At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial accounting, reporting, and tax compliance for a pioneering nuclear energy organisation.
- Company: Great British Energy - Nuclear, dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Inclusive workplace, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Join a critical mission to enhance the UK's energy security and achieve net-zero emissions.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with strong financial and tax compliance experience.
Great British Energy - Nuclear is an arm's length body of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, dedicated to supporting the development and deployment of new nuclear technologies in Great Britain. We play a crucial role in advancing nuclear new build, ensuring the UK's energy security and achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Great British Energy - Nuclear focuses on fostering innovation, facilitating investment, and coordinating efforts across the nuclear industry to build a resilient and sustainable energy future. This is an exciting and critical time to bring your experience and expertise to GBE-N.
The Senior Finance Accountant is responsible for delivering high-quality financial accounting, statutory reporting, and tax compliance across the organisation. The post holder will lead on tax-related matters, ensuring compliance with all relevant UK legislation (including Corporation Tax, VAT, and employment taxes), while supporting the wider financial control and reporting framework. The position plays a key role in maintaining robust governance, audit readiness, and regulatory compliance within a public sector environment.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities:
- Financial Accounting & Reporting: Lead the preparation of statutory accounts (both single entity and consolidated accounts) in accordance with IFRS. Ensure accurate and timely month-end and year-end close processes, including journals, reconciliations, and supporting schedules, reviewing work completed by Financial Accountant and other finance staff.
- Tax Compliance & Advisory (Specialism): Lead on all tax compliance activities, including: Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations and manage correspondence with tax authorities. Provide technical tax advice across the organisation, including VAT treatment of transactions and projects, Tax implications of new initiatives, contracts, or organisational changes.
- Control, Governance & Risk: Strengthen financial processes to reduce risk and improve audit outcomes. Support the development and implementation of accounting policies, including tax-related policies.
- Business Partnering & Stakeholder Engagement: Work collaboratively with finance colleagues, commercial, HR, and Integrated Project Team to ensure appropriate accounting and tax treatment. Provide clear, practical guidance to non-finance stakeholders on financial and tax matters.
- Process Improvement: Support system implementation and optimisation (e.g., finance systems, tax reporting tools). Enhance documentation and audit trails to ensure transparency and efficiency.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience required:
Essential: Strong experience in financial accounting and statutory reporting. Demonstrable experience in UK tax compliance (VAT essential; Corporation Tax desirable). Experience working in a regulated or public sector environment is advantageous. Proven track record of working with auditors and managing audit processes. Experience of producing monthly and analysed financial accounts and reports. Collaborative and proactive approach to working with stakeholders. Strong sense of accountability and ownership. Commitment to high standards of governance and ethical practice. Continuous improvement mindset.
Desirable: Experience with partial exemption VAT regimes or public sector VAT schemes (e.g., S33). Exposure to major projects or system implementations. Experience developing financial policies and guidance.
Qualifications: Qualified Accountant (CIMA, ACA, ACCA, CIPFA) or equivalent. Additional tax qualification (e.g., CTA) or significant tax experience is highly desirable.
Please complete our short application form to apply for this role. If shortlisted, one of our Talent Attraction Leads will be in touch to discuss the position in more detail. Good luck with your application!
At GBE-N, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. If you require any support or adjustments to help you with your application, please contact us at, and we will be happy to provide assistance.
Senior Finance Accountant employer: Great British Nuclear
At Great British Energy - Nuclear, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering innovation and sustainability in the nuclear sector. Our inclusive work culture promotes collaboration and continuous improvement, offering employees ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Located at the heart of the UK's energy transition, we provide a unique chance to contribute to meaningful projects that ensure energy security and support the nation's net-zero goals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Accountant
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Great British Nuclear. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Great British Nuclear.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Great British Nuclear's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Great British Nuclear
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Great British Nuclear.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Great British Nuclear will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Great British Nuclear employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
