Financial Accountant

Do you want a career where you can make a real difference? Do you want to have an impact on the UK and beyond? If yes, then a career at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) could be for you.

Here at DESNZ we are delivering our mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower, with clean electricity by 2030 and accelerating the UKs journey to net zero.

Our work is helping ensure clean energy for all, keep bills down and seize the opportunities to lead the world in new green industries, taking back control of our energy with Great British Energy and encouraging greater energy efficiency across the UK. The work of the department has never been more timely or relevant, and by joining us you will be part of making that difference.

Our work is varied, interesting and most importantly it's impactful. Our DESNZ Values are interwoven into everything we do; we are bold, we are collaborative, we are inclusive, and we learn. As a department we are committed to these values to build a culture where everyone can thrive.

We work in an agile way. This means that, as our priorities evolve, your work may adapt to meet emerging needs and help us deliver our mission. This approach offers opportunities to develop your skills, gain new experiences, and contribute where you can make the greatest impact. This relates to the nature of the work rather than contractual terms, such as location or working pattern.

We offer great working benefits including a world-class pension, flexible working options and a career where your learning and development is taken seriously. We are enormously proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We support candidates with adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Information about disability confidence and just some examples of the adjustments that you can request can be found in the reasonable adjustment section below.

Find Out More

We regularly run events where you can find out more about the department and tips for the application and interview process. You can sign up for upcoming events here: https://forms.office.com/e/pqUhdr3L72

You can also follow our LinkedIn Careers Page: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/desnz-careers/

The Financial Accounting team sits within the Efficiency, Corporate & Reporting division of the Finance Directorate and primarily supports the Core Department in all financial accounting matters, including providing technical financial advice, practical monthly and annual accounting tasks, maintenance of the general ledger, contributing to the Departments Annual Report & Accounts and managing the audit of the Core Accounts by the National Audit Office (NAO).

The team also is an intelligent client for relevant shared service providers, and supporting the accounting capabilities of the wider finance function. Demand for the team's expertise has never been greater and we are continually seeking to improve our financial operations. As such we are looking for a curious, proactive and highly technical person who can bring energy and strong relationship management to our friendly team.

Key responsibilities

• Managing and maintaining aspects of the Core Departments general ledger and financial statements
• Ownership of relevant financial processes, acting as intelligent client to our shared service providers to ensure smooth, effective and appropriately assured end to end financial processes, and value for money delivery providers
• Engage effectively with external teams in support of ledger integrity and completion of Annual Report and Accounts elements
• Ensure all technical aspects of the Core Department accounts production process are consistent with HM Treasury guidance and specifically the requirements of the Financial Reporting Manual (FReM)
• Provide technical accounting advice under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and guidance relating to new and existing Departmental activities
• Where appropriate, collaborate closely with HM Treasury colleagues on technical issues and cross government accountancy issues
• Engaging with the external auditors, the National Audit Office (NAO), to ensure the audit process runs efficiently.
• This post is likely to involve line management. As such, you will be responsible for working with your members of staff to define their objectives, as well as managing their development and performance to the highest standard.
• As a line manager, you will be responsible for working with your members of staff to define their objectives, as well as managing their development and performance.

Essential Criteria:

• Fully or part qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent);
• Extensive experience of applying International Financial Reporting Standards;
• Strong Excel & presentation skills;
• Management of service providers;
• The ability to accurately create double entry journals and interrogate financial systems;
• The ability to identify the audit evidence required to support transactions.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of Government Financial Reporting standards and practises.
• Experience of optimising end to end processes