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- Tasks: Assist in preparing financial statements and provide technical accounting advice.
- Company: Join Defra, the UK government department focused on the environment and rural economy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension contributions, flexible working options, and tailored learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial reporting while supporting vital environmental initiatives.
- Qualifications: Part or fully qualified member of a CCAB Accountancy Institute or CIMA.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a strong focus on inclusion and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.
As part of Defra Corporate Services, finance delivers accounting and financial services across the Defra group. We are looking for someone to join the Environment Agency team, to assist with the preparation of Annual Report and Accounts (ARA), including related guidance and recommendations on accounting issues and the introduction of new standards. You will use your technical finance expertise to help deliver audited financial accounts to statutory deadlines.
This role helps to support the delivery of an efficient, effective and high-quality professional service meeting all financial reporting requirements. You will be involved with delivering core financial controls, providing technical accounting advice and supporting the production of the financial statements.
The Key Responsibilities Include:
- Assisting with the monthly accounting process, reviewing reconciliations throughout the year to maintain financial control.
- Preparing the interim and year-end financial statements, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, public sector accounting requirements, and International Financial Reporting Standards.
- Preparing and submitting the Prophix template that reports EA outturn to Defra group, including data that feeds through to the Whole of Government accounts, as well as other required reports and periodic returns.
- Provision of technical accounting advice, as subject matter experts on the requirements of the Financial Reporting Manual and the application of accounting standards.
- Liaising with external auditors, providing required audit evidence in order to meet the requirements set by the National Audit Office.
Person specification:
- Experience working in a financial accounting role, including the preparation of financial statements.
- Sound knowledge of the latest accounting standards, consolidated budgeting guidance, and ability to understand complex financial reporting issues.
- Proven ability to communicate matters to a non-financial audience.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders.
- Experience supporting the external audit process and experience of finance systems and processes.
Qualifications:
You will need to be either a part or fully qualified member of a CCAB Accountancy Institute or CIMA.
Behaviours:
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Working Together
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
Technical skills:
We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Knowledge of and experience applying International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
- Experience in preparing single entity and consolidated financial statements
- Experience using Microsoft Excel
Alongside your salary of £42,665, Defra contributes £12,360 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Learning and development tailored to your role
An environment with flexible working options
A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Senior Financial Accountant employer: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Contact Detail:
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Financial Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Defra on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). We want to show that we’re not just familiar with the standards, but that we can apply them in real-world scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since you’ll need to explain complex financial concepts to non-financial folks, let’s make sure we can break it down simply and clearly.
✨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 love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Financial Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description, like 'financial statements' and 'accounting standards', to show we’re on the same page.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how you’ve used them in real situations. Talk about your experience with IFRS or preparing financial statements to give us a clear picture of your expertise.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. This helps us understand your message without any confusion.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you 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, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial accounting knowledge, especially the latest International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Be ready to discuss how you've applied these standards in your previous roles, as this will show your technical expertise and understanding of complex financial reporting issues.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about preparing financial statements and your experience with external audits. Think of specific examples from your past work where you successfully navigated these processes, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll need to explain financial matters to non-financial audiences, practice simplifying complex concepts. Use clear, straightforward language during the interview to showcase your ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders.
✨Showcase Teamwork Skills
Highlight your interpersonal skills and experiences working collaboratively with others. Prepare examples that illustrate how you've built strong working relationships and contributed to team success, as this aligns with the 'Working Together' behaviour they're looking for.
