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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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About the job
Job summary
Are you a motivated individual looking to kick-start your Finance career and gain a Level 3 (leading on to a Level 4) qualification in Accountancy (AAT)?
Do you have attention to detail?
Do you have a natural ability to work with figures?
Do you want to make a real difference within a friendly and supportive team?
If the answer is yes to the above, we would love you to apply now to become one of our next Accountancy apprentices.
The Defra Accountancy Apprenticeship programme offers an exciting opportunity for you to gain practical experience in financial management within the UK government. This apprenticeship provides a unique combination of on-the-job training, professional development, and the chance to contribute to critical public services.
Here at Defra, we will support and invest in you to help you to progress and achieve your career goals. You will work within the Finance department. You will have the opportunity to secure a permanent role within Defra and subsequently move up the career ladder to higher grades and gain the full professional qualification.
This is a really exciting opportunity to earn as you learn and get hands on practice while you study towards a Level 3 qualification with the opportunity to subsequently gain Level 4. Youll receive formal learning to develop crucial skills, knowledge and behaviours for your career and will also be a key member of a great team.
As an apprentice with us, we will assign you to a specified Finance team where youll work in a supporting role and gain an understanding of how our Finance Profession operates. eg you will be responsible for supporting finance colleagues in delivering a professional financial service to internal and external customers. You will grow your skills and experience through working with more experienced Finance Professionals and through the support of other people in the same profession.
We currently have roles across the following teams:
- Specialist Financial Operations
- Compliance
- Financial Accounting and Management Reporting
We will match you to a role that is most suited to you and your skill set and will support you with your learning and self-development throughout the apprenticeship and beyond.
We will be running two Q&A drop-in sessions via MS Teams where you will have the opportunity to meet some of the Defra Finance Team, find out more about the apprenticeships and the team, and ask any questions that you have about the roles. If you would like to attend, please click on one of the following links to join the session:
Job description
Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to supporting with the following:
- Financial Analysis: Conducting financial analysis, budget management, and financial forecasting to support Defra in making informed financial decisions.
- Reporting: Preparing financial reports and documentation, ensuring compliance with government regulations and financial standards.
- Accounting: Assisting in maintaining financial records and accounting systems, including the preparation of statements and balance sheets.
- Problem Solving: Working with experienced professionals to address financial challenges and provide creative solutions.
- Continuous Learning: Participating in training and development programs to enhance your financial knowledge and professional skills.
- Teamwork: Collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders to support the delivery of government services and projects.
- Compliance: Ensuring adherence to government financial policies and regulations, promoting transparency and accountability.
Your apprenticeship will be guided by your dedicated line manager, who will support your development by regularly reviewing your progress in performance meetings, in line with our probation policy and established procedures. Your potential for continued employment is closely linked to the successful completion of your apprenticeship. This apprenticeship provides a well-structured learning experience, where you will have the opportunity to achieve professional qualifications in finance or accountancy upon successfully concluding the programme.
Due to the nature of these apprenticeship roles, while we advertise the roles as part time, we will require a minimum commitment of 30 hours per week.
Please refer to the attached candidate information pack for comprehensive information on the specifics of the apprenticeship, as well as the associated requirements.
Person specification
About you:
Theres a lot to learn and do, so you need to be ready to be proactive, work hard and participate in the many opportunities youll be given to showcase your skills. You dont have to have a background in finance we want people with the ability and enthusiasm to learn and grow throughout the apprenticeship.
We are looking for someone with the following skills:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook. You will also be using SharePoint while in post.
- An eager learner: Possess a proactive and genuine enthusiasm for finance and a thirst for knowledge, actively seeking opportunities to enhance your skills.
- Strong analytical abilities and meticulous attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the confidence to interact with and question stakeholders.
- A flair for customer service.
- Highly self-motivated, capable of working both independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Consistently maintaining positive customer and team engagement.
- Willingness to travel when required.
You dont need to have a degree to apply, although those with degrees are still welcome. To be eligible for the apprenticeship you are required to hold the following minimum eligibility criteria:
- Hold a valid UK passport/birth certificate or residence permit.
- Have the right to live and work in the UK.
- Must have lived in the UK and/or EEA for 3 years prior to apprenticeship start date.
- Not be in full-time education or be undertaking another apprenticeship by the apprenticeship start date.
- You must not hold an existing qualification at the same or higher level in a similar subject. we reserve the right to withdraw applications who are deemed ineligible due to existing qualifications.
- You must hold 5 x GCSEs at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, including in Maths and English.
Qualifications
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
Benefits
£6,997 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%
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Candidate Pack
Please see the attached Defra candidate pack for information and details about Civil Service Success Profiles required for the application and interview process laid out below.
Online Numerical Reasoning Test
After submission of the first stage of your application, you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Numerical Test. If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.
Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests and application is 23:55 on 05/11/2023. If you fail to complete the online test before the deadline your application will be withdrawn. Guidance for the test will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website.
Do not leave completing the tests until the last minute in case you experience any access or technical issues. There may not be technical support available after business hours and after 2pm on the closing date of 05/11/2023.
While the tests should work on most operating systems and modern browsers with a good internet connection, we cannot guarantee that every combination will work. At the beginning, the test will check which browser you are using, and alert you if it is likely to be incompatible.
It is highly recommended that you complete the online tests on a desktop computer, not a mobile phone or tablet.
Please note that online tests associated with this vacancy are not subject to time limits. Click https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reasonable-adjustments-for-online-tests-a-candidate-guide for test guidance
Application Process
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a 500 word personal statement demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria and person specification detailed in the advertisement.
You will also be asked to provide one 250-word behaviour statement on the following behaviour:
- Working Together (Lead behaviour)
Sift
Should we receive a large number of applications, we will conduct an initial sift assessing the personal statement. Those who pass the initial sift will be progressed to a full sift or straight to interview.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on Behaviours and Strengths.
The behaviours that we will assess are as follows:
- Working Together (Lead Behaviour)
- Communicating & Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
You will also be asked strength questions in the interview.
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.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Merit Lists
Where more than one location is advertised, candidates will be posted in merit order by location. You will be asked to state your location preference on your application.
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.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
- Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
- Complete the Assistance required section in the Additional requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘Contact point for applicants’ section.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service
on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.
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).
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission.