MCA, Finance, Kevin Knight - Department for Transport Careers

Finance Business Partner (SEO)

What is the most exciting part of your job?

Having the opportunity to support HM Coastguard through a significant period of transformation, and being able to provide Directors with in-depth analysis and insight to help drive effective decision-making.

What does your average working day look like?

The role obviously includes the usual finance related tasks, however the role also involves me sitting on a variety of HMCG Project Boards providing key Financial input to project decisions, as well as being a member of the HMCG Senior Management Board. In addition to this, I also get to work closely with a range of HMCG Stakeholders to support them as they write Business Cases for upcoming developments and provide finance training to HMCG Budget Holders. I also act as the single point of contact for HMCG to answer any finance-related queries.

What is your background and how has this helped you in your current role?

Previous experience in both Local Government and Private Industry. This mix has allowed me to bring a range of commercial business skills to the Coastguard Finance team, whilst still having experience and an understanding of how Government Finance works.

What kind of projects do you have coming up?

HMCG are about to commence a large programme of Capital works at the Dover Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, and I’ve been working closely with the Project team to help develop the financial case to support the work. For the last 9 months, I’ve also sat on the Project Board that oversaw the development and launch of the new digital HMCG Beacon Registry Database – this HMCG database contains vital information that assists our Search and Rescue teams when called upon.

Why did you choose the MCA?

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and HMCG in particular are undergoing a significant period of transformation as it seeks to keep pace with an ever changing socio-political landscape, continuous developments in technology, and changes in environmental conditions. Joining the MCA provided me with a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in this transformation.