Head of Royal Finances

The Royal Household; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 57,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious governmental organization seeks a Head of Royal Finances to oversee the Sovereign Grant and lead financial projects. This unique role involves regular engagement with senior government officials and managing a small team. The ideal candidate will have experience in policy development, provide high-quality advice, and engage with senior leaders. The position offers a competitive salary range of £57,670 to £64,500 and various benefits including flexible working arrangements and a generous pension scheme.

Benefits

25 days annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years

Access to a Defined Benefit pension scheme

Flexible working patterns

Qualifications

• Experience engaging with senior officials and government processes.
• Ability to provide high-quality advice to Treasury Ministers.
• Proven capacity to manage a team effectively.

Responsibilities

• Engage with policy recommendations on Royal Finances.
• Provide advice to Treasury Ministers on financial matters.
• Lead on the review of the Sovereign Grant.

Skills

Building and maintaining networks

Identifying key issues and trade-offs

Performance in challenging circumstances

Job description

Location

Darlington (Feethams House)

About the Team

Treasury Officer of Accounts Team plays a central role in the UK's public spending framework. As custodians of Managing Public Money and managers of the relationship with Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, we support the delivery of ministers' objectives while ensuring the expectations of Parliament on the use of public money are respected. We get involved in a wide range of policy issues, including many of the most sensitive and high‑profile decisions taken across government. We work closely with seniors in Treasury and other departments and act as a source of counsel for Permanent Secretaries across government. We also have oversight of royal finance issues, including working closely with the Royal Household on the management of the Sovereign Grant, and act as shareholder for The Crown Estate.

About the Job

As Head of Royal Finances, you will lead the branch responsible for overseeing the policy and administration of the Sovereign Grant, the Duchies of Cornwall and Lancaster, and the financial arrangements of the Royal Household, as well as acting as shareholder and sponsor to The Crown Estate. This is an exciting, varied and unique role – you will have regular engagement with senior officials across government, The Crown Estate, and the Royal Household, as well as regular ministerial engagement. The role would suit someone who wants to get to grips with a unique policy area and is looking to gain experience with developing and taking primary legislation through Parliament. The postholder will have the opportunity to play a vital role in the upcoming review of the Sovereign Grant Act 2011 and lead a small Bill Team to develop and take legislation through Parliament! As such, travel to London will be necessary during key parliamentary stages of the Bill.

Responsibilities

• Engage with and shape policy recommendations concerning matters relating to Royal Finances.
• Provide clear, timely and high‑quality advice to Treasury Ministers on Royal Finance related matters, including how The Crown Estate can support delivery of wider government objectives.
• Work with Number 10 regarding the appointment of senior leaders for The Crown Estate.
• Lead on the review of the Sovereign Grant and act as the Bill Manager for the Sovereign Grant Bill.
• Lead on projects relating to the implementation of modernisation measures included in the Crown Estate Act 2025.
• Manage a small team to deliver Royal Finance Branch objectives.

About You

We're looking for people who have the right set of skills for the role, who are able to build and maintain a network of colleagues and contacts as well as being able to identify key issues and trade‑offs within a project or proposal. We will also need you to maintain your own levels of performance in challenging circumstances and encourage others to do the same.

Salary & Contract

Salary: £57,670 – £64,500. If the successful candidate is a current Civil Servant joining on level transfer, HM Treasury will honour their current substantive salary if higher.
Contract Type: FTA of 9 months, 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King's birthday (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant). Additionally, we operate flexitime systems, allowing employees to take up to an additional 2 days off each month.
Flexible working patterns (part‑time, job‑share, condensed hours).
Generous parental and adoption leave packages.
Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions of 28%.
Access to a cycle‑to‑work salary sacrifice scheme and season ticket advances.
A range of active staff networks, based around interests (e.g. analysts, music society, sports and social club) and diversity.