AMS PSR

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for a Senior Financial Accountant Assets Under Construction (AUC) (Inside IR35/PAYE) for a 6-month contract based Ideally Bristol or York with flexible hybrid working as required by business needs.

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.

Environment Agency Asset Management Vision

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environment-agency-asset-management-vision/environment-agency-asset-management-vision--2

This role provides technical accounting advice and support to a community of over 700 project managers in the Environment Agency who manage projects with an annual spend in excess of £1bn. These projects span several years and are primarily delivering complex flood defence schemes. The accounting for these projects is complicated, requiring in depth knowledge of financial reporting standards adopted by the UK government as adapted for the public sector, plus knowledge of consolidated budget guidance and managing public money

As a Senior Financial Accountant Assets Under Construction (AUC) , your main responsibilities will be to:

• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Complete reviews of projects by engaging with project managers and other areas of finance. Gaining an understanding of what the project is aiming to deliver and the status of different activities by year end.
• Support project managers in ensuring their project spend is correctly classified between capital and resource.
• Support project managers to identify when assets are completed and should be transferred from assets under construction to the fixed asset register.
• Ensure all financial transactions are recorded accurately and in accordance with IFRS 
• Monitor and report on the financial performance of construction projects.
• Ensure proper allocation of costs to assets under construction.
• Maintain detailed records of project expenditures and progress.:
• Ensure compliance with IFRS, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist with audits and provide necessary documentation to auditors.
• Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure accurate financial reporting:
• Ensure proper capitalisation of assets
• Provide schedules and monthly financial reports.
• Mentor and support junior accounting staff.
• Collaborate with project managers and other departments to ensure alignment of financial goals and objectives.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance financial processes and reporting.

Essential:

• Qualified Accountant CCAB, ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CIPFA or equivalent
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and construction accounting.
• Experience providing advice and guidance to Senior Project/Programme Managers
• Excellent analytical and organisational skills.
• Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines

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.

Armed Forces Covenant / 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 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".