Commercial Finance Analyst

Job summary

We are excited to announce that we are currently seeking a part qualified/qualified Commercial Finance Analyst to join our Commercial Finance team at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The Commercial Finance team is a small team with a big remit. Our team plays a crucial role operating across critical commercial projects and procurement activities, providing colleagues with financial guidance and support across the entire life cycle of commercial contracts.

As a team, we are responsible for providing financial support to major procurements, projects and post contract award activities, which can include Open Book analysis, supplier viability analysis, payment modelling, and financial Strategy development.

The Commercial Finance Analyst will primarily focus on financial modelling and analysis, supporting different workstreams within the Commercial Finance team, including Health, Employment and Estates.

Job description

Tell me more about the position

This is an exciting opportunity to join DWP Commercial Directorate as an SEO Commercial Finance Analyst. Working as part of the Commercial Finance team, you will support commercial colleagues across procurement activity and the in-life management of contracts by providing financial analysis, insight and challenge.

Our team supports more than £11 billion of public sector contracts and plays an important role across the commercial lifecycle. This includes contributing to the design of payment methodologies for new procurements, supporting financial evaluation strategies, contributing to contract negotiations, and providing ongoing financial support during mobilisation and live delivery. Through this work, the team helps to strengthen financial oversight and support value for money across departmental programmes.

DWP is a large and complex organisation, and the role offers exposure to a broad range of senior stakeholders across Commercial, Operations and Policy. You will be expected to build effective working relationships, provide evidence-based analysis to support decision-making, and contribute to the wider development of commercial finance across DWP.

The role offers the opportunity to work on high-profile and business-critical activity, while developing your professional expertise within a supportive and collaborative team environment.

Career Development & Learning

DWP is committed to helping you grow. You will join a team made up of colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds, bringing together different experiences, skills and perspectives.

You will have access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities from the outset, including a guaranteed five days of learning each year, alongside opportunities to develop your technical capability and broader professional skills.

As part of DWP Finance, you will be working in an organisation that plays a central role in delivering the Government’s welfare and economic objectives. The role therefore offers strong opportunities for professional development, supported by access to coaching, mentoring and collaborative working across the wider finance and commercial community.

Person specification

The role and responsibilities for this position include, but are not restricted to:

Financial Modelling

You will be working in a small team of modellers and accountants, supporting the standardised and robust approach to commercial financial modelling activities across DWP’s major programmes. This is likely to include:

• Should Cost Models: Supporting decisions on delivery options, including whether services should be delivered in-house or outsourced and estimating the likely cost of external provision.
• Pricing and Cost Models: Supporting the evaluation of supplier bids, including working with large and complex datasets to assess pricing structures and financial implications.
• Payment Methodology and Design: Working with commercial and operational colleagues to design fair and effective payment mechanisms that support value for money, manage risk and incentivise successful outcomes.
• Model Testing Regimes: Contributing to the design and operation of testing regimes to ensure models are robust, transparent and capable of withstanding internal and external scrutiny.

Analysis

Our work contributes directly to contract award decisions and can have a significant impact on departmental funding requirements. We assess the financial aspects of suppliers’ offers before and during contract delivery to support value for money across our programmes and reduce the risk of disruption to critical public services. You will apply strong analytical skills and curiosity to investigate complex issues and deliver insightful analysis in support of our programmes. This is likely to include:

• Financial Insight and Recommendations: Investigating complex issues, delivering insightful analysis, and developing evidence-based recommendations to support senior stakeholders and commercial decisions.
• Bid Evaluation Support: Building and using large databases, including those containing millions of data items, to enable rapid analysis within challenging timescales and support the financial evaluation process.
• Scenario analysis: Designing and running what-if scenarios to assess the impact of contractual changes, supplier profitability and regulatory developments.
• Presentation of analysis: Presenting analysis clearly and confidently to stakeholders, going beyond the numbers to deliver a compelling narrative that supports board-level decision-making.

The post holders will report to one of the Grade 7 Senior Commercial Finance Analysts supporting the Commercial Categories and to deliver its key objectives.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

The application process will involve uploading a CV and personal statement. To be successful, you must demonstrate your experience matching ALL the Essential Skills listed below. Further information under ‘Application process’.

What do we need to see from you?

To be successful in joining DWP Commercial Finance you should be able to demonstrate the following Essential Criteria as part of our application process:

• Financial Modelling: Demonstrable capability in solving problems through Excel-based modelling, including scoping, designing and developing new models.
• Data Analysis: Experience of producing bespoke analysis and turning complex data into clear, actionable insight and delivering a compelling narrative in a project or programme environment.
• Continuous Improvement: Experience of identifying, developing and embedding improved ways of working to enhance the service provided to stakeholders.
• Collaborative Working: Experience of working effectively across diverse stakeholder groups, using strong communication and influencing skills to manage and constructively challenge expectations.
• Communication: Experience of presenting financial and commercial analysis clearly and engagingly to support stakeholder understanding and informed decision-making.

