The Strategic Financial Planning Lead (Cost Optimisation) role plays a pivotal role in supporting HMRC's financial planning, supporting the Cost Optimisation of CDIO's operations, the development of cost reduction plans and in overseeing the automation of various reporting processes.

This position is responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of financial data, analysis, and insights, to inform strategic decision-making across the organisation. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership, finance teams, and stakeholders to drive financial transparency, accountability and operational excellence.

Person specification

Responsibilities

As the Strategic Financial Planning Lead (Cost Optimisation), you will be responsible for:

• Leading, managing and developing a diverse team of professionals, and wider CDIO Finance leadership.
• Leading on Staff Time Activity Recording (S.T.A.R) / Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), including overview of hosting and licences.
• Leading on Cost Optimisation approaches and embedding these in ways of working across the CDIO Finance function.
• Overseeing the development of a cost reduction programme (tracking agreed initiatives and leading on new projects).
• Lead on the Automation of both CDIO tools and wider HMRC activities.
• Maintaining ongoing lists of risks & opportunities (both performance impacting and other).

Essential Criteria

• Accountancy qualification (CCAB or equivalent).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong financial modelling abilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in a similar Cost Optimisation or analysis role.
• Knowledge of relevant financial software and tools.
• Exceptional interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Adaptability to change and comfortable working in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £54,439, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £14,698 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments. We welcome applications from those who need to work a more flexible arrangement and will agree to requests where possible, considering our operational and customer service needs.

We offer a generous leave allowance, starting at 25 days and increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days.

• Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues' Alpha pension equal to at least 27% of their salary.
• Family friendly policies.
• Personal support.
• Coaching and development.

To find out more about HMRC benefits and find out what it's really like to work for HMRC hear from our insiders or visit Thinking of joining the Civil Service