Government Finance Profession

Gateway Standards and Professional Expertise for SCS PB1

Gateway

The Grade 7 Gateway, plus:

• Has spent a minimum of two years in finance within a different business environment (e.g. OGD, Agency, wider public, voluntary or private sector).

Broader Experience Criteria

In addition to meeting the Gateway standard, Finance Professionals aspiring to SCS PB1 posts in Finance should have a track record of success across a range of sectors and/or disciplines, and ought to be able to demonstrate how their experiences, over the last five years, inside and outside of the Finance function have equipped them with the ability to:

• Be an effective and influential interface between board level management, the Finance community and the wider business;
• Identify areas where Finance can contribute to an organisation's aims and how to make this happen in the most effective manner;
• Articulate how effective performance management and improved finance skills will enhance the strategic and decision-making abilities of senior management teams and departmental boards.

Professional Expertise

Policy or Operational expertise as relevant and Grade 7 Finance Professional expertise, plus:

• Ability to design and implement governance frameworks and financial management structures and systems for a non-complex organisation.
• Has advanced practical skills in one or more area of management accounting and cost analysis, investment finance, treasury management, planning and budgeting and financial accounting. Is able to provide leadership to staff with expertise in the other areas.
• Plans the means of achieving business objectives by evaluating the options available, the inherent risks and identifying the resources required for delivery.
• Challenges and scrutinises the plans and actions of business leaders in complex situations contributing to future business strategies and ensuring management of risk and VfM and the requirements of regularity and propriety.
• Leads the application of wider business and understanding of Departmental systems, applications and processes to deliver identified management information efficiently and effectively.
• Leads a large team or directorate, delivering a substantial range of financial and management functions, employing effective leadership and delegation skills, and working collaboratively with stakeholders and colleagues within and outside the Department.
• Able to analyse, manage and present complex financial management information at senior management and board level.
• Has the ability to represent the organisation externally on key financial issues, incorporating analysis of financial service delivery and political risks to his or her evaluation of the entitity's position.