Job Description

The post holder will be instrumental in the work undertaken around the collection, consolidation and reporting of financial information collected from the entities within the Departmental Group accounting boundary and this role is being advertised on a permanent basis. Loan or Secondment options will also be available if preferable.
The role is stretching, requiring strong knowledge and experience of financial accounting and reporting requirements. It would be suitable for a finance professional looking for a new challenge and an opportunity to develop their skills in a high-impact area that consistently ranks as the public’s number one priority. Successful candidates would receive strong investment in their learning and development, opportunities to work on a variety of exciting projects and ample opportunity for career progression.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading a small team responsible for the preparation of high quality, IFRS-compliant, consolidated Departmental accounts to challenging timescales.
• Undertaking quality assurance of ALB and NHS financial returns for inclusion in the group consolidated financial accounts, including validating data and following up queries with individual organizations.
• Calculating, processing and reviewing accurate and appropriate consolidation adjustments.
• Building effective working relationships with key stakeholders and other teams involved in the preparation of the consolidated accounts, both internal and external to the Department.
• Identifying and taking forward process improvements in relation to the design of the consolidation process.
• Leading the preparation of the Whole of Government Accounts return on behalf of the group.
• Leadership and development of the HEO within the team.
• Embracing opportunities for involvement in one-off projects as they arise.

Benefits

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• CCAB (or equivalent) qualified accountant essential
• Practical experience in one or more area of financial accounting or the preparation of statutory accounts, preferably in a central government context.
• Ability to lead and manage teams and to work effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to analyze complex financial data and draw well-reasoned conclusions.
• Excellent organizational skills and a proven ability to plan and manage competing priorities.
• Excellent IT skills, particularly Microsoft Excel.
• A sound understanding of financial consolidation principles and experience of working with financial consolidation systems would be desirable.