Compliance and Financial Accounting

Defra, Environment Agency, Natural England, Rural Payments Agency and Animal and Plant

Health Agency.

The Compliance and Financial Accounting team are recruiting 6 roles across Fixed Assets, Annual Report and Accounts Compilation, Financial Accounting, and Consolidation.

The roles are responsible for several key deliverables which will support the preparation of statutory financial accounts and HM Treasury publications, including related guidance and recommendations on accounting issues and reviewing and improving financial controls.

About the job:-

DEFRA is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people’s day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink. In the ever-evolving landscape of finance, the path to success is paved with improvement and innovation. As we embark on a new three-year journey, we stand ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Defra Group Finance is part of a suite of centralised corporate services functions servicing Core Defra.

The post holders will ensure the provision of timely, complete, and comprehensive financial information to support audit requirements, as well as acting as subject matter experts on specific areas of financial policy.

We will attempt to match your skills and experience to one of these roles.

Defra Finance teams operate from several regional locations across the UK. Candidates must be willing to travel regularly to at least one Defra location when reasonably required.

Your key responsibilities may include but will not be limited to:

• Supporting the production of Annual Report and Accounts (ARA), Whole of Government Accounts and all associated reports and periodic returns.
• Contributing to discussions of a technical nature, applying the Department’s accounting policies based on International Financial Reporting Standards as adapted and interpreted by the Financial Reporting Manual.
• Fixed Asset management, including additions, disposals, asset verification and accounting for revaluations.
• Responding to external auditors’ requests for information, explanations and evidence at interim and year-end audit. Working with colleagues across multiple teams to ensure good quality evidence is provided first time.
• Providing financial accounting advice and guidance to non-finance teams. Maintaining up to date knowledge of Departmental accounting policies, including IFRS as interpreted and adapted in HM Treasury’s Financial Reporting Manual.
• Supporting finance leaders to deliver results on time, to required quality standards and within budget.
• Embracing a culture of continuous improvement, developing individual and team performance in line with strategic goals.
• Preparing the narrative section of the annual report, liaising with executive director’s team and risk and compliance team for the Governance Statement.
• Supporting the preparation of the draft financial statements, including implementation of new accounting standards and policies.
• Reviewing processes, identifying, implementing and embedding improvements, working collaboratively with relevant stakeholders.
• Establishing and maintaining good relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Building capability of self and others, in particular as part of the government finance profession.

Essential Experience and Skills

• A background in finance is necessary, with an understanding of financial accounting and reporting principles, such as double entry.
• Experience of working with SOP, or similar accounting platforms, and associated reporting tools including Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to review and analyse financial data and reports, with a keen eye for detail.
• Strong team player, working collaboratively to deliver a collective result.
• Managing and prioritising workload effectively, flexibly, and at pace against changing priorities.
• Problem solving, prioritising, and escalating risks and issues to achieve key deadlines.
• Communicating effectively with stakeholders on complex issues.

Qualifications –

A professional finance qualification, eg AAT, or relevant Finance Experience

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

• Defra operates a blended working policy subject to business need, giving people the flexibility to choose when and where they work and collaborate with others.

  Individuals are expected to work from one of the office locations stated in the advert to connect with their colleagues, as required by their role and business team needs.  There is flexibility to split the working week, spending minimum of 40-60% in the workplace, unless exceptional circumstances apply and/or you are a contractual home worker.

Job contact :

• Name : Emma Bryan
• Email : emma.bryan@hays.com
• Telephone : 01553600242

Recruitment team

• Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk