Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to manage budgets and provide financial insights for strategic decisions.
- Company: The Executive Office, a high-profile department influencing government financial strategy.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, long-term contract stability, and opportunities for permanent roles.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in financial management at the government level while enjoying work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with strong Excel skills and experience in finance environments.
- Other info: Flexible hours and support for career progression within the Northern Ireland Civil Service.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
The Executive Office (TEO) is seeking a highly skilled Staff Officer Accountant to join the Financial Management and Budgeting team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in business partnering, budget planning, and financial analysis for future years. You will provide expert financial input to support strategic decision-making at the highest level, including Ministerial briefings and Committee engagements.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a business partner to designated business areas, providing financial advice and support.
- Manage grants accruals and SEUPB Peace IV accruals and forecasting.
- Prepare, check, and approve month-end journals.
- Lead on the preparation and analysis of future year budgets.
- Deliver financial input and analysis for Ministerial briefings, Committee attendance, and Department of Finance exercises.
Essential Criteria
- Qualified Accountant with at least one year post-qualification experience (within the last five years) in a finance or accounts preparation environment.
- Strong technical accounting knowledge and excellent Excel skills.
- Experience with Oracle and other financial systems.
Why Join Us?
- Work in a high-profile department influencing financial strategy at government level.
- Enjoy a flexible hybrid working pattern and flexi-time options.
- Long-term contract stability.
- Contract: Temporary (12 months) - with the chance to apply for permanent roles in upcoming NICS competitions.
- Hours: 37 per week | Monday-Friday | Flexible start and finish times.
- Working Pattern: Hybrid - 2 days in office / 3 days from home.
- Flexibility: Flexi-time available.
- Opportunity to apply for permanent external competitions within the Northern Ireland Civil Service, supported by your line manager and team.
Interested?
If you are interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn’t quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
Staff Officer Accountant in Belfast employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Staff Officer Accountant in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in government or similar roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills. Since this role requires strong Excel knowledge and experience with financial systems like Oracle, make sure you can showcase your expertise during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job alerts! Actively search for opportunities on our website and apply directly. The more proactive you are, the better your chances of landing that Staff Officer Accountant role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your strategic thinking! In your discussions, highlight how your financial analysis can support decision-making at high levels. This will demonstrate your value as a business partner in the financial management team.
We think you need these skills to ace Staff Officer Accountant in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Staff Officer Accountant role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in financial management and budgeting, and don’t forget to showcase your technical accounting skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Mention specific experiences that align with the key responsibilities, like business partnering or budget planning.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since strong Excel skills and experience with financial systems like Oracle are essential, make sure to mention these in your application. If you have any certifications or training, include those too!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t hesitate to hit that 'apply now' button!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Staff Officer Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your strong technical accounting knowledge. Brush up on key financial concepts and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. Prepare examples of your experience with budget planning and financial analysis to showcase your expertise.
✨Excel Like a Pro
Since excellent Excel skills are essential for this role, make sure you're comfortable with advanced functions and data analysis techniques. Consider doing a quick refresher on pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and financial modelling. You might even want to prepare a mini-case study to illustrate your proficiency during the interview.
✨Understand the Business
Research the Executive Office and its financial strategies. Familiarise yourself with recent Ministerial briefings and Committee engagements. This will not only show your interest in the role but also help you provide relevant insights during the interview, demonstrating your ability to act as a business partner.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about past experiences where you had to manage grants accruals or lead budget preparations. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your actions to highlight your strategic thinking.