At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial accounting for DCMS' covid loan book and manage consolidated accounts.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at DCMS, influencing the future of finance.
- Benefits: Opportunities for development in a small, impactful finance team.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement and high performance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public finance while enhancing your skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified financial accountant with experience in large finance teams.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester
About the job
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 employer: Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)
As a Senior Financial Accountant at DCMS in Manchester, you will join a dynamic and supportive team that values professional growth and collaboration. With a focus on continuous improvement and a commitment to excellence, the role offers unique opportunities to influence financial operations within a small, high-performing department. Enjoy a work culture that prioritises employee development, alongside the chance to engage with significant financial projects that impact the future of the Department.
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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in or know about the DCMS. A friendly chat can lead to insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of financial systems and accounting standards. We want you to be able to discuss your experience with confidence, so practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your Excel skills! Be ready to demonstrate how you've used advanced functions in past roles. We love candidates who can handle data like a champ, especially when it comes to managing financial transactions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the finance sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Financial Accountant - Loans and ALBs
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 being an excellent communicator is key, ensure your written application is clear and concise. Avoid jargon and make complex ideas easy to understand, just like you would when explaining financial concepts to different audiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team!
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 numbers. Brush up on the key financial metrics relevant to the role, especially those related to loans and credit loss models. Be prepared to discuss how you would manage the DCMS covid loan book and any experience you have with similar financial instruments.
✨Master the Standards
Familiarise yourself with the relevant accounting standards, particularly IFRS 9 and FReM. During the interview, demonstrate your understanding of these frameworks and how they apply to the preparation and auditing of accounts. This will show that you’re not just qualified but also ready to hit the ground running.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to explain complex financial concepts to various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Use examples from your past experiences where you successfully communicated financial information to non-financial colleagues or clients.
✨Show Team Spirit
This role requires collaboration within a small team. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams before. Highlight your ability to support others and contribute to a high-performing environment, as this aligns with the department's vision of continuous improvement.
