At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial accounting for DCMS loans and manage complex financial transactions.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at the heart of DCMS financial operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement and high performance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategies and support cultural recovery initiatives.
- Qualifications: Qualified financial accountant with experience in large finance teams and advanced Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester
Job summary: This role is in the central Financial Accounting and Control Team (FACT). The team is the hub for all financial operational and control functions including treasury management, VAT, purchase to pay support and managing the relationship with DCMS’ shared services provider. In addition to being DCMS’ financial accounting Centre of Excellence, the team leads in the production of the consolidated accounts of the DCMS Group and manages the National Lottery Distribution Fund. The DCMS Finance team (of which FACT is an integral part) is relatively small and this provides opportunities for development not always found in a bigger department. Finance is high on the agenda and provides the opportunity to influence the direction of the Department for the future.
Job description: We are recruiting a team leader, reporting to the Head of Financial Control and Operations, your primary responsibilities are:
- Managing the accounting transactions for the DCMS covid loan book, made up of the Cultural Recovery Fund and the Sport Survival Package with an outstanding balance at 31 March 2025 of £327m.
- Updating the Expected Credit Loss models at Supplementary Estimate and year-end to ensure accurate forecasting and reporting.
- Working closely with the Loans Policy team to track repayments, defaults and working through any reprofiling requests.
- Liaising with the National Audit Office and ensuring all necessary documentation is available for audit.
- Reviewing the year-end data collection packs submitted by ALBs for the DCMS Group accounts to ensure these are complete, accurate and the submitted data passes all validations.
- Preparation, reviewing, sense checking and proofreading of final DCMS Group accounts, including commissioning other sections, challenge and review and collation into a single cohesive document.
- Working across the team to support other areas, share knowledge and build resilience in the team, supporting our vision as a high performing technical accounting Centre of Excellence, focussed on continuous improvement.
Person specification: The ideal candidate would have the following key skills and experience, please note that desirable skills will only be used in the event of tied candidates:
- Essential requirements:
- Qualified financial accountant (CCAB or CIMA) with demonstrable post qualifying experience in a large finance team.
- Experience of preparing (or auditing) accounts in conformity with relevant accounting standards.
- Experience of managing or using financial systems and advanced knowledge of Excel.
- Be an excellent communicator, able to explain complex ideas both verbally and written at all levels.
- Proven ability to work as part of a team delivering at pace in a fast-moving environment.
- Desirable Skills:
- External audit background.
- Experience of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments.
- Knowledge and experience of the FReM, Consolidated Budgeting Guidance (CBG), Managing Public Money and HM Treasury’s supply estimates manual.
Qualifications: Qualified financial accountant (CCAB or CIMA) with demonstrable post qualifying experience in a large finance team.
Behaviours: We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Leadership, Working Together, Communicating and Influencing.
Technical skills: We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: Accountancy.
Senior Financial Accountant - Loans and ALBs in Manchester employer: Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)
As a Senior Financial Accountant at DCMS in Manchester, you will be part of a dynamic and supportive team that prioritises professional growth and development. The relatively small size of the Finance team fosters a collaborative work culture where your contributions can directly influence the future direction of the Department. With a focus on continuous improvement and excellence in financial operations, this role offers a unique opportunity to engage with high-profile projects while enjoying the benefits of a fulfilling work-life balance.
Contact Details:
Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Financial Accountant - Loans and ALBs in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in or know about DCMS. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of financial regulations and accounting standards. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with managing loans and working with financial systems. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your teamwork skills! The job description highlights collaboration, so think of examples where you've worked effectively in a team. Share these stories during your interview to demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Financial Accountant - Loans and ALBs in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your qualifications as a financial accountant and any relevant experience with financial systems or accounting standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Senior Financial Accountant role. Share specific examples of your past work that align with the responsibilities listed, like managing loan books or preparing accounts.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role requires excellent communication, make sure your application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically to demonstrate your ability to explain complex ideas.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, you can ensure your application reaches us quickly and you’ll have access to all the latest updates about the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Financial Accountant, you'll need to be on top of your game with financial data. Brush up on key figures related to the DCMS covid loan book and be ready to discuss how you would manage and report on these effectively.
✨Master the Standards
Familiarise yourself with relevant accounting standards and frameworks like IFRS 9 and FReM. Be prepared to explain how you've applied these in your previous roles, as this will show your technical expertise and readiness for the position.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent communication is essential, practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. Think about examples where you've successfully communicated with different stakeholders, as this will demonstrate your ability to influence and lead.
✨Show Team Spirit
This role requires collaboration, so think of instances where you've worked effectively within a team. Be ready to share how you’ve supported colleagues and contributed to a high-performing environment, as this aligns with the department's vision.
