10151 - Senior Finance Manager (Assurance & Controls), Judicial Office

General Information

Salary £49,325 - £53,081 Working Pattern Full Time Vacancy Approach External Location London Region London Closing Date 13-Oct-2025 Post Type Permanent Civil Service Grade SEO Number of jobs available 1 Reserve List 12 Months Job ID 10151

Descriptions & Requirements

Job description Role title:
Senior Finance Manager (Assurance & Controls )
Team/Directorate:
BST Finance – Corporate Services
Overview of the Judicial Office
The Judicial Office (JO) reports to, and is accountable, to the Lady Chief Justice (LCJ). It was established in 2006 to provide support to the LCJ and to the wider judiciary in upholding the rule of law and in delivering justice impartially, speedily and efficiently, following the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. 
In addition, we support, and are accountable to, the Senior President of Tribunals, whose responsibilities extend to Scotland and Northern Ireland. 
The JO is an interesting and unique place to work. Everything we do is in support of upholding the independence and impartiality of the judiciary. We work closely with HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and others across Government as well as with the legal professions. 
We are an Arm’s Length Body sponsored by the Ministry of Justice. This creates an interesting and complex environment in which to work where we agree our priorities with the senior judiciary and receive our funding to deliver them from the Ministry of Justice. The Judicial Office has been through a period of significant growth resulting from an expansion of our remit and responsibilities.See JO staff talk about working here: https://design102.wistia.com/medias/uhgtmbtnlv
Overview of the team
Overview of Business Support Team.
The Business Support Team sits at the centre of the Judicial Office with a broad corporate portfolio that includes responsibility for the departmental budget. 
The team is led by the Chief of Staff and provides a wide range of support, advice, assurance and services for Judicial Office staff and to the Judicial Office Management Board. This includes accommodation, health & safety, people survey, staff engagement, business continuity, learning & development, people services, risk management, financial planning and budget management & forecasting. The team also work closely with specialist teams in the wider Ministry of Justice and Whitehall.
The growth of the Judicial Office has resulted in a larger and more complex budget and the Finance Team is lead by a qualified finance professional. 
Hybrid Working Requirement
This position is eligible for hybrid working (current minimum requirement for time spent at base location is 60%, which is subject to business requirements).
Summary of the role
The role is responsible for building strong relationships and understanding your business area, supporting the business at an appropriate level. Communicating financial advice, challenge and support. Ensuring that financial reporting is accurately completed both within corporate reporting systems and for input of accounting entries to support decision making.
Responsibilities include
Leading/coaching a team of 2 Finance Manager and an assistant finance manager. Overseeing the production of timely & accurate reports. Improving efficiencies, & standardising directorate reporting.
Provide clear and robust strategic financial advice to JO stakeholders to ensure that the complete view of accounts is up to date. Working closely with the JO Directorates to ensure month end deadlines are met and variance analysis has relevant commentary and clear explanation of the risks, pressures or opportunities.
Promote strong working relationships both within the Finance team, corporate services, JO Directorate and MOJ.
Coordinate responses to MOJ/JOMB commissions in yearly financial planning, and three-year view, completing templates 
Strong understanding of Government processes and assurance. Identifying spending controls/thresholds in MOJ financial control framework. Review spend categories which override and require HMT approvalMonthly forecasting, ensuring the latest information is captured in Hyperion the primary budget system. Completion of Monthly Returns into MOJ 
Provide advice & support to JO staff on financial controls, completion of business cases, also navigate Commercial controls
Develop And embed approach to counterfraud
Responsibilities,Activities & Duties:
Managing a team of three, ensuring the accuracy of the management accounts, and the production of timely & accurate reports into JO Management Board and MOJ.
Coordinate month end reporting ensuring & validating commentary. Variance analysis across the FTE/Paybill and Directorates staying in the allowable 1% threshold spend.
Manage the budget & monthly forecasting to ensure that Hyperion (finance system) is relevant.
Capturing the latest Risks/Pressures and Opportunities
Regular meetings with Finance contacts within the JO Directorates to improve the quality of reporting.
Work with Finance BP & Commercial Lead on Financial Planning & Budget Allocation. Building transparency in JO Directorate costs and consolidating this into the JO Financial plan. 
Coordination of responses to Commission in MOJ/ Policy templates to tight deadlines
Work with Finance BP & Commercial lead to conduct budget analysis that inform advice & assurance to the Chief Exec
Quality assurance. Ensure compliance of MOJ Financial control framework & processes thresholds & exemptions. Apply this effectively to the JO, reviewing internal processes & systems with approval spending limits to have an audit trail.
Provide advice and support to JO staff on financial controls, processes, business cases and navigating financial controls 
Provide budget data for Quarterly Finance meeting with MOJ
FTE/Paybill oversee the Forecast and work closely with the People team
Review & update Finance user guide, and associated internet pages.
Support other financial areas to build capacity & understanding
Provide operational support to the business on counter fraud matters
Oversee the training and development of the JO Finance team
Essential Knowledge, Experience and Skills
Breadth of finance experience in Government incl month end reporting, & finance systems.
Have managed/lead a team
Ability to communicate effectively with other Internal teams & stakeholders, and at different levels of seniority with Finance and non-Finance people
Good Organisation & Planning skills, must meet deadlines
Good excel skills in user friendly Report
Positive energy in motivating the team and supporting their training/ development needs.
Desirable Knowledge, Experience and Skills Self-starter, and highly motivated Able to work independently to get the job done.
Part qualified/ finalist (CIMA/CCAB/ACCA) would be good and/or looking to study towards a relevant finance qualification
Behaviours (for Recruitment/Success Profiles):
Leadership (lead)Communicating & InfluencingMaking effective DecisionsDelivering at pace
Assessment process at application CV Required 
Statement of suitability (500 words)
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on the application form 
LeadershipCommunicating and influencing
Assessment process at interview
Behaviour and strength Questions and technical skills
Examples of managing a team, as well as Business partnering
Finance Functional Framework. In year Financial Management.
Security clearance required: CTC
Please note: Central Government policy dictates that applicants for National Security Clearance must be a resident in the UK for these minimum periods:
- CTC - 3 years- SC - 5 years- DV - 10 years
Additional Information

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.

Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised role: all successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale.  This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) – See Map. All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity). 

For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location’s respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended).

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.

All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.

Flexible Working Hours

The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.

Benefits

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.

There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Pension

The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Training

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Networks

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Support

• A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
• Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
• For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

• To Transformative Business Services (0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk);
• To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
• To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

A Great Place to Work for Veterans

The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

Civil Service Nationality Rules

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.

Contact Information

Moj:

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 10151

Hmpps

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 10151

Job Description Attachment

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Application Form Stage Assessments

Behaviours A sift based on the lead behaviour, Leadership, may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift, where all behaviours will then be considered. Behaviours Application Form Question Word Limit 250 Leadership Communicating and Influencing Experience We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability Evidence of Experience CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability

Interview Stage Assessments

Interview Dates We anticipate that interviews expected to take place at the end of October. Behaviours Leadership Communicating and Influencing Making Effective Decisions Delivering at Pace Strengths Strengths will be assessed but these are not shared in advance. To learn more about Strengths and how they are assessed please click here. Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)You must ensure that any evidence submitted as part of your application, including your CV, statement of suitability and behaviour examples, are truthful and factually accurate. Please note that plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. Level of security checks required Counter Terrorism Check (CTC)