AMS PSR

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for a Financial Accountant (Inside IR35) for a 3 months (Until end of July) contract based 1 day a week in York, London, Bristol or any other DEFRA regional office.

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. 
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• 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 Financial Accountant will play a pivotal role in producing the Department’s consolidated Annual Report and Accounts (ARA), contributing directly to the department’s aim of laying the ARA before Parliament’s summer recess. Sitting at the centre of Defra’s financial reporting process, you will support the delivery of an accurate, timely and high‑quality ARA.

You will assist in preparing the consolidated ARA in full compliance with the Financial Reporting Manual (FReM) and HM Treasury (HMT) guidance, ensuring all disclosures meet statutory and audit expectations. The role requires strong collaboration with internal teams, contributors across the group, and external auditors, including the NAO.

As a Financial Accountant, your main responsibilities will be:

• Support the preparation of Defra’s consolidated Annual Report and Accounts for senior management review.
• Ensure the ARA complies with FReM, HMT guidance and the NAO disclosure checklist.
• Review technical guidance and identify opportunities to streamline, remove or clarify content to improve quality and accessibility.
• Liaise closely with all ARA contributors and the NAO, ensuring changes are agreed, communicated and accurately implemented.
• Assist with year‑end audit requests—preparing evidence, explanations and audit‑ready documentation.
• Work with teams across Defra to ensure all inputs are complete, accurate and submitted within agreed timelines.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, refining ARA processes and strengthening financial reporting controls.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with stakeholders across the group, supporting effective coordination and information flow.

Essential:

• Qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA, ICAS, Chartered Accountants Ireland or CIMA).
• Strong expertise in financial accounting and reporting, ideally within central government or a similar regulated environment.
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex financial accounting issues, providing clear and concise recommendations.
• Confident communicator able to explain technical requirements to both financial and non‑financial stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships.
• Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to identify inconsistencies and ensure the accuracy of financial information.
• Proficient in Excel and Word, with the capability to manage, analyse and present financial data effectively.

Desirable:

• IAS 17

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".