RAF Finance Manager – Strategic Financial Planning

Are you a positive and proactive individual who is looking for an exciting role within a fast-paced function? If so, then we want you to join our inclusive Air Finance team at RAF High Wycombe!

The post sits within the consolidating, reporting, and planning team and supports the consolidation of the RAF’s ten-year financial plan. This role involves an exciting blend of both strategic and transactional activity as well as interaction with a wide variety of RAF staff and partners.

We can offer flexible working policies and a generous holiday entitlement in addition to a contributory pension scheme. When in the office, you will be based at Headquarters Air Command in the village of Walters Ash where you can access a gym, shop, and café. In time, we could offer development schemes including the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship to achieve or continue professional finance qualifications such as AAT, CIPFA, ACCA or CIMA.

For those regularly attending the office, we can provide an additional £2,000 pa (pro rata) recruitment and retention allowance as well as £3,000 pa for active members of a professional accounting organisation. 

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. 

Key responsibilities of this post include:

• Consolidate, analyse, and report the RAF’s ten-year infrastructure, equipment and operating forecasts including variance to budget.
• Manage team processes, timelines and planning to ensure delivery of reporting internally and to Ministry of Defence stakeholders.
• Liaise with business, finance and Ministry of Defence stakeholders to communicate, manage and report on financial planning tasks.
• Update financial systems to move budget between business areas.
• Scrutinise and implement formal changes to the equipment, infrastructure, or operating plans on the financial system.
• Support the quarterly reporting of the RAF’s progress towards efficiency targets.
• Consolidate and explain financial information to respond to regular requests for information from areas of the business.

It is essential that the successful applicant is able to:

• Build effective relationships and manage engagement across a wide range of both internal and external teams.
• Work flexibly in a fast-paced and constantly evolving environment.
• Communicate effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders, covering complex processes and financial information.
• Display strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Work confidently and effectively in Microsoft Excel.

It is desirable that the successful applicant has:

• Previous experience in a finance role.
• Knowledge of Ministry of Defence finance systems and processes.

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

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

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership

Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Flexible working
• Training and personal development opportunities
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• 25 days paid annual leave rising to 30 days on completion of 5 years’ service
• In addition to 8 public holidays per year you will also receive leave for HM The King’s birthday
• A highly competitive Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Subsidised membership to a fitness suite and lunchtime/evening Military led fitness classes
• Café and shop on site

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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Job contact :

• Name : David Browne
• Email : David.browne115@mod.gov.uk
• Telephone : 07792 514647

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk