Senior Financial Accountant

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 ready to take the next step in your finance career and play a pivotal role in a high-profile public body? The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Financial Accountant to join our finance team and help strengthen financial governance across the organisation. In this role, you will work closely with senior leaders, budget holders and external stakeholders to ensure robust financial control, accurate reporting and compliance with public sector financial standards.

You will lead on key accounting activities including financial statements, month-end and year-end processes, balance sheet management, audit liaison and technical accounting advice, contributing directly to sound decision-making and organisational performance. You will provide expert guidance on complex financial matters, support financial planning and forecasting, and drive continuous improvement in financial processes and controls. Your work will underpin the SIA’s mission to improve public safety by regulating the private security industry, making this a role with real purpose and impact.

If you are a qualified (or part-qualified) accountant with strong technical accounting knowledge, excellent analytical skills and the confidence to influence and collaborate across teams, we would love to hear from you. Join us and help shape a resilient, forward-looking finance function while advancing your own professional development in a meaningful and rewarding environment. Apply now and make a difference where it truly matters.

Person specification

• A relevant professional accountancy qualification (applicants must be qualified within a CCAB body) with minimum post-qualification experience of 3 years.
• Prior experience of the preparation and/or audit of Central Government or other similar public sector financial statements.
• Confidence and credibility with excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• A proven ability to deliver outcomes involving strategic financial decision making, including influencing at a senior level.
• Strong Excel skills.
• Proven experience of delivering value for money through strong commercial awareness.
• Strong collaboration and influencing skills with the ability to build an effective network of key stakeholders quickly.
• Ability to act under own initiative and problem solve independently.
• Pro-active, flexible, resilient, motivated and results oriented.

Desirable

• Previous experience of line management of other financial colleagues.
• An interest in the private security industry and/or public protection.

Benefits

• Alongside your salary of £57,501, Security Industry Authority contributes £16,658 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
• 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%.

Office attendance

Hybrid working may be available for this role.