View Vacancy – CPK – Head of Finance and Performance C4(L) (Open in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou)

The Department for International Trade (DIT) embraces and values diversity in all forms. We welcome and pride ourselves on the positive impact diversity has on the work we do, and we promote equality of opportunity throughout the organisation. DIT China would value applications from people from the widest possible diversity of background, culture, experience and gender. 

Context

This is an exciting time to join the Department for International Trade (DIT). Our aim is to promote British trade and investment across the world which is vital for the prosperity of the UK. DIT brings together policy, promotion and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment in markets across the world to help businesses succeed. This is a great opportunity to be part of an international team that contributes to the success of the UK’s trade goals.

DIT operates in 108 countries. Establishing new relationships around the globe, DIT promotes British trade to ensure the UK takes advantage of the huge opportunities open to us, securing and improving economic well-being, stability, and helping to create tens of thousands of jobs. DIT has one of the largest representations of the 18 government departments working in China, which are coordinated and led by Her Majesty’s Ambassador who is responsible for the UK’s relationship with China. Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) is responsible for Trade and Investment work in China, one of nine global regions and the largest DIT overseas network in the world. With c.190 staff across six posts – Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Wuhan – DIT, as part of the UK government network in China offers a fast-paced place to work at the heart of UK-China Government relations.

Main Purpose of Job

This is an exciting and demanding role for an exceptional individual to be the Head of Finance & Performance. Working closely with colleagues as part of the Corporate Operations Directorate, you will play a key role in supporting all DIT China teams across our six locations achieve our organisational objectives, which are to:

1. Support UK businesses to grow internationally in a sustainable way.
2. Ensure the UK remains a leading destination for international investment and maintains its number one position for international investment stock in Europe.
3. Open markets, building a trade framework with new and existing partners which is free and fair.
4. Use trade and investment to underpin the government’s agenda for a Global Britain and its ambitions for prosperity, stability and security worldwide.
5. Build DIT as an effective international economic department where our people are expert, enterprising, engaged and inclusive.

The Corporate Operations directorates includes a number of cross-cutting responsibilities supporting sector teams to work efficiently and effectively, including Operations (People, Learning & Development, Finance and Business Performance), Strategy, and Marketing & Communications.

 As Head of Finance & Performance, you will be working within the Operations strand of the Directorate, reporting to the D6 Head of Operations.

 Roles and responsibilities:

The Head of Finance & Performance has a critical role in supporting all teams deliver value for money in the pursuit of our objectives, utilise budgets effectively to deliver outcomes and ensure tight financial controls when spending public funds.  

The job holder will be responsible for the day-to-day management of DIT China’s financial records and management of budgets and spend, with key responsibility for timely maintenance of budget, forecasts and expenditure records.

In addition, the role will have lead responsibility on the preparation of monthly management information, covering financial and business performance data, to be discussed by the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) at regular DIT China Boards.

To be successful in this role, the job holder will need to collaborate with budget holders (both Directors and team leads), and in particular work closely with colleagues in Hong Kong to develop a regional understanding of finance and performance matters.

The job holder will also need to maintain and actively engage with a number of key stakeholders, including DIT teams across the network, the DIT China SLT, FCO finance teams (within China, Regional Hubs and the UK) and DIT London (HQ) teams.

The job holder will also have an important role in sharing expertise and building capability across the organisation, supporting better financial understanding and management amongst all teams.

Specific responsibilities will include:

Financial Planning, Management and Reporting (50%)

• Day to day management of DIT China’s overall delegated budget, with the aim of delivering 0% overspend and any underspend within 1% of budget, ensuring compliance with relevant HMG Guidance, including maintenance and profiling of forecasts in the financial systems and ensuring spend is recorded accurately
• Supporting on business planning and budget setting at the start of the financial year to allocate limited financial resources most effectively
• Preparation of monthly financial report showing budgets, forecast and spend for inclusion in the management information pack discussed by SLT at monthly Trade Performance Boards, along with relevant analysis and recommendations to manage risk effectively

Performance Management and Reporting (20%)

• Preparation of performance reports including progress against stated export, investment and trade policy objectives (as set out in the Regional Trade Plan) for inclusion in the monthly management information packs to support effective decision making
• Working closely with the Strategy team, keep informed of new developments and approaches to performance management, supporting the introduction of changes across the China network
• Supporting teams as part of the annual business planning process set challenging performance objectives

Building Capability and Expertise (20%)

• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date knowledge of the Embassy accounting system and financial systems, including on financial management, cash management and procurement
• Support all teams in the DIT China network effectively manage financial resources and achieve value for money through proactively sharing information and best practice, and providing sound financial advice and help troubleshoot complex financial issues.
• Create an effective virtual team to enable effective communication, knowledge sharing and collaboration – sharing information and expertise across both internal (China wide and UK HQ) and external networks.

Corporate Contribution (10%)

• Provide support where necessary in delivery of the wider objectives of the Corporate Operations and DIT China team, including on cross-cutting issues
• Promote and contribute to the China business plan and network values, actively and constructively participating in Post activities
• Commit to continual learning of self and team, making full use of on the job opportunities to deepen and develop own financial expertise and knowledge and understanding of the UK/China business environment, as well as formal training for skills and personal competences most relevant to the job.

Resources managed:

Although there is no direct budget managed, the role supports the management and oversight of a ~£10m delegated budget for the China region (China and Hong Kong). The role is also responsible for advising on overall value for money of proposed spend and approving minor purchases from time to time.

There are currently no direct reports.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including written and verbal presentation and communication skills
• Ability to work across teams and stakeholders based across multiple locations
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills
• Good IT skills and familiarity with MS Office applications