Head of Financial Accounts: Core Defra

The postholder will provide strong leadership, leading a team of eight and more widely supporting other areas of finance and the business with financial accounting advice, direction and knowledge. The role requires close working with senior stakeholders (within finance and business areas) in the core department (Core Defra) and the NAO.

The postholder will lead teams responsible for: the preparation and audit of the Core Defra Accounts, providing high quality technical accounting advice, in-year Statement of Financial Position assurance and the main point of contact with the NAO. The postholder will collaborate with ALB-facing accounts teams to help provide an effective group-wide financial accounting 'Centre of Expertise'.

Key responsibilities will include but not be limited to: -

Leading the production of the core department (Core Defra) Accounts and working collaboratively with the group accounts team to consolidate Core Defra in the Defra group ARA.
Supporting Defra Finance projects to ensure the Defra group ARA is laid pre-recess and without qualification.
Working with the NAO, business areas and other areas of finance and their teams, building relationships and providing a high level of customer service.
Providing high quality technical accounting advice and reviewing accounting papers, backed up by an in-depth knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards and HM Treasury guidance such as the 'Financial Reporting Manual' (FReM), 'Consolidated Budgeting Guidance' and 'Managing Public Money'.
Management of risks and issues in relation to the delivery of the core department (Core Defra) Accounts and its impact on the overall Defra group ARA.
Lead the team responsible for:
Preparation of the interim and year-end Core Defra Accounts and the template for consolidating Core Defra into the Defra group ARA.
Co-ordination and quality assurance of Core Defra's interim and year-end audit sampling responses.
Monitoring risks relating to the Core Defra Statement of Financial Position.
Providing technical accounting advice to Core Defra, to both finance and non-finance professionals.
Monitoring of key reconciliations.
Be the key point of contact for technical accounting advice, queries and guidance, liaising with peers to determine the most appropriate accounting treatment for the core department (Core Defra), ensuring the approach is consistent across Defra Group.
Lead the implementation of the Technical Accounting Centre of Excellence.
Initially this post is only Core Defra Accounts but it's possible this will be expanded in future to cover other areas in the Compliance and Financial Accounting Team portfolio.

Qualified and experienced financial professional (CCAB, CIMA or equivalent).
Highly developed planning and organisational skills in a finance environment, with experience of delivery and meeting tight timescales.
Able to think creatively and strategically to solve problems and manage risks.
Adept at building strong stakeholder relationships, using your network to support delivery against your objectives.
Strong oral and written presentational skills, with ability to explain complex financial issues to non-specialist audiences.
An authentic and credible leader, with the ability to engage and motivate those around you and lead an inclusive culture.
Ability to see change as a chance to drive efficiency and innovation; acting as an agent for change wherever you identify the opportunity to protect, drive and add value.
Qualifications

Fully qualified and experienced financial professional (CCAB, CIMA or equivalent).