What we are here to do
We’re here to get the best out of taxpayers’ money. We secure it for the department; we help allocate it to priorities; we shape how it’s spent; we make payments; and we report on how it’s been used.
We strive to enable better decisions and help the department achieve its goals.
How we work
We’re a critical friend, a partner, an enabler, a leader, a holder-to-account and a deliverer of core functions.
Our people are our biggest asset and we want them to flourish. We value them and seek to grow their capabilities and wellbeing.
We are:
Connected
- We look outwards
- We join the dots
- We understand our stakeholders and their perspective
- We have a seat at the table
Curious
- We ask the difficult questions of ourselves and others
- We look for solutions
- We try new things
- We continually improve
Credible
- We’re a trusted and valued centre of expertise and advice
- We use our professional skills to make good things happen in a better way
Key Priorities – We support Ministers and work in partnership with the department to…
1. Secure the money
We work with HMT to secure, prioritise, plan and allocate funding, including at Spending Reviews and fiscal events.
2. Spend it wisely
As a critical friend, use our influence and insights to drive value for money, enable smart decisions and support the Accounting Officer.
3. Spend it well
Better forecasting, governance, communications and planning to manage actively and maximise use of our budgets.
4. Deliver finance fundamentals
Accounts, operations, counter fraud, estimates, spend data, proportionate controls: these are our license to operate.
Our Finance teams
The engine room of MHCLG Finance — keeping the department running smoothly.
The Financial Shared Services Division (FSSD) provides the core financial services that enable MHCLG colleagues to deliver programmes confidently and efficiently.
As the operational hub, the team manages:
- Payments and transactional processing
- Financial data quality and systems support
- General ledger structures, including updates, maintenance and improvements
- The creation and management of new cost codes and financial hierarchies
- Day‑to‑day operational finance controls
FSSD keeps the financial backbone strong and reliable — perfect for people who want to build foundational finance skills while supporting work that affects communities nationwide.
Insight, challenge and strategic support at the heart of MHCLG’s decisions.
Finance Business Partners (FBPs) work closely with policy and delivery teams, acting as trusted advisers who bring clarity, challenge and financial expertise to complex programmes. Their varied role includes:
- In‑year financial management — monitoring spend, improving forecasts and identifying risks
- Business planning — shaping future budgets and helping teams prioritise resources effectively
- Business case support and challenge — ensuring proposals are robust, evidence‑based and deliver value for money
FBPs are the key conduit between the business and central finance, making this a great home for people who enjoy collaboration, influence and real‑world impact.
Setting the standard for accuracy, compliance and financial integrity.
The Financial Reporting and Accounting Team (FRAT) oversees MHCLG’s technical accounting and statutory reporting.
This includes preparing the annual accounts, managing complex accounting issues and ensuring compliance with government and international standards.
It’s an excellent fit for those who value precision, assurance and maintaining the highest levels of public trust.
Driving strong, disciplined in‑year financial performance.
Budget Control manages MHCLG’s financial position throughout the year.
The team monitors spending, identifies pressures early, supports robust forecasting and ensures the department stays within its approved limits.
This area suits people who thrive on responsive analysis and financial stewardship.
Leading business planning and shaping MHCLG’s long‑term financial strategy.
Strategic Finance looks ahead — leading the department’s business‑planning process, working closely with HM Treasury, and designing the financial strategies that support future priorities and major national programmes.
It’s ideal for those who enjoy forward planning, scenario modelling and influencing long‑term investment decisions.
Providing financial insight and support where decisions are made.
Finance professionals can be found across MHCLG’s policy and business management teams, supporting budget holders and senior leaders to make informed decisions, manage resources effectively and deliver departmental priorities.
This includes specialist finance advisers who work directly within policy teams, providing financial advice and challenge on policy development, business cases, funding proposals and value for money considerations. Finance professionals also work within business management teams, helping budget holders manage budgets, improve forecasting, support workforce planning and monitor financial performance.
These roles offer the opportunity to work closely with stakeholders across the department, influence decision-making and develop a broad understanding of how government operates. They are well suited to those who enjoy collaboration, problem-solving and seeing the direct impact of their advice on outcomes.
Enabling the department to deliver safely while protecting public funds and public confidence
Counter Fraud professionals work across MHCLG and its arm’s length bodies to help prevent, detect and respond to fraud risks. The team enables the department to deliver safely by embedding fraud risk thinking into programme design and decision making, supporting teams to identify and manage their fraud risks, and intervening where risks to public money or public confidence are greatest.
The team provides practical advice, challenge and assurance to support informed decisions and strengthen resilience. This includes developing fraud risk assessments and control frameworks, using data and intelligence to provide insight, supporting targeted interventions where risks are escalating, and helping the department learn and improve from emerging issues.
Counter Fraud offers opportunities for people with backgrounds in investigation, intelligence, risk management, assurance, compliance, data analysis and operational delivery. It is a role for people who enjoy solving complex problems, influencing decisions and making a tangible contribution to safeguarding public funds and supporting the successful delivery of government priorities.