Financial Accountant in Taunton

The UK Hydrographic Office are looking for a Financial Accountant to work within their finance team. Working closely with the Head of Finance, Financial Controllers, the wider Finance and UKHO team, the role will be responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, completion of external audits and liaising with National Audit office (NAO), Government Internal Audit (GIAA) and wider MOD colleagues. The role will provide opportunity for both personal and professional development in a unique Commercial Organisation which is part of Government.

Hybrid Working Arrangements

There will be a minimum of an initial 2 weeks of training in the office, after which more training may be required dependent on area of expertise. This job role can be worked on a hybrid basis, which is an informal, non-contractual and voluntary arrangement, working between the office in Taunton and remotely within the UK. The successful candidate is required to work from the Taunton office 3 days a week, however this is dependent on business need.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Financial Accounts team (payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, treasury management and tax compliance) to ensure compliance with UKHO, UK government and HM Treasury policies.
• Preparation of financial statements, notes and related disclosures for annual report and accounts ensuring these are in line with the appropriate corporate governance and direction consistent with the FReM (Financial Reporting Manual), GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Ensure International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are adhered to and are consistently applied throughout the business. Correct interpretation of these standards and in-depth understanding of the business is key to delivering an unqualified audit.
• Ensure all required tax filings (such as VAT and Employer Duties) are prepared accurately and submitted on time. Ensure the UKHO direct and indirect taxes compliance by staying updated on changes in tax laws.
• Ensure accurate financial accounts are maintained, manage the financial controls framework to a high standard ensuring all control accounts are reconciled, assets are properly accounted for, verified and disposed when required.
• Effective credit management of our distributors and other customers; communicating with the sales account managers to ensure we can continually monitor the sustainability of our distributor channel. Working with our credit agencies to minimise the risk to the UKHO.

Person Specification:

• ACA or ACCA qualified accountant with an excellent knowledge and track record of producing financial statements, managing a full year end audit cycle and effective corporate governance.
• Detailed knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and full consolidation of financial statements to understand how it affects the organisation.
• Financial accounting experience with attention to detail and pragmatic application of accounting standards using technical knowledge and skills to improve and facilitate decision making and performance.
• Experience of ensuring compliance with corporate governance principles.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and organised approach to managing the routine set of tasks within the team whilst retaining the commitment of others involved in those tasks.
• Experience in managing a high performing team, empowering and motivating others to achieve organisational objectives.