SENIOR FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT – SEO x 2

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK government department is looking for an SEO Senior Financial Accountant to bridge project managers and finance. Responsibilities include providing technical accounting advice, preparing financial statements, and overseeing audits. The ideal candidate will lead and coach a team while ensuring compliance with accounting standards and legislation. Strong experience in financial reporting is required.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in technical accounting and financial reporting.
• Ability to liaise with internal and external auditors.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical accounting advice on Financial Reporting Manual.
• Assist with the monthly accounting process and review reconciliations.
• Prepare interim and year-end financial statements ensuring compliance.
• Liaise with auditors and develop plans for finance staff.

Job description

DEFRA is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our food and farming industry, and sustaining a rural economy. Our broad remit means we influence daily life, from the food we eat to the air we breathe and water we drink.

The Defra group operates through a unique 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)

This role acts as a bridge between project managers and finance, ensuring capital projects are accurately accounted for. You will focus on detail, identify adjustments, and ensure proper asset capitalisation.

You will support the delivery of efficient, high-quality financial services, meet reporting requirements, deliver core financial controls, provide technical accounting advice, and assist in preparing annual reports and accounts for one of Defra’s bodies.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing technical accounting advice on the Financial Reporting Manual and accounting standards.
• Assisting with monthly accounting processes and reconciliations to maintain controls.
• Preparing interim and year-end financial statements in compliance with legislation, FReM, and IFRS.
• Liaising with auditors and developing plans to meet NAO requirements.

The SEO Senior Financial Accountant is expected to:

• Lead and coach team members.
• Perform line management duties.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to resolve issues and improve processes.
• Develop and update guidance and training for the CFA team.