture, improve policies and practices, gain external assurances, and become a leading voice of good practice in EDI.

Job description

Job Purpose:

The Financial Partnering, Planning and Analysis team (FPP&A) is critical in supporting the medium-term financial planning and financial strategy of the organisation.

As a Financial Analyst your role will be to provide high-quality financial planning, reporting and analytical support to the Financial Planning & Analysis Lead, assisting in the delivery of budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, product costing and business planning activities, whilst ensuring financial information is accurate, timely and supports effective decision-making across the organisation.

Corporate Duties:

Support the Finance Planning & Analysis Lead in coordinating the annual budget setting process, ensuring budget templates are issued, completed, and returned in line with agreed timescales.

Assist in the preparation and consolidation of budget, forecast and medium-term financial planning information, ensuring accuracy, completeness and consistency across directorates.

Produce routine financial reports, analysis and management information to support reporting requirements for Executive Team, Board, Committees and other stakeholders.

Support the compilation of monthly management accounts and forecast submissions by working closely with Finance Business Partners and reviewing submissions for completeness and accuracy.

Maintain reporting schedules and timetables, monitoring progress and following up with stakeholders to ensure deadlines are achieved.

Assist with the collection, validation and analysis of financial and operational data to support strategic decision-making and business planning activities.

Contribute to the annual product costing and fee review process by collating financial data, maintaining costing models and supporting the preparation of associated documentation and business cases.

Support the identification and implementation of process improvements within financial planning and reporting activities, documenting procedures and assisting with testing of new systems or processes.

Assist in the preparation of information required for internal and external audits, ensuring supporting documentation is complete, accurate and readily available.

Support year-end activities, including the preparation of working papers and schedules required for statutory accounts and Annual Report and Accounts production.

Monitor key financial performance indicators and investigate variances, preparing commentary and analysis for review by senior finance colleagues.

Maintain financial records, process documentation and reporting guidance to ensure compliance with corporate policies and financial regulations.

Deputise for the Financial Planning & Analysis Lead when required.

Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role and/or grade.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

Ability:

Ability to communicate complex financial matters, including to a non-financial audience
Proven ability to build effective relationships with colleagues across the organisation and other stakeholders
Excellent attention to detail, analytical and problem-solving skills
Effective communicator in person, in writing and in electronic media
Ability to work flexibly and respond positively to changing business needs

Experience:

Good people leadership and management skills
Experience and knowledge of Finance systems, processes, and control environments

Technical:

Must be a part or fully qualified member of a CCAB accounting body or CIMA or making progress towards the achievement of this

Desirable Criteria

Experience:

Experienced operating in a regulatory agency or non-departmental public body (NDPB)
Good knowledge of latest accounting standards (IFRS experience and FreM knowledge preferred)

Qualifications

Must be a part or fully qualified member of a CCAB accounting body or CIMA or making progress towards the achievement of this.

Memberships

Must hold an active membership with a recognised CCAB accountancy body or CIMA.

Behaviours

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

Making Effective Decisions
Communicating and Influencing
Delivering at Pace
Working Together

For more information and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button below.