Finance Officer

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for x2 Finance Officers (Inside IR35) for a 3 month hybrid contract based out of any Defra hub 60% (3 days a week and the remainder is working from home). One of the positions is part time (4 days per week) and the other is full time.

In the Defra group, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact people’s lives. We are responsible for England’s environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. We have developed a set of three strategic objectives covering our policy outcomes and corporate objectives. These objectives help us to deliver our ambitious vision to build a green and healthy future and provide a framework for all the important work we carry out.

Our Objectives Are:

• To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future.
• To lead the world in food, farming, and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production.
• To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability.

As a Finance Officer, Your Main Responsibilities Will Be:

• Manage and triage queries and approvals through the team mailbox, escalating issues where required.
• Provide expert advice on the Environment Agency’s Financial Scheme of Delegation (FSoD), influencing the business to ensure financial regularity and compliance.
• Support teams to secure timely and compliant approvals within EA delegations, and where required, from the Chief Executive, Board, Defra and HM Treasury.
• Advise and support assurance groups on FSoD matters, including the Large Project Review Group (LPRG).
• Work with FSoD process owners to drive continuous improvement of operational instructions, forms, SharePoint content and guidance materials.
• Prepare and maintain accurate, timely data records to ensure strong data integrity within the Figtree database.
• Produce ad‑hoc information and management reports from the FSoD Figtree database.
• Provide secretariat support to senior‑level Panels and Boards.
• Support and contribute to periodic audits of the application of the EA’s FSoD and financial framework.

Essential:

• Practical finance experience (finance administration level is sufficient; formal qualifications not required).
• Experience working within Public Sector / Government finance environments.
• Strong relationship and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility.
• Working knowledge of HM Treasury Green Book principles and Managing Public Money guidance.
• Competent MS Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook) to support day‑to‑day delivery.

Desirable:

• Experience within the public sector.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not overseas.

Disability Confident: As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Defra guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply.

Armed Forces Covenant: Defra guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex‑military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following: "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".