Senior Finance Accountant

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.

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.

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 recruitment@greatbritishnuclear.uk, and we will be happy to provide assistance.