Qualifications

Professional Qualification Requirement
This role is open to CCAB / CIMA qualified accountants or part-qualified accountants who are still studying. Please note the higher rate of pay is only available upon full qualification.

Memberships

Eligibility criteria for qualified accountants:

You must hold a full chartered level professional qualification awarded by a UK-recognised accountancy body: CIMA, ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA, ICAS or Chartered Accountants Ireland. Your membership of one of these institutes must be up to date and live on the day you submit your application. If you are invited to interview, you will be asked to provide evidence of both your qualification status and your membership being current on the date you applied.

Please note that membership of AAT or other technician level qualifications does not satisfy the qualification criteria for this role. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualification criteria, you should confirm with our recruitment team before proceeding with your application.

If you hold a chartered level accountancy qualification with an overseas body, you will not be eligible to apply for this role. However, most of the UK-recognised accountancy bodies operate reciprocal agreements and pathways programmes which allow people with overseas qualifications to apply for membership. We would recommend pursuing this if you are interested in a career in UK government finance. You would then be eligible to apply for our future vacancies, once your membership became active.

Eligibility criteria for part-qualified accountants:

You must be studying for a qualification with a UK-recognised accountancy body: CIMA, ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA, ICAS or Chartered Accountants Ireland. You must have passed (or been awarded an exemption from) a minimum of 8 exams so far, and your last exam sitting must have been within 12 months from the date you submit your application. Your student membership of your institute must be up to date and active on the day you submit your application. If you are invited to interview, you will be asked to provide evidence of both your exam passes/exemptions to date and your membership being active on the date you applied for the role.

Please note that membership of AAT or other technician level qualifications does not satisfy the part-qualification criteria for this role. If you are unsure whether you meet the part-qualification criteria, you should confirm with our recruitment team before proceeding with your application. If you are successful in applying for the role, you will be expected to complete your studies and become a fully qualified accountant within a reasonable timeframe. If, ultimately, you do not achieve full qualification with your institute, you may in future be moved into a different role that does not require a professional finance qualification.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £44,447, Department for Work and Pensions contributes £12,876 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

Pay, benefits and culture

Our team loves the ability to balance their life and their work, with flexible hours, flex-friendly, hybrid working (some time in the office, some time at home) and lots more. Flexi-time policy means that at those times when you might need to work longer to get the job done, you build up flexi-credits that you can use to start later or finish earlier or take extra days off.

Our teams are friendly and supportive – the work we do is important, but your life, health and happiness come first.

In return for your skills, we offer an attractive Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97% to a defined benefit scheme, and a generous leave package of 25 days, rising to 30 days over time.

We also have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:

• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Volunteering and charitable giving
• Discounts and savings on shopping, fun days out and more
• Interest-free loans to buy a bike or a season ticket, so it’s even easier for you to get to work and start making a difference
• Sports and social activities
• Learning and development, including coaching, mentoring, progression opportunities and guaranteed 5-days formal learning per year
• And lots more

Location

You’ll join us in one of our brilliant DWP hub locations of Birmingham,Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle or Sheffield.

Applicants should apply for suitable posts where they can travel to and from their home office location daily within a reasonable time.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. Relocation costs will not be reimbursed.

HASSRA

DWP colleagues will have the opportunity to join HASSRA, a vibrant and successful organisation that provides a first-class programme of competitions, activities and benefits for its members (subscription payable monthly). It also has an important part to play in helping us achieve a healthy work-life balance and wellbeing in the workplace.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

As part of the application process you will be asked to complete:

• Provide personal information on the application form.
• Enter your Curriculum Vitae (CV) in the space provided, including education, professional qualifications, and full employment history, giving details of key achievements, including details of the work and projects that you have been involved in
• Complete a personal statement (maximum of 1,250 words) which should demonstrate how you meet ALL the ESSENTIAL CRITERIA as set out in the job description.

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Stage 1 Assessment - Sift:

At sift, we will assess your application by using your CV and personal statement only. To be successful, you must demonstrate your experience matching ALL of the Essential Skills listed in the job advert above.

Applications will be sifted and scored based on the information supplied in both your CV and personal statement and entered as one overall score within the results.

Stage 2 Assessment - Interview:

If you are successful at the sift stage, you will be invited to a video interview using MS Teams, where you shall be assessed on your relevant experience against the essential criteria mentioned above.

Candidates invited to interview, will be expected to deliver a 5-minute presentation to the interview panel during the interview. The presentation will be a maximum of 5 minutes plus up to 5 minutes for questions. Slides will be allowed, and the topic of the presentation will be given to those invited to interview ahead of the interview being held.

