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- Tasks: Manage budgets and provide financial insights for justice-related functions.
- Company: Join the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service, making a difference in public finance.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, flexible hours, 37 days annual leave, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a pathway to permanent opportunities in the public sector.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital team supporting justice services while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: ACCA, CIMA, or qualified accountant with strong financial management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 46000 £ per year.
You will be joining the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service (NICTS) within the Financial Strategy and Planning Branch. The team provides financial management, business partnering and strategic oversight across a wide range of justice-related functions, including the Legacy Inquest Unit (LIU), Coroners Service NI (CSNI), the Lady Chief Justice's Office, Official Solicitor's Office and regional courts. This role is based in Laganside House, Belfast, with hybrid working 2 days in office/3 from home.
As a Staff Officer Accountant - Financial Strategy Planning Branch (In-Year), you will take on a key business partnering role and be responsible for the effective management, control and reporting of budgets across several high-profile justice areas.
- Managing the Legacy Inquest Unit and Coroners Service NI budgets.
- Acting as a finance business partner for a range of directorates.
- Preparing monthly finance returns and reports including accruals, variance analysis, cash management and profiling.
- Preparing Monitoring Round submissions and budget forecasts.
- Supporting senior leaders with spend analysis, trend reporting and financial planning.
- Forecasting counsel costs and building forecasting tools for legal teams.
- Running and interpreting Account NI reports to support financial decision-making and monthly monitoring.
- Developing and maintaining automated Excel spreadsheets.
- Training budget holders on financial processes.
- Liaising with key stakeholders including audit, administrators and legal officers.
- Ensuring internal financial controls and governance requirements are met.
- Supporting the wider In-Year budgeting team with ad-hoc queries.
Experience using Account NI. Hybrid working pattern - 2 days office/3 days home. Flexibility options - flexible time and flexible start/finish times. 37-hour working week - opening to part time. 37 day annual leave. A 12-month+ contract with a supported pathway to future permanent NICS opportunities. Opportunity to work in a high-impact public-sector finance environment supporting justice services.
Accountant Staff Officer in Belfast employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountant Staff Officer in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with public sector roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial management skills and understanding the specific needs of the NICTS. We recommend practising common interview questions related to budgeting and financial reporting to show you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Accountant Staff Officer role. We’ve got all the resources you need to make your application stand out, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Accountant Staff Officer in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Staff Officer Accountant. Highlight your ACCA or CIMA qualifications and any relevant experience in financial management or business partnering. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service. Share specific examples of how you've managed budgets or partnered with teams in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of financial reporting and Excel work, make sure to mention your proficiency in these areas. If you’ve developed automated spreadsheets or used Account NI, let us know – we love seeing those skills in action!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Accountant Staff Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial concepts and be ready to discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis. Prepare examples of how you've managed budgets in previous roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with NICTS
Research the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service and understand their financial strategy and planning needs. Knowing their structure and the specific justice-related functions will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest in the role.
✨Excel Skills are Key
Since the role involves developing and maintaining automated Excel spreadsheets, be prepared to showcase your Excel skills. Consider bringing a portfolio of your work or be ready to discuss specific functions and tools you've used in past projects.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This position requires liaising with various stakeholders. Think about your past experiences working with different teams and how you’ve effectively communicated financial information. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve trained others or supported senior leaders in financial decision-making.