Head of Financial Accounting

This position is to lead the Financial Accounting Team of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). This specialist team sits at the heart of Finance. The team is responsible for the integrity of the finance systems, statutory reporting and managing the balance sheet including fixed assets.

This is a key position offering an opportunity to shape how the team operates and influence its future direction. Applicants must be CCAB, CIMA qualified (or equivalent) with an excellent track record of delivery in large and complex organisations. You will enjoy collaborating and working with a broad range of stakeholders.

DVSA is a large, complex government organisation responsible for road safety. It operates across Great Britain generating annual income of around £450m and employing c4,600 people.

The Head of Financial Accounting is responsible for ensuring effective financial stewardship of DVSA. This includes compliance with financial standards and best practice, delivery of the Annual Report and Accounts, managing the annual audit and delivering an unqualified audit opinion.

The position directly leads a team of 5 colleagues, also providing influence and direction to the whole of the Finance department on matters of financial accounting. It provides expertise in financial accounting and has exposure to senior leaders as well as external stakeholders. The position works with managers and leaders across the Agency supporting front-line delivery and decision making.

The main duties and responsibilities of the role include, but are not limited to:

• Contributing to the achievement of the DVSA strategy by ensuring that the organisation has robust systems of internal control, is financially sustainable meeting its financial objectives while realising value for money.
• Provide assurance to the Accounting Officer as to the propriety and regularity of all income and expenditure, assets, liabilities and reserves and ensure the accuracy and integrity of DVSA’s financial accounts and accounting procedures.
• Production of accurate and timely financial reporting including the published Annual Report and Accounts.

You will be a fully qualified CCAB, CIMA Accountant (or equivalent) with excellent knowledge and experience of financial accounting. You will have great communicating and influencing skills and able to deliver complex finance messages to a broad range of stakeholders. You will have extensive experience of working with statutory reporting frameworks (such as UK GAAP, IFRS etc.) and delivering Annual Report and Accounts, or equivalent. You are proactive with a strong record of delivery. You will have experience of leading financial activities in a large and complex organisation. You will have the confidence and enthusiasm to make a real impact within their team driving those around you to achieve the same shared objectives.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) helps keep Britain moving, safely and sustainably. They do this by helping people through a lifetime of safe and sustainable journeys, helping them keep their vehicles safe to drive, and protecting them from unsafe drivers and vehicles. They’re working hard to:

• make roads safer
• improve services for their customers
• make road transport greener and healthier
• harness the potential of technology and data
• grow and level up the economy

An environment with flexible working options where they encourage a great work-life balance. Generous Annual Leave - 25 days holiday, increasing by 1 each year of service, up to 30. 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday. Latest IT and Tech devices. A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity with a range of staff communities to support all their colleagues. Excellent learning and development tailored to your role including paid apprenticeships up to Masters level. Wide range of discounts schemes on high street names. Employee assistance programme for health and wellbeing. Cycle to work scheme and Gym membership offers.

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for the DVSA, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.