Deputy Head of Financial Accounting and Reporting

About Our Client

The client is a well-known Government Organisation based in the heart of Canary Wharf.

Job Description

The key responsibilities and results areas:

1. Prepare the interim and year-end financial statements including the narrative sections ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, public sector accounting requirements and International Financial Reporting Standards.
2. Provide advice on the application of accounting standards, and tax/financial control issues.
3. Support the timely provision of monthly management accounts and continuously improve the production process.
4. Responsibility for all aspects of the General Ledger, including chart of accounts, banking, VAT, Fixed Asset register, reconciliations.
5. Liaising with external auditors over the audit period to ensure smooth progression of audit of the Annual Reports and Accounts to meet the laying timetable.
6. Taking accountability and ownership for the submission of financial reports to DHSC and HM Treasury.
7. Analysing current processes to identify and implement ways to improve processes and financial control.
8. Act as a subject expert, providing technical accounting advice in line with IFRS and the Financial Reporting Manual (FReM) and other relevant Government guidance documents.
9. Manage a diverse team and ensure all professional training and development requirements are met.

The Successful Applicant

The following behaviours will be assessed on application:

Leadership -

1. Be the champion of internal controls and compliance, providing expert advice to all process owners on best practice, including at a senior level.
2. Maintain a highly driven function and inspire others to move things along and make things happen.
3. Lead the financial control function and effectively manage team dynamics to drive forward a shared goal. You will take into consideration everyone's individual needs and create a genuine team spirit.

Delivering at Pace

1. Lead the function to deliver timely and efficient service in the face of varying work environments and periods of change.
2. Ensure everyone clearly understands and owns their roles, responsibilities and business priorities. Give honest, motivating and enthusiastic messages about priorities, objectives and expectations to get the best out of people.

Working Together

1. Working with the Head of Financial Accounting and Reporting, set framework for timely and accurate production of accounts whilst ensuring compliance with policies.

The following experience will be assessed during interviews:

1. Extensive experience of managing audit and delivery of unqualified financial statements.
2. Extensive experience of managing financial controls and risks in both reporting and finance operations.
3. Application of public sector financial reporting and management rules (including the Financial Reporting Manual (FReM), Managing Public Money etc.).

The following strengths will be assessed during interviews:

1. Organiser: You always make plans and are well prepared to deliver to customer requirements and team's objectives. You constantly seek to maximise time and productivity and constantly think about improving quality of service.
2. Adaptable: Able to adapt to variations in work or environment and your effectiveness isn't impacted by change. You will be flexible and versatile and act as an advocate for change.
3. Influencer: Strong influencing skills with the ability to liaise with staff at all levels, and challenge perceptions, ways of working and decision making where appropriate.

What's on Offer

You will be offered a 9-month contract and an immediate start.