At a Glance
- Tasks: Join Ofwat as a Financial Accountant, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance.
- Company: Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, is shaping the future of water in England and Wales.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, professional development, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the water sector while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong technical accounting knowledge and ERP system experience.
Join Ofwat’s Finance Team as a Financial Accountant
This is a Fixed Term Appointment running until 31st December 2027 (with possibility to extend)
*Office Location: Birmingham (B5 4UA) with hybrid working*
About Us We are Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales.
The water sector is entering a new chapter.
Following the Independent Water Commission’s Final Report and subsequent White Paper - 'New Vision for Water', the UK government has set out a bold new direction - one that brings together expertise from across the sector to deliver better outcomes for customers and the environment.
Ofwat is working in collaboration with the government and other regulators to help establish a new body for England, combining our strengths with those of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, the Environment Agency, and Natural England.
We’re also continuing to engage with the Welsh Government to support future decisions for Wales.
While these changes take shape, our mission remains the same: to hold water companies to account, drive performance, and ensure the sector delivers real value for customers, communities, and the environment.
If you’re passionate about making a difference, this is a unique moment to join us and help shape the future of water, and together we can continue to make a positive impact.
The Role We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented finance professional to join our team as a Financial Accountant.
You'll play a vital part in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of our financial reporting and operations.
You will be responsible for preparing Ofwat’s financial statements and act as a key liaison with external auditors, facilitating a smooth audit process to ensure timely publication of the Annual Report and Accounts.
Additionally, you will prepare the Whole of Government Accounts (WGA) and contribute to the Main Estimate and Supplementary Estimate submissions.
As a subject matter expert, you will provide technical accounting advice in line with International Financial Reporting Standards, (IFRS), the Financial Reporting Manual (FRe M), and other relevant Government guidance documents.
Your expertise will be crucial in managing the day-to-day operations of the accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, including oversight of the team and ensuring timely completion of reconciliations and statutory and transparency returns.
About You Below are some of the key essential experience, skills & knowledge required for this post:
Lead Criterion 1: Strong technical accounting knowledge, including IFRS and public sector reporting frameworks, with experience preparing statutory reporting and supporting audits.
Lead Criterion 2: Strong experience of ERP systems, preferably Oracle Fusion Cloud, including financial reporting, reconciliations, process improvement, system optimisation and the implementation of automated solutions to improve efficiency and strengthen financial controls.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial, operational and systems information, challenge constructively, and identify practical solutions.
Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate technical accounting and systems information into clear, practical business solutions for a range of audiences.
Experience of coaching, mentoring and developing colleagues, including onboarding, knowledge sharing and building team capability within a collaborative and continuous improvement environment.
6. Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA) with significant post-qualification experience within financial accounting, audit and financial control.
- Why You Should Join Us
- People
Centric: Our people are at the heart of Ofwat and everything we do - we ensure all voices are heard and treat each other with respect; you'll be given the autonomy and the support to do your role in the best way.
- Innovative Work Environment: We embrace agile and new ways of working and have a culture build on trust, flexibility, and collaboration.
- Development Opportunities: Gain valuable experience and develop your skills in a supportive and dynamic setting.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy the flexibility of working from home combined with the benefits of in person collaboration in our Birmingham and London offices.
- Good employer pension contributions.
- 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 with each year of service, plus bank holidays and an extra 2.5 days of privilege leave.
- Access to exclusive discounts on a variety of goods and services, including retail outlets, theatre tickets, holidays, insurance, and a gym membership.
- Fees paid for membership of relevant professional bodies.
- Up to 3 volunteering days per year.
- Recognition vouchers scheme rewarding your hard work.
- Generous shared parental leave and pay supporting your family life.
Follow the link to apply for full details about the role. Please ensure you have submitted your application in full before the below deadline.
Financial Accountant in Birmingham employer: Ofwat
OFWAT is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Cardiff that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide flexible working arrangements, generous parental leave, and ample opportunities for professional growth, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the regulatory landscape of Wales.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant in Birmingham
✨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.
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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 Ofwat. 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 Financial Accountant in Birmingham
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 Ofwat.
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 Ofwat'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 Ofwat
✨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 Ofwat.
✨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 Ofwat 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 Ofwat 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.
