Job Description

On behalf of Defra - Cefas, we are looking for a Finance Officer (Inside IR35) until 31st of March 2026 contract based Hybrid - 3 days a week in Lowestoft.



Cefas is a global leader in marine science and technology, tackling challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security. We're looking for a motivated Finance Officer to join our team and help deliver UK Government objectives with professionalism and value for money.



You'll work closely with our Finance Team, embracing innovation and opportunities from data and AI to improve financial management. Candidates with relevant skills and experience who want to make a difference are encouraged to apply.

Our objectives are:

To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future. To lead the world in food, farming, and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production. To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability.

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs [1] www.gov.uk.



25 Year Environment Plan - GOV.UK [2] www.gov.uk[3] .

As a Finance Officer, your main responsibilities will be:

Work within a dynamic and supportive finance environment, utilizing finance systems, Excel skills. Provide accurate and assured input and support for all financial transactions within business systems, including sales and purchase ledger. Ensure accuracy of monthly management financial reporting through completion of journals and reconciliations. Maintain and enhance financial controls, assurance, and compliance performance, and collaborate with audit reviews to improve processes. Deliver excellent customer service consistently and professionally. Build and maintain Cefas Values by fostering respectful working relationships with colleagues, funding partners, and suppliers, while promoting equity, diversity, and inclusivity.

Essential:

Excellent data and numeracy skills - strong ability to work with numbers and data accurately. IT proficiency, especially in Microsoft software, and willingness to adopt digital tools. Strong verbal and written communication skills with confidence in using varied communication methods. Attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work. Self-motivation and organizational skills, including adaptability to changing priorities and flexibility in meeting customer needs. Ability and enthusiasm to deliver excellent customer service consistently.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.



Disability Confident



As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Defra guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.



In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".

References



Visible links

1. //www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs

2. //www.gov.uk/government/publications/25-year-environment-plan

3. //www.gov.uk/government/publications/25-year-environment-plan