At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial management and provide expert advice to drive innovation in environmental science.
- Company: Join a leading organisation focused on environmental sustainability and marine science.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborate with talented professionals and contribute to evidence-based policy.
- Why this job: Use your finance skills to influence strategic decisions and support meaningful scientific outcomes.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with strong financial expertise and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
MCS Group are delighted to be recruiting for an Interim Staff Officer Accountant for the Agri Food and Biosciences Institute. Shape the future of science through strategic financial leadership. Are you a qualified finance professional looking for a role where your expertise will directly support world-leading environmental and marine science? We are seeking an ambitious Staff Officer Accountant to join our Environment & Marine Sciences Division (EMSD). This is an exciting opportunity to become a trusted adviser to senior managers and budget holders, providing expert financial insight that helps drive innovation, research excellence and sound decision-making. If you thrive on building relationships, influencing stakeholders and turning financial data into strategic value, we'd love to hear from you.
What you'll do
- Deliver high-quality, accurate and timely financial information and reports to senior management.
- Provide expert financial advice and guidance to budget holders on budgeting, forecasting and in-year financial monitoring.
- Build strong and effective working relationships with colleagues across AFBI and external stakeholders.
- Support the financial planning and costing of research projects and business development opportunities.
- Promote the effective stewardship of public funds, ensuring the highest standards of governance, probity and value for money.
- Develop and maintain robust financial controls, governance frameworks, policies and procedures.
- Support the implementation and continuous improvement of financial systems and reporting processes.
- Keep abreast of developments in public sector financial management, expenditure planning and accountability.
- Assist with the preparation of AFBI's annual financial statements and liaise with internal and external auditors.
- Provide professional financial advice that supports strategic decision-making and organisational performance.
About you
We're looking for someone who combines strong technical expertise with excellent communication and relationship-building skills. You'll be commercially aware, solutions-focused and confident working with a wide range of stakeholders.
Essential Qualifications
You must have successfully passed the final professional examinations and be a current full member of one of the following professional accounting bodies:
- Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
- Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)
- Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland (CPA Ireland)
Essential Experience
You must have at least one year's practical experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Financial planning and budgeting
- Financial management or management accounting
- Financial accounting or auditing
- Development and implementation of financial systems
- Strategic planning and decision support within a finance or regulatory environment
Why join AFBI?
This is more than a finance role-it's an opportunity to contribute to an organisation whose work supports environmental sustainability, marine science and evidence-based policy. You'll work alongside talented professionals, influence strategic decisions and help ensure public resources are managed effectively to deliver meaningful scientific outcomes. If you're ready to use your financial expertise to make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Staff Officer Accountant employer: MCS Group
At the Agri Food and Biosciences Institute, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions environmental sustainability and marine science. As a Staff Officer Accountant, you'll enjoy a collaborative work culture that values your financial expertise while providing opportunities for professional growth and development. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to supporting meaningful scientific outcomes, this role offers you the chance to make a significant impact in a forward-thinking organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Staff Officer Accountant
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like MCS Group. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Staff Officer Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to MCS Group.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on MCS Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MCS Group
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with MCS Group.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at MCS Group will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former MCS Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
