At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial statements and manage audit liaison activities for the Ministry of Defence.
- Company: Join DSTL, a leading science and technology organisation in defence and security.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in national security while developing your financial skills.
- Qualifications: CCAB or CIMA qualification progress and experience in audit liaison required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
On behalf of the DSTL, we are looking for an Assistant Financial Accountant (Inside IR35) for a 6 month contract based in Fareham office attendance 1-2 days a week or as required. DSTL is the Ministry of Defence (MOD)'s science and technology organisation, providing unique expertise, crucial insights and delivering battle-winning solutions for the benefit of the nation and allies.
As a Assistant Financial Accountant, your main responsibilities will be:
- Supports the preparation of audited annual financial statements and external returns, acting as a key coordination point for NAO and other audit bodies.
- Manages audit liaison activities by maintaining robust reconciliations, preparing audit evidence packs, and providing clear explanations and supporting data for sample requests.
- Reviews, analyses, and interprets financial data to provide insight to managers, Finance Leadership, and wider finance colleagues, ensuring accuracy of accounts inputs and monthly reconciliations.
- Provides financial accounting and tax guidance across the organisation, escalating complex issues and engaging with MOD Technical Accounting and Tax Centres of Excellence where required.
- Ensures compliance with accounting standards, supports implementation of new rules, and works with the business to collate information for VAT returns, losses, special payments, and control account reviews.
Essential:
- Qualified or working towards qualification with CCAB or CIMA.
- Experience in NAO Audit Liaison.
- Good understanding of financial accounting and statutory accounts.
- Understanding of up-to-date financial reporting requirements (IFRS, FReM).
- Competent with Microsoft Excel.
- Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain good working relationships internally.
- Personal resilience in dealing with non-negotiable timescales and conflicting priorities.
Desirable:
- Awareness of government accounting and Managing Public Money.
- Experience of using Oracle Financial Cloud software.
PLEASE NOTE: SC Clearance is an essential requirement for this role, as a minimum you must be willing & eligible to undergo checks. Please note, due to the exceptional requirements of this position (short-term nature of this role and speed at which we require a postholder in situ) preference may be given to candidates who meet all of the essential criteria and hold active security clearance.
This role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas. Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role.
If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.
Disability Confident: As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, DSTL guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy.
Armed Forces Covenant: DSTL guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy.
In applying for this role, you acknowledge that this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation.
Assistant Financial Accountant in Southampton employer: Resourcing Group
DSTL is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the defence and security of the nation while working in a collaborative environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth, DSTL provides access to professional development and training, ensuring that team members can advance their careers while making a meaningful impact. Located in Fareham, the company fosters a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, making it an ideal place for those seeking rewarding employment in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Financial Accountant in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with government 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 knowledge of financial accounting standards and audit processes. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with the role's requirements, especially around NAO Audit Liaison.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your Excel skills! During interviews, be prepared to demonstrate how you've used Excel in past roles to manage financial data or create reports. This will highlight your technical competence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Financial Accountant in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with financial accounting and audit liaison. We want to see how your skills match the specific requirements of the Assistant Financial Accountant role.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in Microsoft Excel and any relevant qualifications like CCAB or CIMA. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their technical abilities clearly.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your experiences and achievements.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role as quickly as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Resourcing Group
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial accounting knowledge, especially around statutory accounts and IFRS. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, particularly in audit liaison activities.
✨Excel Like a Pro
Since the role requires competency in Microsoft Excel, make sure you can demonstrate your skills. Prepare to talk about specific functions or tools you've used to manage financial data effectively.
✨Understand the MOD Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the Ministry of Defence's operations and how financial accounting fits into their framework. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect your experience to their needs.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Expect questions about compliance with accounting standards and how you've handled complex issues in the past. Think of examples where you've ensured adherence to regulations and how you communicated this across teams.
