At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial transactions and ensure accurate reporting for DCMS' covid loan book.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at the heart of DCMS finance operations.
- Benefits: Opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement and high performance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial management and influence future departmental direction.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in large finance teams and strong Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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.
Primary Responsibilities
- 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, focused on continuous improvement.
Person Specification
- 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.
- 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.
Behaviours
- Leadership
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
Technical Skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process.
Senior Financial Accountant - Loans and ALBs in Manchester employer: Department for Culture, Media and Sport
As a Senior Financial Accountant within the DCMS, you will be part of a dynamic and supportive team that prioritises professional growth and development. Our work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing you to influence the financial direction of the Department while enjoying the benefits of a smaller team environment. Located in a central hub, we offer competitive benefits and the unique opportunity to engage with high-profile projects, making your role both meaningful and rewarding.
Contact Details:
Department for Culture, Media and Sport 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 with DCMS. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you land that Senior Financial Accountant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of IFRS 9 and the FReM. We want you to be able to discuss these topics confidently, showing that you're not just a numbers person but also a strategic thinker who can influence the department's future.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your teamwork skills! In a smaller finance team like FACT, collaboration is key. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively with others to achieve common goals, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. 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 experiences that match the Senior Financial Accountant role. Highlight your qualifications, especially your CCAB or CIMA status, and any relevant experience in financial accounting or auditing.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team at StudySmarter. Mention specific experiences that relate to managing accounting transactions and working with financial systems.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role requires excellent communication, make sure to demonstrate your ability to explain complex ideas clearly in both your CV and cover letter. We want to see how you can convey financial information effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Culture, Media and Sport
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Financial Accountant, you'll need to be on top of your game with financial data. Brush up on the specifics of the DCMS covid loan book and be ready to discuss how you would manage accounting transactions. Familiarise yourself with the Expected Credit Loss models and be prepared to explain your approach to accurate forecasting.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
This role requires excellent communication skills, so practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. Think about examples where you've successfully communicated with different stakeholders, like the National Audit Office or your own team, and be ready to share those stories during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
The Finance team is relatively small, which means collaboration is key. Prepare examples of how you've worked effectively in a team, especially in fast-paced environments. Highlight any experiences where you've shared knowledge or supported colleagues to build resilience within the team.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that assess your technical skills, particularly around IFRS 9 and financial systems. Brush up on relevant accounting standards and be ready to discuss your experience with financial systems and advanced Excel functions. Showing confidence in your technical abilities will set you apart.
