Senior Financial Accountant

Security Industry Authority; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A government regulatory body in the UK is looking for a Senior Financial Accountant to join their team. In this role, you will manage key accounting processes and provide expert financial guidance to ensure compliance with public sector standards. Applicants should have a CCAB qualification and experience in public sector financial statements. The position offers a hybrid working model and comprehensive benefits, including a salary of £57,501, a generous pension scheme, and substantial annual leave.

Benefits

Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Access to training for qualifications

27.5 days annual leave increasing with service

Various discounts including Gymflex

Qualifications

• 3+ years post-qualification experience in accounting.
• Experience in preparing or auditing public sector financial statements.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead on accounting activities including financial statements.
• Provide guidance on complex financial matters.
• Collaborate with leaders to improve public safety.

Skills

Technical accounting knowledge

Excellent analytical skills

Strong Excel skills

Communication skills

Relationship management

Problem-solving skills

Education

Professional accountancy qualification (CCAB)

Job description

About the Security Industry Authority (SIA)

The SIA is an independent arm's length body (ALB) of the Home Office responsible for the regulation of private security across the United Kingdom. Its purpose is to protect the public by effectively regulating the private security industry and working with partners to raise sector standards. The organisation manages the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities and the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme.

Role Overview

As a Senior Financial Accountant, you will work closely with senior leaders, budget holders and external stakeholders to ensure robust financial control, accurate reporting and compliance with public sector financial standards. You will play a key role in shaping a resilient, forward‑looking finance function that underpins the SIA’s mission of improving public safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on key accounting activities including financial statements, month‑end and year‑end processes, balance sheet management, audit liaison and technical accounting advice.
• Provide expert guidance on complex financial matters, support financial planning and forecasting, and drive continuous improvement in financial processes and controls.
• Ensure robust financial control, accurate reporting and compliance with public sector financial standards.
• Collaborate with senior leaders, budget holders and external stakeholders to underpin the SIA’s mission of improving public safety.

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant professional accountancy qualification (qualified within a CCAB body) with a minimum of 3 years post‑qualification experience.
• Prior experience of the preparation and/or audit of Central Government or similar public sector financial statements.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, excellent analytical skills and proven confidence to influence and collaborate across teams.
• Strong Excel skills and commercial awareness, with a proven ability to deliver value for money.
• Excellent communication, relationship management and influencing skills.
• Ability to work independently, solve problems proactively and remain resilient and result‑oriented.

Desirable

• Previous experience of line management of other financial colleagues.
• Interest in the private security industry and/or public protection.

Salary & Benefits

• Annual salary of £57,501.
• £16,658 contribution to the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
• Welcoming and innovative work environment with continued support and development opportunities.
• Access to training for attainment of recognised qualifications.
• Flexible working arrangements with a hybrid model available.
• Annual leave: 27.5 days, rising by one day for every two years of service up to a maximum of 32.5 days.
• Various discounts, including Gymflex.
• Civil Service Pension Scheme – employee contribution 4.60%–7.35% and employer contribution 26.60%–30.30%.

Working Arrangements

Hybrid working may be available for this role; office attendance is required at Canary Wharf.

Nationality Requirements

• UK nationals
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries with 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)
• 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 with accrued right to work in the Civil Service

Equal Opportunity

The SIA is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals.

Application Process

To apply, submit a CV and a personal statement (≤500 words) outlining your suitability. Successful candidates will be invited to complete a numerical test, followed by a full assessment and interview.

Security Checks

All successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and baseline personnel security standard checks.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you need a reasonable adjustment to your application process, contact Government Recruitment Service at [e-mail] or indicate your needs in the “Additional Requirements” section of your application.