Financial Accountant in Cardiff

Job Overview

Join to apply for the Financial Accountant role at British Transport Police.

Key Details

• Salary: £55,310.87
• Contract type: FTC – 12‑month maternity cover
• Location: Base at one of the main hubs – London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Manchester, Leeds, or Glasgow. London allowance of £4,613.61 payable only to London‑based candidates.
• Hours: 37 hours per week. Blended home and office arrangement available; occasional travel to London required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare annual financial statements, quarterly accounts, and ad‑hoc reports.
• Lead IFRS 16 compliance for estates lease accounting and support related process improvements.
• Execute the close process, prepare monthly journals and balance‑sheet reconciliations, with a focus on fixed‑asset accounts.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors; prepare working papers and governance reports for the Audit & Risk Committee.
• Provide technical accounting advice across the finance team and wider business areas.
• Collaborate with the Financial Systems team to develop and implement process improvements and strengthen controls.
• Monitor and report on compliance with financial control requirements.

Qualifications & Experience

• Part or fully qualified member of one of the CCAB accounting bodies (ACCA, CIPFA, ICAEW, ICAI, ICAS) or an equivalent European or international qualification.
• Extensive experience within a financial accounts team or an audit practice.
• Proven ability to deliver value‑added financial reporting and annual accounts preparation.
• Expertise in IFRS 16 accounting standards and lease accounting.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong technical accounting expertise and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to explain complex financial matters clearly to non‑financial stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of financial reporting frameworks and compliance requirements.
• Good knowledge of accounting and budgeting frameworks, including IFRS.
• Excellent communication skills; confident at senior management level.

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days after five 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.
• Defined contribution pension scheme – the BTP GPP Police Staff Pension Scheme (managed by Royal London).

Vetting and Medical

Applicants must pass Management Vetting (minimum five years UK residency) and a full background and financial disclosure. Relevant medical information may be requested to support employee well‑being.

References

References covering the past five years will be required.

How to Apply

Submit a current CV and complete the online application, explaining how your skills and experience demonstrate your suitability. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm on 18 December 2025.

Inclusion & Diversity

British Transport Police welcomes applications from all backgrounds and promotes diversity. The Disability Confident Scheme provides interviews to candidates who declare a disability and meet essential criteria.

Contact

For more information, contact the Resourcing Team at RecruitmentTeam@btp.police.uk.