Head of Financial Control, Governance and Accounts

Genomics England successfully led the world-leading 100,000 Genomes Project, which compared and analysed individuals’ genetic codes to help diagnose, treat and prevent illness.

We're now accelerating our impact, working with the NHS to further develop and embed genomic healthcare and research in Britain.  Our next chapter involves working with patients, doctors, scientists, government and industry to improve genomic testing, and help researchers access the health data and technology they need to make new medical discoveries and create more effective, targeted medicines for everybody.

As Head of Financial Control, Governance and Accounts, you will work with the Director of Finance, the Head of Finance Business Partnering, our three FBPs and our Finance Assistant to manage Genomics England’s c£140m annual budget.

In this exciting role you will be part of a small but dynamic finance team.  Together you will be responsible for the full breadth of finance work for the company, with this role focused on financial processes and controls to enable the company to discharge both its statutory and accounting officer responsibilities taken from its shareholder, the Department of Health and Social Care, and it’s statutory responsibilities as a private limited company.

The Head of Financial Control, Governance and Accounts will engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders across the company and beyond, including DHSC and the GEL Audit and Risk committee.

What are your responsibilities?

• Lead the financial accounting, the production of the company’s statutory Annual Report and Financial Statements including the implementation of new IFRS standards.  In addition to produce quarterly accounting returns for consolidation into the DHSC accounts and to adhere to public sector accounting requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement through our financial and operational processes, with an immediate focus on identifying and implementing enhancements to our FMS/financial management system, Access Financials.
• Responsibility for the accuracy of company’s Statement of Financial Position (SoFP/Balance Sheet) through in-depth knowledge of its assets & liabilities, risk assessment, ensuring robust processes are in place to provide assurance to the Board.
• Lead on cyclical HM-Treasury reporting requirements, including cash forecasting.
• Manage the company’s banking and tax positions along with supplier payments.  This will include overseeing HMRC/Tax Compliance including VAT and PAYE, Corporation Tax, and R&D Tax Credits, through working closely with both our internal and external stakeholders e.g. HR and Pension providers.
• Manage and assure the application of key company financial controls and best practises to ensure the integrity of day-to-day processes and results reporting.  Working with the Company Secretary and the Commercial Procurement team to minimising the risk of fraud, and to ensure key strands of company governance such as insurance are in place.
• Support the relationship with company auditors and Audit and Risk Committee, in particular when accounts and control issues are on the agenda.
• Effective leadership of the Accounts function and continued shared responsibility for building and maintaining a diverse and high performing finance team.

Essential Criteria - you must be able to demonstrate success in all the following essential areas:

• Hold a professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, CCAB, CIMA or equivalent).
• A high level of technical competence across a broad range of financial disciplines, ensuring strong financial control and assurance to support the company to discharge their financial duties;
• Proven ability to lead financial activity with a strong track record of achievement; and
• The professional and personal credibility to operate as a senior leader, building relationships with and generating confidence in key executives and stakeholders.

• Current ACA, ACCA, CCAB, CIMA or equivalent accreditation.

Originally conceived as a project, Genomics England has transformed to meet the long-term opportunities created by our scientific breakthroughs in understanding the Human Genome. Being part of this journey is a reward in itself, however we're pleased to offer our colleagues a great benefits package including:

• competitive salary
• 30 days holiday
• generous pension scheme
• individual learning budgets for every colleague
• a raft of other benefits

Talk to our Talent Team and find out how a career with Genomics England will benefit you.

As part of our recruitment process, all successful candidates are subject to a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.  We therefore require applicants to disclose any previous offences at point of application, as some unspent convictions may mean we are unable to proceed with your application due to the nature of our work in healthcare.