Job Description

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for a Senior Financial Accountant (Inside IR35) for a contract to run up until 31/3/26 homebased.



In the Defra group, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people's lives. We are responsible for England's environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. We have developed a set of three strategic objectives covering our policy outcomes and corporate objectives. These objectives help us to deliver our ambitious vision to build our green and healthy future and provide a framework for all the important work we carry out.

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 Senior Financial Accountant, your main responsibilities will be:



Provision of technical accounting advice: subject matter expert on the requirements of the Financial Reporting Manual and the application of accounting standards Preparing the interim and year-end financial statements ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, public sector accounting requirements (HM Government Financial Reporting Manual (FReM)) and International Financial Reporting Standards. Liaising with internal and external auditors in answering technical queries and providing required audit information.

Essential:

Experience working in a financial accounting role, including the compilation of accurate annual accounts and financial controls Experience supporting the external audit process. CCAB or CIMA qualified Sound knowledge of latest accounting standards (IFRS experience and FReM knowledge preferred) and ability to understand complex financial reporting issues

Desirable:

Proven ability to communicate matters to a non-financial audience. Experience of finance systems and processes.

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.



Armed Forces Covenant



Defra guarantees to interview?veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we?will interview the best candidates from within that group. 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. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs

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

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