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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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Finance
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About the job
Job summary
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.
This a critical role within the Estimate and HM Treasury Reporting team. The teams primary objective is to deliver the departments Main and Supplementary Supply Estimates each year in line with HM Treasurys guidance and timetable. Supply Estimates are the means by which Government seeks authority from Parliament for their budget spending each year. The post holder will play a key role in ensuring Defras budgets are accurately reflected on HM Treasurys database for the Supplementary Estimate and help with the production of the Main Estimate. The team also produces other returns for HM Treasury, via HM Treasurys on-line database OSCAR (On-line System for Central Reporting and Accounting), including reporting monthly outturn and forecast against budget. The post holder will also provide budget and outturn information relating to the Supply Estimates for Defras Annual Report and Accounts (ARA).
The post holder will provide strong leadership, directly manage one member of the team and provide financial advice more widely in Defra. The role requires close working with HM Treasury and will give the post holder opportunity to learn more about Government funding and the Parliamentary process.
Job description
As an SEO in the Estimate and HM Treasury Reporting team, you will produce the Supplementary Estimate and the relevant parts of the Annual Report and Accounts. You will offer accounting and budgeting advice and work with finance colleagues, auditors and HM Treasury to agree accounting and budgeting treatments.
Key responsibilities will include but not be limited to: –
- Produce the Main and Supplementary Supply Estimates in line with HM Treasurys timetable and guidance, working collaboratively with the wider finance team and the business to ensure the correct budgetary control totals are reflected for the department.
- Assist with the production of the Estimate memorandum for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Commons Select Committee, which clearly explains the main elements and budget changes included in the Estimate.
- Provide Estimate related information for the Parliamentary Accountability part of the Annual Report and Accounts, liaising with NAO and HM Treasury as necessary.
- Assist with other OSCAR reporting to HM Treasury deadlines, including monthly forecast outturn, final outturn and data broken down by country and regional analysis.
- Liaise with HM Treasury on Supply Estimates and other OSCAR related work.
- Provide financial advice to colleagues, including advice relating to the HM Treasurys Consolidated Budgeting Guidance and the Supply Estimates guidance manual.
- Manage and support an HEO.
Person specification
Essential Experience and Skills:-
- A background in finance is necessary, with an understanding of financial accounting and reporting principles.
- Knowledge and experience of financial accounting, reporting and budgeting, preferably to include knowledge of government accounting and budgeting.
- Experience of working with a large accounting platform 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.
- A strong track record of managing workloads and delivering quality outcomes to challenging timescales.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and communicate effectively on complex issues.
Technical Skills
A good level of Excel skills is essential along with the ability to analyse, interpret and manipulate large datasets.
Qualifications
A professional finance qualification (CCAB, CIMA or equivalent Qualified Accountant or part Qualified Accountant) or relevant finance experience. Technical ability gained from experience is highly valued.
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Benefits
£10,069 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- 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%
Blended Working
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.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application
Please submit your CV demonstrating how you meet the criteria above with a 250-word statement which should detail your experience and suitability for the role.
Sift
Sift will be performed on CV and personal statement
Interview
Candidate successful at sift stage will be invited to a video assessment/interview (1 hour 20 mins) that will consist of a blended interview of Behaviours and Strengths and one other exercise (presentation exercise or experience questions).
Sift – week commencing 20th November 2023
Interview – week commencing 4th December 2023
Location
Please be aware that this role(s) will be contractually based in a Defra group workplace/office. The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Internal (core Defra) employees can apply for this role and choose to remain in their current location or to be based in one of the advertised locations.
All other applicants will be based in one of the advertised locations. Candidates will need to state their location preference on the application form.
If you are successful in your application and your base working location is London, please be aware that Defras Nobel House Office at 17 Smith Square, London will be closing in December 2023.
This means that Defra new joiners will be located alongside existing colleagues in offices a short distance away from Nobel House in our other office at 2 Marsham St, London.
To work from 2 Marsham Street, you will require the higher level of CTC clearance. Therefore, confirmation of appointment to the advertised post will be dependent upon successful CTC clearance being confirmed as part of pre-employment checks.
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
Higher Security Clearance
Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter
All of these posts require the successful candidate to hold basic security clearance. Candidates posted to London may be subject to a higher level of clearance because of the security requirements for that location. Job offers to these posts are made on the basis of merit. Security vetting will only take place after the receipt of a job offer.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Marcus Swain
- Email : marcus.swain@hays.com
Recruitment team
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