Indicative Timeline:

Please note that the following dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change. If you are unable to meet these time frames, please let us know in your application.

• Application Closing Date 19th July
• Sifting Panel: week commencing 20th July
• Final Panel Interviews: W/C 5th August through to the 21st August

Further Information​

At the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) we value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including those that are underrepresented in our workforce.

Find out more about working for DWP on the DWP Careers Hub.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made.

If you are placed on a reserve list but we cannot immediately offer you a post, please note:

• If you are later offered the role you applied for, in a location you have expressed a preference for, and you decline the offer or are unable to take up the post within a reasonable timeframe you will be withdrawn from the campaign and removed from the reserve list, other than in exceptional circumstances (e.g. a contractual Part Time Working Pattern cannot be accommodated in the initial role offered or in cases of serious ill health).
• If DWP makes an offer of an alternative role or location to that which you originally applied for, and you decline that offer, you will be able to remain on the reserve list.

Disability Confident Scheme

If high application volumes are received, the benchmark for candidates to proceed to the next stage may be raised. In line with our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS), we aim to advance all candidates applying under the DCS who meet the minimum standard. However, we may only progress those candidates who best meet the required standards.

Reasonable Adjustments

We consider visible and non-visible disabilities, neurodiversity or learning differences, chronic medical conditions, or mental ill health. Examples include dyslexia, epilepsy, autism, chronic fatigue, or schizophrenia.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should contact the Government Recruitment Service via DWPRecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the “Reasonable Adjustments” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

Integrity, plagiarism and Civil Service Principles

The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles.

Please ensure that all examples provided in your application are taken directly from your own experience and that you describe the examples in your own words.

Examples of plagiarism can include:

• Presenting the work, ideas and experience of others as your own
• Copying content or answers from an online or published source that is not your own

Disclosure and Barring Service and Internal Fraud Database Checks

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.

However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check will be carried out.

Important

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

Before applying for this vacancy, current employees of DWP should check whether a successful application would result in changes to their terms & conditions of employment, e.g. mobility, pay, allowances. If you are a current employee and are successful you must be able to be released from your current post within four weeks.

Those on protected TUPE/ COSoP terms and conditions applying on promotion or voluntary permanent level move will adopt DWP’s Terms and Conditions and this may have a different impact on pay and allowances. Please review this prior to acceptance of a role.

Civil Servants that would transfer into DWP from other government organisations, following successful application, will assume DWP's terms & conditions of employment current on the day they are posted, unless DWP has stated otherwise in writing. Accepting a post will be taken to mean acceptance of revised terms & conditions.

Civil Servants applying on promotion will usually be appointed to the salary minimum or within 10% of existing salary.

Any move to DWP 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 the Childcare Choices Website.

Postings

Successful candidates will be posted to a specific role and will have the opportunity to express a preference as part of the selection process, although final decisions may come down to business need, and the skills and development needs of candidates. Standard promotion rules will apply, and successful candidates will be placed on the pay scale and terms and conditions of DWP.

The role available will be based in:

• Birmingham - 3 Arena Central, Bridge Street, Birmingham B1 2AX
• Blackpool - Peel Park, Brunel Way, Blackpool FY4 5ES
• Leeds - Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7UA
• Manchester - 2 St Peter’s Square, Manchester, M2 3AA
• Newcastle - Benton Park View, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE98 1BA
• Sheffield - Hartshead Square, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S1 2FD

Some travel may be required, but individuals’ circumstances will be considered.

Places for Growth and Social Mobility

As part of the governments Places for Growth Programme, we are committed to delivering a more geographically diverse Civil and Public Service that will better serve the public and ministers. As part of this initiative, we are continuously reviewing how we recruit into each location listed.

Hybrid working

This job role may be suitable for hybrid working, which is where an employee works part of the week in their DWP office and part of the week from home.

This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and your office will be your contractual place of work. The number of days that anyone will be able to work at home will be determined primarily by business need, but personal circumstances and other relevant circumstances will also be considered.

If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for you, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.

Pay for this role is from £44,447 to £54,772. Our offer to successful candidates will be based on an assessment of your skills and experience as demonstrated at interview.

Existing Civil Servants who secure a new role on lateral transfer should maintain their current salary.

Existing Civil Servants who gain promotion may move to the bottom of the grade pay scale or 10% increase in salary whichever would be the greater.

Feedback

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

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)
• 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)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

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

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Steven Wilson
• Email : Steven.Wilson5@dwp.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : dwprecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact DWP by email: HR.BUSINESSASSURANCE@DWP.GOV.UK.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission. Click here to visit the Civil Service Commission.

Attachments

DWP Terms and Conditions January 2024 Opens in new window (docx, 17kB)Success-Profiles-Candidate-Overview Opens in new window (pdf, 635kB)