AMS PSR

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for a Financial Accounting Manager Inside IR35 for a contract Until 31st March 2026 (possible extension) based Hybrid working (remote with occasional travel for key meetings)

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 www.gov.uk. 

25 Year Environment Plan - GOV.UK www.gov.uk.

The Defra group has a unique operating model delivering corporate services centrally to the core department (Defra) and four of its Arms Length Bodies (ALBs) – Environment Agency, Rural Payments Agency, Natural England (NE), and the Animal and Plant Health Agency. The Compliance and Financial Accounting Team lead on preparation of accounts for Defra and its ALBs.

Role purpose:

The role is critical for bringing forward the year-end timetable for 2025-26 onwards, given that the 2023-24 annual report and accounts were laid in June 2025 and the 2024-25 annual report and accounts are currently planned to be laid in April 2026. This will support the delivery of the Defra group annual report and accounts to their planned timetable. This is a critical role supporting the NE Financial Accounting Team (NEFAT). The team has three primary responsibilities: 1) Delivering audited financial statements; 2) Facilitating the external audit; and 3) Providing technical accounting advice.

The postholder will provide support and leadership to the existing team 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 NE and the external auditors, building relationships with others, managing the accounts and audit timetable and preparation of audit evidence through to successful laying of the accounts. The postholder will be working closely with external auditors and will collaborate with ALB-facing accounts teams to help provide an effective group-wide financial accounting ‘Centre of Expertise’.

The main duties and responsibilities of the the Financial Accounting Manager would be:

• Providing technical accounting advice and reviewing accounting papers, backed up by an in-depth knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards and HMT guidance such as the Government Financial Reporting Manual (FReM), Consolidated Budgeting Guidance (CBG) and Managing Public Money (MPM)
• Leading members of the team to review the 2025-26 GL in readiness for closure (e.g. reconciliations, balance sheet reviews etc. etc.) – to include:
  • Preparing the 2025-26 ledgers for accounts preparation including balance sheet assurance, producing/reviewing reconciliations, and interim accounts production
  • Adoption of new accounting standards from 1 Apr 2026 including IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts and removal of desktop revaluation for non-current assets
  • Mobilisation for year-end including delivering training, designing and distributing year-end disclosure packs
• Preparing timetables for 2025-26 and beyond to bring forward the timetable
• Working collaboratively with the existing accounts team
• Managing the overall accounts production timetable in line with group and parliamentary timescales
• Working with the external auditors, building relationships and taking the lead on the preparation of audit evidence to ensure the external audits are completed successfully
• Management of risks and issues in relation to the delivery of the ARA.

Essential:

• 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.
• Producing financial statements in a large public sector organisation.
• Working with auditors and managing audit requirements in relation to the annual report and accounts.
• Managing a project to challenging timescales.
• Preparing and reviewing accounting papers or providing detailed technical accounting advice based on knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards – particularly IFRS 9, IFRS 15, IFRS 17, IAS 16, IAS 36, IAS 37, and IAS 38.
• Managing a geographically dispersed team and providing leadership for wider finance colleagues.
• Working with Oracle/SOP and related applications.
• Knowledge and understanding of government finance (desirable)

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 Commitment

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".