Assistant Financial Accountant - 34,183 p.a. + benefits

We are currently looking for an Assistant Financial Accountant to join our Finance Functionwithin the Finance & Commercialgroup.

This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis.The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU.

Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.

We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly. Please discuss this with the recruiting manager before accepting an appointment.

Who are we?

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.

This role sits within the Finance and Commercial Group, which provides financial, commercial and procurement leadership that enables the MHRA to deliver its mission of protecting public health through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices. The Group ensures strong stewardship of public resources, supports strategic decision-making, delivers value for money, and maintains robust governance, financial management and commercial frameworks across the Agency.

The Finance Function is responsible for financial accounting, reporting, planning, control and assurance activities across MHRA. The function delivers accurate financial information, maintains compliance with statutory and government requirements, and supports the Agency in achieving its objectives through effective financial management and stewardship.

The Assistant Financial Accountant supports the production of accurate financial information and helps ensure compliance with financial controls and reporting requirements. The role contributes to month-end and year-end processes, reconciliations and audit activities, playing an important part in maintaining the integrity of the Agency's financial records. It provides a strong foundation for developing a professional career in financial accounting.

Key responsibilities:

• Support Financial Accounting and Reporting by assisting with the preparation of quarterly financial reports, statutory accounts working papers, audit schedules and supporting documentation to ensure accurate and compliant financial reporting.
• Deliver Month-End and Year-End Activities through the preparation and posting of journals, balance sheet reconciliations, and the investigation and resolution of financial discrepancies.
• Maintain Financial Controls and Compliance by adhering to financial procedures, maintaining robust audit trails, and supporting internal control reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide Audit and Assurance Support by responding to audit requests, preparing evidence and documentation, and assisting with the implementation of recommendations to strengthen financial governance and control

Who are we looking for?

Our successful candidate will have the following:

• AAT Level 4 qualified or working towards a professional accounting qualification (such as CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or CFA), demonstrating commitment to a career in finance.
• Experience working within a finance environment, with the ability to apply financial knowledge and analytical skills to support financial reporting and improve performance.
• Strong attention to detail and numerical skills, with the ability to produce accurate financial information, identify discrepancies and maintain high-quality financial records.
• Knowledge of financial systems and reporting tools, including ERP platforms such as SAP or Oracle Fusion, together with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent organisational, communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, build effective working relationships and contribute to the delivery of a high-quality finance service

Method of assessment: A=Application, T=Test, I=Interview, P=Presentation

Behaviour Criteria:

• Communicating and Influencing (A, I)
• Delivering at Pace (A, I)
• Working Together (A, I)
• Managing a Quality Service (A, I)

Experience Criteria:

• Experience of Financial teams with a demonstrable track record of improving performance through technical know-how and analytical skills.(A, I)
• Strong decision-making skills able to demonstrate when and how to change or alter procedures and processes to achieve greater efficiencies and effectiveness (A, I)
• Attention to detail able to spot errors and correct as required in order to produce reports with high accuracy that stakeholders can trust (A, I)
• Good numerical skills (A, I)

Technical Criteria:

• Completed AAT Level 4 or working towards a Professional qualification (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA, CFA) (A, I)
• Proven experience of delivering value added financial reporting that provides insight and supports decision making
• Financial accounting experience gained preferably in the public sector (A, I)
• Knowledge of ERP platforms e.g. (SAP / Oracle Fusion) to process transactions and generate reports (A, I)
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications (A, I)

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!

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