Financial Accountant in Manchester

Salary: £40,901 - £47,000. Salary will be dependent on whether Manchester or London office location and associated terms and conditions. A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.

Closing date: 8 February 2026.

Location: London or Manchester

The SIA is the organisation responsible for the regulation of private security. It is an independent, arm’s length body (ALB) of the Home Office, reporting to the Home Secretary, under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA’s purpose is protecting the public through effective regulation of the private security industry and working with partners to raise standards across the sector. Its regulatory remit covers the whole of the United Kingdom.

The SIA has two main duties: the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities within the private security industry and the management of a voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme, which measures private security suppliers against independently assessed criteria.

SIA licensing covers security operatives who are in guarding, door supervision, close protection, cash and valuables in transit, and public space surveillance using CCTV, vehicle immobilisation (in Northern Ireland) and key holding. Licensing ensures that private security operatives are fit and proper persons who are properly trained and qualified to do their job.

Are you looking to build or progress your career in financial accounting within a high-profile public body with a real sense of purpose? The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is seeking a motivated and detail-focused Financial Accountant to join our finance team and support the delivery of high-quality financial reporting, audit preparation and core finance operations across accounts payable, accounts receivable and cash management.

In this role, you will work closely with colleagues across finance and the wider organisation to ensure accurate financial records, robust controls and compliance with government financial guidance. You will support the preparation of annual accounts and audit packs, assist with accounting queries, help maintain policies and controls, and contribute to the smooth running of end-to-end AP and AR processes.

You will also be involved in monitoring daily cash flows, supporting parliamentary and FOI responses, and helping to drive continuous improvement in systems and financial processes.

If you have experience in financial reporting, a good understanding of accounting controls and public sector standards, and enjoy working collaboratively to solve problems, we would love to hear from you. Apply now and develop your finance career in an organisation that protects the public every day.

Due to business requirements, this role is only available full-time.

• Experience in financial reporting, accounts payable and accounts receivable.
• Strong understanding of financial controls and public sector standards.
• Ability to interpret, explain and present financial information.
• Good communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Competent user of Excel and financial systems.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Relevant qualification in finance or accounting (AAT, CIMA, CIPFA, ACCA, ICAEW, ICAS, ICAI) or a willingness to study.
• Experience of supporting audit processes.

Alongside your salary of £40,901, Security Industry Authority contributes £11,849 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

A welcoming and innovative work environment. Continued support and development opportunities. Access to training for attainment of recognised qualifications. Flexible working arrangements. Annual leave entitlement will be 27.5 days, rising by one additional day for every two years of service up to a maximum of 32.5 days. A variety of discounts including Gymflex. Civil Service Pension Scheme – employee contribution between 4.60% and 7.35% and employer contribution between 26.60% and 30.30%. Hybrid working may be available for this role.