Location
Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, London, Salford
About the job
The Integrated Corporate Services (ICS) is a new shared corporate service, launched in July 2023. It provides corporate services (HR, Finance, Digital, Commercial, Security and Estates) across the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT). Our team of just over 300 professionals will be leading the way in how these functions will be delivered in the future. Our ambition is to be the leading provider of integrated corporate services for government and set the standard for quality, efficiency, and innovation in our field.
We offer great working benefits including a world‑class pension, flexible working options and a career where your learning and development is taken seriously. We are enormously proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We support candidates with adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Information about disability confidence and just some examples of the adjustments that you can request can be found in the reasonable adjustment section below. The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.
Job description
The Role and Our Team
The Matrix Programme is a transformation initiative involving 7 Government Departments (listed at the end). It is a unique cross‑government collaboration that will unlock simpler, better, and more joined up working by bringing together the systems, processes, and ways of working for key government functions.
Over the coming months we’ll be preparing to roll out Neo, our powerful new HR and Finance technology and service for the Matrix cluster – driving a more modern, digital government. The first Departments will go live in June 2026. Neo is a cloud‑based system, powered by Workday that will replace legacy HR and finance technology and offline processes across multiple Government Departments and associated Arm’s‑Length Bodies (ALBs). Designed to streamline administrative activities and promote intuitive self‑service, Neo is enabling time back to focus on what we value the most – serving the public. Moreover, Neo’s adoption means we are harnessing the power of shared technology at scale. This unified way of working delivers better, more accurate data – eliminating errors, creating one trusted source of truth and accurate reporting. Neo is more than just a new system; it’s enabling us to be data‑led, to work smarter, respond faster and deliver services that truly meet the needs of the public.
The Neo Centre Office (NCO) is the strategic service management function for the Neo Service. Hosted within Integrated Corporate Services (ICS), its purpose is to monitor, direct, and advise on the delivery of the Neo service, ensuring it operates efficiently and meets performance expectations. It provides central oversight, enabling consistent service quality, timely issue resolution, and continuous improvement. By acting as a governance and coordination hub, the function ensures alignment with strategic objectives, fosters stakeholder confidence, and supports the seamless delivery of Neo across all relevant departments.
The Departments forming the Matrix Programme include Cabinet Office (CO), Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT), Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), Department for Business and Trade (DBT), Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), Department for Education (DfE) and His Majesty’s Treasury (HMT).
This role leads financial and risk management of the NCO and Neo services. Accountable for financial management and reporting, cost allocation and recharging, and assuring risk management across the cluster.
Whilst the NCO will be hosted within Integrated Corporate Services (ICS), some roles are temporarily aligned to the programme (hosted within Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT) until all departments are fully onboarded). Whilst the NCO will have employees hosted across both IIS and DSIT, it operates as one unified team and plays a vital role within the IIS organisation.
We envisage further job opportunities being available in the near future and we reserve the right to draw applicants from available merit lists.
Person specification
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and implement the financial strategy for the NCO, ensuring alignment with broader cluster objectives and effective end‑to‑end financial planning across shared services, including UKSBS and other suppliers.
* Drive clarity and consistency in cost modelling, user volumes, and financial accountability, and working collaboratively to ensure joined‑up planning and cost management across the supplier landscape. Support: monitoring and reporting of efficiencies as they relate to the Neo programme, ensuring financial benefits are tracked and risks to delivery are proactively managed.
* Lead the financial management of the Neo service.
* Develop and update the charging strategy and cost model for allocation of service costs, shaping the future funding for the service and seeking approval for investment in Neo services for UKSBS or other internal/external providers.
* Manage the cost allocation, budgeting and invoicing for the cluster and oversee the development and management of financial reporting and performance reporting for departments (as sponsors) and all customers, including ALBs.
* Oversee financial planning and forecasting to support cost‑effective operations and informed decision‑making across the NCO and Neo Services.
* Develop robust financial forecasts and scenario modelling and contribute directly to the Spending Review process by providing accurate, timely financial insights and aligning forecasts with strategic priorities and funding requirements.
* Ensure robust financial controls policies and procedures are in place to maintain financial discipline and accountability.
* Define and maintain the risk and controls environment and the underlying framework components including policies and standards aligned with regulations and best practice.
* Lead the development of the internal and external audit and compliance processes, framework, policies and procedures and conduct and support internal and external audits for Neo services.
* Ensure the cluster adheres to regulatory and governance requirements related to financial and risk management.
* As a line manager, define objectives, manage development and performance of staff members.
Essential criteria
* Professional Qualifications: Finance qualified with CCAB, CIMA or equivalent.
* Substantial senior experience in risk management or a relevant risk management qualification such as the IRM Certificate or Diploma in Enterprise Risk Management.
* Comprehensive understanding of financial governance, strategic risk management and assurance frameworks, with capability to lead integrated finance and risk functions across complex programmes and supplier landscapes.
* Proven track record in managing financial controls and risk frameworks in a complex, multi‑stakeholder environment.
* Background in strategic finance, including benefits realisation and value for money assessment.
* Stakeholder engagement and communication skills, being able to explain financial topics in simple terms.
* Strong analytical and financial modelling skills.
* Strategic thinking, ability to synthesise financial and risk data to influence decision‑making.
* Proficiency in using financial software and reporting tools.
* Ability to manage ambiguity and lead through change.
* Customer centricity and service centred mindset.
Desirable criteria
* Experience with shared services and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and financial integration projects.
* Exposure to commercial supplier oversight.
Qualifications
Finance qualified with CCAB, CIMA or equivalent.
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Managing a Quality Service
* Communicating and Influencing
* Making Effective Decisions
* Delivering at Pace
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