Role Profile

Role Profile
Role Details
Role Title
Band(1-7)
Business unit
Reporting to
Date produced or updated
Finance Business Partner
4
Finance Business Partners
Senior Finance Business Partner
January 2015
Purpose of Role

To provide the business with timely and accurate management information so that effective
decisions can be taken in order for NS&I to achieve its Service Delivery Measures, continue
with the NS&I Think Ahead strategy and provide financial models to assist evaluation of
options and scenarios.
Key responsibilities
Broad knowledge of team functions and lead on mini projects

Have a broad knowledge of the finance business partner team to aid being able to cover
colleagues. This includes covering the Agency Report (which are the management accounts
of NS&I), Value Indicator calculations (financial calculations on funds worth over £110
billion), Net Financing (annual change in NS&I’s customers funds), product interest cost
calculations for HM Treasury and strategic financial planning (e.g. for Spending Reviews).

Work with other Finance Business Partners (“FBPs”) to review the above processes and
support the team in business improvement.

Lead on mini-projects applying the knowledge of the business.
Budget Management: Provide analytical support to NS&I to improve business performance
Support the Business to understand the impact of current business performance which includes:

Provide advice and support to Finance and Partnership Directorates on performance
management, budgeting and managing their Cost Centres by liaising with directors and
managers to understand plans.

During the year review accruals results for the directorate highlighting to managers any
issues. Review monthly costs and ensuring robust forecasts are provided.

Ensure appropriate controls exist in the directorate to ensure robust cost management e.g.
procurement process is followed, accruals are provided each month.

Ensure costs are complete and challenge (monthly and ad hoc) where opportunities exist for
more efficient use of resources.

Monitor Finance and Partnership cost centres’ performance.

Monthly reviews of forecasted costs ensuring robust forecasts are provided.
Role Profile - page 1

Support the directorate with their Corporate and Business Unit Scorecards.
Managing the reporting and financial analysis of the ATOS outsourcing contract financial
model

Manage the ATOS financial model and communicate the impact to the business.

Raise awareness of the implications of any changes to the forecast that will reflect in
performance management.

Use financial modelling techniques to develop and build tools to aid in decision making.

Raise awareness of any implications of any changes that will reflect in the contract/
additional payments.
Annual Budget Planning: Provide analytical support to NS&I on Budgeting and Costs

Liaise with directors and managers to understand plans which feed the strategic planning
process (SPP). Ensure budget requests are complete and challenge where opportunities
exist for more efficient use of resources.
Business critical financial models improvement

Work with other FBPs, Finance Directorate colleagues, business intelligence software
consultants and NS&I Corporate Applications team to implement improvements.

Have a detailed understanding of NS&I’s business critical financial models and the software
on which they run (Cognos) and be a lead within the FBP team.

Regularly review and monitor the inputs, calculations and outputs of the system, and make
recommendations for improvement in line with best practice.
Benefits Realisation Committee (BRC)
 Act as Secretary to the BRC and support it with any financial analysis as needed.
Provide support to NS&I Committees as required and provide ad hoc financial analysis.
Please note the Directorate and NS&I Committee the FBP will be responsible for is subject to
periodic review.
Relationships
Please list the jobs and areas with which the post interacts. This should show internal and
external relationships.
Internal

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NS&I Board and Senior Management
All NS&I Directorates
Benefits Realisation Committee
KPMG
Other committees as required
External
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ATOS Finance
ATOS Operations
HM Treasury
National Audit Office
Role Profile - page 2
Person specification
Essential qualifications, experience and technical knowledge

The role requires a qualified accountant (or equivalent) with experience in financial modelling
and analysis and/or business partnering.

Extensive post qualification experience

Experience of the Business Partnering framework.

Experience of planning and budgeting tools and managing/developing financial database
models is essential

Strong analytical skills, with experience of driving planning and performance management and
the ability to interpret complex commercial information through to supporting business
decision making

Experience of making recommendations and influencing people to deliver business goals,
whilst understanding compliance and risk implications in changing circumstances

Strong communication and reporting skills, with ability to communicate complex information to
senior management and non-finance colleagues across the business.

Strong computer skills with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel

Strong team player, able to build effective relationships with colleagues and key stakeholders.

Ability to multi-task and deliver to deadlines under pressure
Desirable qualifications, experience and technical knowledge

Banking or Financial Services experience

Experience of central government finance
Competencies and values
Please enter the relevant competency level that needs to be demonstrated in the role.
Descriptions of each competency and level are listed in the Competency Framework
Document. Please also provide an example of an activity which requires the role holder to
demonstrate the agreed level of competency required.
Communication

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Level
4
(1-5)
Explain complex information simply.
Recognise and plan to meet the communications needs of others.
Check peoples’ understanding by questioning and listening effectively and clarify ambiguities and
confusion.
Present the interests of my own work team/department passionately, persuasively and
constructively to others.
Customer focus
Level
3
Role Profile - page 3
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(1-5)
Evaluate the needs and interests of NS&I’s customers.
Contribute to decisions on service quality standards and the fair treatment of customers.
Monitor fair treatment for customers and seek opportunities to improve.
Seek feedback on the customer experience.
Engage in constructive dialogue with customers regarding their needs in the scope of my role
Achievement Orientation

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
3
Level
3
(1-5)
Encourage others to identify opportunities for improvement to processes and ways of working and
develop solutions.
Support and challenge others to cope with change and new working practices.
Seek a balance in time versus quality to ensure that change is delivered with pace and
confidence. Develop own capabilities in continuously improving business performance.
Leading Others

Level
(1-5)
Evaluate changes within NS&I’s operating environment including political, economic, industry,
legal and regulatory change and recommend action.
Evaluate the needs and interests of third parties to NS&I and recommend action.
Engage in positive and constructive dialogue with third parties regarding their needs and interests.
Seek feedback on the ongoing working relationship with third parties within scope of own role.
Apply entrepreneurial thinking in working with third parties within scope of own role.
Improving Business performance

3
(1-5)
Identify, understand and manage risks impacting on delivery and service levels.
Agree team and individual targets and establish clear accountabilities and responsibilities.
Monitor own and others’ plans and performance against targets, milestones and deadlines.
Take appropriate action to ensure on-time delivery of results, within budget and agreed service
levels.
Managing Third Party Relationships

Level
Level
2
(1-5)
Agree work objectives and performance standards with others, including cost, quality and on-time
delivery measures.
Support and challenge others to deliver against their personal and team work objectives.
Help people to see how their personal performance contributes to the company’s success.
Making Decisions
Level
3
(1-5)
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Demonstrate integrity and fairness in making decisions.
Use judgement to identify an appropriate course of action when handling incomplete facts.
Recognise new problems when they arise and identify when further investigation or assistance is
necessary. Review issues thoroughly to identify root causes.
Support and advise others in resolving problems and making decisions.
Level
3
Team working
(1-5)
 Contribute to cross functional decision making, problem solving and project work.
 Resolve differences and conflicts with other teams constructively and assertively.
 Develop own team working skills and behaviours.
Role Profile - page 4