Financial Accountant

British Transport Police; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A national police force in the UK is seeking a Financial Accountant who will play a vital role in maintaining financial integrity. You will manage the preparation of financial statements, collaborate with auditors, and provide technical accounting guidance. The ideal candidate will have experience in financial accounts and expertise in IFRS16 standards, ensuring accurate lease accounting. This position offers a blended working arrangement, with opportunities for professional development and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Family-friendly policies

Salary sacrifice options for cycles and gym membership

Development opportunities including funded apprenticeships

Excellent pension scheme

Qualifications

• Extensive experience within a financial accounts team or in an audit practice.
• Proven expertise in IFRS16 accounting standards.
• Sound understanding of delivering value-added financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the annual financial statements.
• Deliver ad-hoc reporting on financial issues.
• Execute the accounting close process accurately.

Skills

Strong technical accounting expertise

Ability to solve complex problems

Skilled in explaining financial matters

Education

Part/fully qualified CCAB member

Job description

Salary: £55,310.87
Contract Type: FTC - 12-month Maternity cover
Location: To be based at one of our main hubs London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Manchester, Leeds or Glasgow. Additional London Allowance of £4,613.61 payable to London based candidates only.
Type of Working Arrangement: Blended home and office, occasional travel to London required.
Hours: 37 hours per week

British Transport Police (BTP) is the national police force for the rail network throughout Great Britain. We are the ‘Guardians of the Railway’, putting passenger safety at the heart of what we do. Our values are: We Care, We Do the Right Thing, We Strive to Be Better Every Day, We Are One BTP, and We Are Proud to Protect. Join us and help create an environment where we can all be our best every day.

The Opportunity

Join BTP as a Financial Accountant and play a key role in shaping our financial integrity and performance. In this role, you’ll take ownership of preparing financial statements, quarterly accounts and ad‑hoc reports, ensuring our financial control environment remains robust and effective. You’ll collaborate closely with auditors, deliver clear and insightful reports to the Audit and Risk Committee, implement audit recommendations, and provide technical accounting expertise to both the finance team and wider business areas. You’ll lead on IFRS16 compliance for estates lease accounting, ensuring accurate reporting and supporting improvements in related processes across the organisation.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Prepare the annual financial statements.
• Deliver ad-hoc reporting on financial and technical issues.
• Use technical accounting knowledge to resolve technical accounting challenges.
• Execute the accounting close process, ensuring accurate and timely compilation of financial data.
• Prepare monthly journals and balance sheet reconciliations, focusing on fixed asset accounts.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors, preparing working papers and governance reports for the Audit and Risk Committee.
• Implement audit recommendations arising from internal and external reviews.
• Provide technical accounting advice across the finance team and wider business areas.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS16 estates lease accounting standards, including accurate recognition, measurement and reporting of all estates leases.
• Monitor and implement changes in lease accounting regulations, advising on their impact and supporting process improvements.
• Work with the Financial Systems team to develop and implement process improvements and strengthen financial controls.
• Monitor and report on compliance with financial control requirements.

Qualifications and Training

• Part/fully qualified member of one of the five Consultative Committees of Accounting Bodies (CCAB), e.g. ACCA, CIPFA, ICAEW, ICAI, or ICAS, or a European or International equivalent qualification.

Experience

• Extensive experience within a financial accounts team or in an audit practice.
• Sound understanding and proven experience of delivering value-added financial reporting and annual accounts preparation.
• Proven expertise in IFRS16 accounting standards, with expertise in lease and estates recognition, measurement, reporting and forecasting.

Skills

• Strong technical accounting expertise with the ability to solve complex problems.
• Skilled in explaining and reporting complex financial matters clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of financial reporting frameworks and compliance requirements.

Knowledge

• Good knowledge of accounting and budgeting frameworks, including IFRS.
• Communicate clearly, concisely and confidently at senior management level.

Additional Information

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong knowledge and practical experience in IFRS16 accounting standards, with expertise in lease and estates recognition, measurement, reporting and forecasting.

What We Offer

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days after 5 years.
• Family-friendly policies.
• Bespoke benefits platform and Blue Light Card access.
• Salary sacrifice options for cycles, home technology, gym membership and electric vehicles.
• Access to the Transport Benevolent Fund for health, welfare and financial support.
• Development opportunities, including fully funded apprenticeships.
• Excellent pension scheme: BTPGPP Police Staff Pension Scheme, administered by Royal London. Available to all police staff; defined contribution scheme; contributions range from 4.4% to 12% of salary. For more information, visit the Royal London dedicated page or email [e-mail]. Note: If you are an existing member of Police Staff in the RPS, your pension will not be affected.

Vetting

Successful applicants will be required to pass Management Vetting (5 years minimum UK residency required), including a full background and financial disclosure. For more information and top tips, please see attached document.

Medical

We’ll ask for relevant health and medical history details to support employee wellbeing.

References

We'll ask for references to cover the past 5 years.

How to Apply

Applications will be via an up-to-date CV and online application form, as part of this application please outline how your skills and experience demonstrate your suitability for the role. Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59pm, 18December2025.

Inclusion & Diversity

At BTP, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. We believe diversity drives innovation and better decision-making. Our roles are open to everyone, and we encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, women, LGBTQI+ individuals, people with disabilities and those who are neurodiverse. We operate a Disability Confident Scheme – all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria will be offered an interview.

Join Us

Grow your career with us. We can’t wait to hear from you! For further information, please contact our Resourcing Team at [e-mail].