Assistant Director Strategic Finance

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport, providing multiple statutory functions as flag, port and coastal State and delivering international obligations for search and rescue, environmental protection and responding to major maritime incidents. The Finance function is a key enabler for the Agency to ensure we can deliver against this remit.

As part of the Directorate of Finance and Transformation, Strategic Finance is responsible for managing the medium-term financial plans of the Agency and ensuring that its c. £500m total budget is deployed in an efficient and value for money way.

The MCA implements the government’s maritime safety policy in the United Kingdom and works to prevent the loss of life and occurrence of pollution on the coast and at sea.   

Safer lives. Safer Ships. Cleaner Seas.   

Our vision is to be a world-leading organisation, accelerating the transition to sustainable shipping with non-negotiable safety standards. We put our people, our customers and our planet at the heart of everything we do.  

We are committed to giving all our colleagues purpose, professionalism and pride in what we do. We work in supportive, diverse and inclusive teams.

We want everyone to feel valued and supported to achieve their potential at MCA.

This culture of inclusion is underpinned by our staff networks groups covering, Women’s, LGBTQI+, Race, Carers, Mental Wellbeing, Veterans Network and volunteer Respect Ambassadors.

Job Description

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Transformation, this role provides strategic focus and oversight of the MCA finances, ensuring robust budget control is in place and value for money is obtained.

As a key member of the Senior Management Team within the Finance and Transformation Directorate, the role provides effective and inspiring leadership to the Finance Business Partnering and Strategy & Planning teams, fostering a high performing culture through continuous improvement.

Your main duties will include but will not be limited to:

• Ensure the Agency has a robust Medium-Term Financial Plan, for both Resource and Capital budgets, which is underpinned by a strong understanding of key cost drivers and is aligned to the strategic direction of the organisation.
• Provide strategic advice and analysis on financial impact, performance and risk to senior stakeholders and, through this, contribute to the strategic direction of wider business areas.
• Lead the Business Partner team to ensure effective support and advice to the business and effective engagement with other key stakeholders.
• Build and maintain key relationships with senior stakeholders, in particular developing trust and rapport, to influence and challenge decision making.
• Effectively manage strategic finance risks, ensuring that issues are identified, actioned, escalated, managed and mitigated as appropriate.
  
  

Please view the attached Role Profile for an in depth view of the post.

Person specification

• Qualified CCAB/ CIMA with significant post-qualification experience.
• Significant relevant experience in a senior financial management or financial strategy role.
• Track record of business improvement.
• Highly developed interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Proven track record of delivering organisational change.
  
  

For more information please see the attached Role Profile.

Additional Information

Whilst we welcome applications from candidates seeking part time/flexible working hours, there will be a business requirement for candidates to work a minimum of 30 hours per week.

This role will be based in the Southampton HQ (or relevant office).  MCA supports flexible working and operates a hybrid working model between home and office for this role, giving you greater flexibility over where and when you work.  

The expectation is that you will spend a minimum 60% of your working time based at your principal workplace or out on official business. Details of the arrangement will be discussed further with your line manager. 

Please take note that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) are currently unable to offer Skilled Worker Sponsorship.

Qualifications

Qualified CCAB/ CIMA with significant post-qualification experience.

Behaviours

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service
• Seeing the Big Picture
  
  

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £67,313, Maritime and Coastguard Agency contributes £19,500 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits. We offer generous annual leave, attractive pension options, flexible working, inclusive working environments and much more to support a healthy work/life balance. 

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