SENIOR FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT – SEO x 2

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; Leeds; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK government department is seeking a Senior Financial Accountant to provide technical accounting advice and oversee financial reporting processes. The ideal candidate will lead a team, ensure compliance with financial standards, and liaise with internal and external auditors. Strong knowledge of public sector accounting practices is essential. This role plays a key part in supporting capital project reporting and financial control.

Qualifications

• Experience in financial accounting and reporting.
• Knowledge of Financial Reporting Manual and international accounting standards.
• Ability to liaise with auditors and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical accounting advice on financial reporting requirements.
• Assist with monthly accounting processes and reconciliations.
• Prepare annual financial statements and liaise with auditors.

Job description

DEFRA is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.

Defra group has a unique operating model delivering corporate services centrally to the core department and four Arms Length Bodies – Environment Agency, Rural Payments Agency, Natural England, and the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Assets Under Construction (AUC Team)

These roles are all about being the bridge between project managers and finance, ensuring capital projects are accounted for with precision. You'll be diving into the detail, identifying adjustments, and making sure everything aligns for smooth asset capitalisation.

Your role will be supporting the delivery of an efficient, effective and high-quality professional service meeting all financial reporting requirements. You will be involved with delivering core financial controls, providing technical accounting advice and supporting the production of annual report and accounts for one of Defra’s bodies.

You will be responsible for:

• Provision of technical accounting advice: Being subject matter experts on the requirements of the Financial Reporting Manual and the application of accounting standards.
• Assist with the monthly accounting process, reviewing reconciliations throughout the year to maintain financial control.
• Preparing the interim and year-end financial statements ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, public sector accounting requirements (HM Government Financial Reporting Manual (FReM)) and International Financial Reporting Standards.
• Liaising with internal and external auditors and developing a plan for finance staff to meet the requirements of the National Audit Office.

The SEO Senior Financial Accountant is expected to:

• Lead and coach team members.
• Carry out line manager duties.
• Work with stakeholders to identify and solve issues and identify better ways of working.
• Develop and update guidance and training packages for members of the CFA team.