JOB SUMMARY

We are currently looking for a Deputy Director of Finance to join our Finance function within the Corporate group.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU. Occasional travel to our other office site in South Mimms, Hertfordshire will be required.
Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.
We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

WHAT’S THE ROLE?

The Deputy Director, Finance will lead the Finance function and provide high quality financial management support to the Executive Committee. They will provide financial leadership to the organisation, develop and maintain appropriate financial controls and ensure these are properly embedded, manage financial risk and ensure full compliance with HMT and public sector accounting requirements. They will be responsible for the production of the financial content of the Annual Report and Accounts and for managing external relationships, including the National Audit Office (NAO) and DHSC finance colleagues.
They will be a leader with proven strategic vision, a focus on delivering value for money and a strong commitment to developing talent and building financial capability across the organisation. They will also demonstrate commercial acumen and be capable of making a major contribution to the organisation’s strategic planning and to driving change.
The Deputy Director, Finance will attend the Agency’s Audit & Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC) and support the Chief Finance Officer and the Chair of ARAC in taking forward its agenda as a key sub-committee of the Board. They will also Chair the Resources Committee that monitors financial management during the year reporting upwards to the Executive Committee.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Deputy Director - Finance will have a strong track record of achievement in complex organisations and demonstrate a high level of technical competence across a broad range of financial disciplines combined with the ability to influence decision making at the highest levels.

• Lead the development of the financial control environment;
• Manage the key external relationships such as the NAO, DHSC finance, HMT etc;
• Supporting the Executive Committee in the effective financial management of the Agency;
• Work across the Agency to ensure budgets are effectively managed and adhered to;
• Provide leadership and management to a team of 40+ qualified and non-qualified finance professionals;
• Work across the Agency to support commercial and investment decisions;
• Responsible for ensuring that the Agency’s monthly management reports and the Annual Report & Accounts give an accurate picture of the Agency’s financial position

This campaign is being run by Allen Lane Recruitment on behalf of MHRA. To apply for this post, you will need to submit your application later than 9:00 on Monday 9th June 2025, providing the three documents outlined below and sending to MHRA@allenlane.co.uk.

• A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years;
• A Statement of Suitability (no longer 1,200 words) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the criteria and Success Profiles in the person specification.
• A Diversity Monitoring Form. If you do not wish to provide a declaration on any of the particular characteristics, you will have the option to select ‘prefer not to say’. All monitoring data will be treated in the strictest confidence and will not be provided to the selection panel. The information you provide when submitting your application will help us monitor our progress towards the Civil Service becoming the most inclusive employer. Click here to complete