AMS PSR

On behalf of Defra, Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) we are looking for a Senior Finance Manager (Inside IR35) for a 4 month (until the financial year end 2026) contract based in Weybridge 3 days per week

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.

You will be responsible for all financial operations, including strategic financial planning, risk management, budgeting, and reporting. You will provide financial advice for decision making and act as a key partner to the CEO and others to achieve business goals

You will have autonomy to lead the team responsible for the management of VMD’s finances. You will provide financial advice and support to VMD’s senior leadership team, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations, internal control and achieving key financial obligations.

As a Senior Finance Manager, your main responsibilities will be:

• Develop long-term financial plans and strategies aligned with organisational objectives, ensuring sustainable growth and compliance.
• Oversee accurate, timely financial reporting for internal and external stakeholders, including statutory deliverables, audits, and HM Treasury standards.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks, lead counter-fraud initiatives, and collaborate with Defra’s fraud team to safeguard organisational integrity.
• Create detailed financial forecasts, manage budgets, and provide financial support to teams to enhance cost awareness and accountability.
• Lead financial workstreams for income generation and transformation programmes, driving efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, managing a team of 10 staff and working closely with the CEO and management boards to inform strategic decisions.

Essential:

• Fully Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA)
• Annual Financial reporting process and accounts experience
• Management Accounting experience
• Team Management
• Strong Financial Accounting skills and understanding of IFRS and FReM

Desirable:

• Public Sector Experience

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".