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- Tasks: Lead budget management and financial planning for the Safer Communities Directorate.
- Company: Join a dynamic team within the Department of Justice, promoting safer communities.
- Benefits: Earn £27-£28 per hour with hybrid working and flexible hours.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in financial management while enjoying work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and two years' finance experience required.
- Other info: 12-month contract with potential for permanent opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 27 - 28 £ per hour.
Location: DOJ, Financial Services Division - Castle Buildings, Stormont, BT4 3SG
Rate: £27-£28 per hour
Hours: 37 per week | Monday-Friday | Flexible start & finish
Working Pattern: Hybrid - 2 days in office / 3 days from home
Contract: Temporary (12 months) with potential pathway to permanent NICS competitions
Flexibility: Flexi-time available
About the Role
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced finance professional to join the Safer Communities Directorate as a Deputy Principal Accountant - Finance Business Partner. This role forms a key part of the Directorate's financial management function and requires a highly capable individual who can lead budget management, financial planning, and provide high-quality advice to senior stakeholders. You will work closely with Director-level stakeholders, the wider DoJ Finance team, DoF, governance boards, and external partners, contributing to both in-year and strategic financial planning.
Key Responsibilities
- Budget Management & Planning
- Leading the in-year budget management process, including in-year Monitoring Rounds, ensuring all Ministerial, Senior Management Team, Justice Committee and DoF deadlines are met.
- Supporting delivery of the Spending Review and future budget planning.
- Providing year-end and budget request information to DoJ accounts and budgeting teams.
- Providing Directorate finance support for ACNI processes.
- Preparing meaningful monthly financial updates for Director(s).
- Monitoring monthly year-to-date and forecast spend, including robust variance analysis and constructive challenge.
- Delivering accurate financial information for all departmental financial exercises.
- Supplying financial input into briefings for the Minister, Senior Management, and Sponsor Areas.
- Providing governance support including: Advice on MPMNI, Support for business cases, Attendance at governance meetings, Engagement with DoF Supply Team on expenditure proposals and financial governance issues.
Essential Qualifications
Applicants must possess:
- Professional Qualification: Full, current membership of one of the following (or an equivalent accountancy qualification): Chartered Accountants Ireland, Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland, Institute of Chartered Accountants England & Wales, CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA, Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland.
Experience
Minimum of two years' post-qualification experience (within the last five years) in a finance-related environment.
Skills & Competencies
The ideal candidate will have:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal).
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with senior managers and Department of Finance colleagues.
- Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proven ability to work with numerical data, particularly using Microsoft Excel.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet strict internal and external reporting deadlines.
Why Apply?
This role offers:
- Competitive pay: £27-£28 per hour.
- Hybrid working: 2 office days / 3 home days.
- Flexi-time and flexible start/finish times.
- 37 hours per week, Monday-Friday.
- A 12-month contract with a supported pathway to future permanent NICS opportunities.
Deputy Principal Accountant employer: Hays Accountancy and Finance
Contact Detail:
Hays Accountancy and Finance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Principal Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know someone at the DOJ. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and current trends in public finance. We recommend practising common interview questions and having examples ready that showcase your skills in budget management and financial reporting.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We’ve made it easy for you to submit your application and keep track of your progress. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Principal Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Deputy Principal Accountant role. Highlight your relevant experience in budget management and financial reporting, and don’t forget to showcase your professional qualifications!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that align with the key responsibilities and show your enthusiasm for working with senior stakeholders.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use examples from your past work to illustrate your strong interpersonal and analytical skills. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team right away.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s quick and easy, and ensures your application gets to the right place without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Accountancy and Finance
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Deputy Principal Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past. Prepare examples that showcase your analytical skills and how you’ve used data to drive decisions.
✨Understand the Stakeholders
This role involves working closely with senior stakeholders. Research the Department of Justice and its financial structure. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with Director-level stakeholders and provide high-quality advice. Show that you understand their needs and how you can support them.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage tight deadlines or resolve financial discrepancies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Strong interpersonal skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating complex financial concepts in simple terms. Be ready to explain how you’ve communicated financial insights to non-financial colleagues or stakeholders in the past, highlighting your ability to build effective relationships.
