Head of Agency Financial Accounts Team

The Insolvency Service is a leading government agency which plays a crucial role in providing essential services to the public and to business. The work we do is important to the proper functioning of markets, the economy in general and support for thousands of people each year who are in financial difficulty.

The Agency is seeking to recruit a Head of Agency Financial Accounts Team within our Finance & Commercial Operating Group. This role reports to the Head of Core Finance and has line management of 2 SEOs directly and 2 HEOs indirectly. The work within this team is at the heart of the Insolvency Service Finance team, it offers flexibility and the opportunity to learn transformational skills.

Inclusive and diverse teams are important to us. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including groups underrepresented in our workforce. The Insolvency Service strives to ensure that the agency is a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place for everybody to bring their true self to work and to help the agency to achieve its diversity objectives. We have 9 active employee network groups available to join or become an ally, these include, Carers Network, Disability network group, Employee Assistance, Representatives, FACES Network Group, LGBT+, Mind Matters, Part Time Workers, The Shed - Mens Network Group and Womens Network Group.

We offer full-time, part-time, job share and flexible ways of working. We value capability, technical skills and experience and we place great emphasis on lifetime development to support our people. We encourage our employees to become more involved in areas they feel strongly about, whether it be for the benefit of the agency, through our Engagement network or in their own local communities via volunteering opportunities.

The Insolvency Service is a great place to work, learn and grow your career!

Lead a talented team of finance professionals to deliver the Agencys Annual Report and Accounts, covering approximately 1bn of financial activity. You will oversee the statutory accounts, consolidation returns and financial reporting, work closely with the National Audit Office throughout the audit cycle, and collaborate with the sponsor department and HM Treasury to support prompt, accurate and well-governed reporting.

Provide technical accounting leadership across the Agency by assessing and implementing new accounting standards and HM Treasury guidance, advising on strategic initiatives and major change programmes, and driving the successful delivery of audit recommendations and continuous improvement. You will work collaboratively with colleagues across Finance and the wider organisation to turn complex requirements into practical, effective solutions.

This is a high-profile role offering the opportunity to shape the Agencys financial reporting, strengthen governance and influence important business decisions. It combines strategic leadership, technical expertise and senior stakeholder engagement with hands-on delivery, providing a varied and rewarding opportunity to lead a high-performing team and deliver trusted financial outcomes.

Responsibilities

Agency Annual Report, Accounts and Audit

• Lead the delivery of the Agencys statutory financial statements and accompanying disclosures, ensuring compliance with HM Treasury guidance, government reporting requirements, and relevant accounting standards.
• Oversee the timely and accurate submission of consolidation returns to HMRC, the parent department and HM Treasurys Whole of Government Accounts team.
• Provide senior oversight of National Audit Office audits and reviews, working through the Audit Coordinator to ensure effective engagement and successful resolution of audit findings and management letter recommendations.
• Lead the production of insightful financial reporting on key financial statement movements, including monthly assurance over bank reconciliations and cashflow across Agency bank accounts.
• Partner with Treasury Management teams to shape and review working capital policies, supporting the effective management and collection of outstanding cash liabilities.

Technical Accounting and Leadership

• Work closely with Financial Control colleagues to assess the impact of new accounting standards and HM Treasury guidance, ensuring successful implementation across the Agency.
• Provide expert technical accounting advice on strategic initiatives, policy developments and major change programmes, helping to inform business decisions.
• Champion compliance with Managing Public Money, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the Consolidated Budgeting Guidance and the Financial Reporting Manual.
• Oversee the delivery of Government Internal Audit Agency actions relating to Finance & Commercial, driving continuous improvement and strong governance.
• Support the Estates Financial Accounts Team in producing the Agencys Insolvency Service Account and Insolvency Service Investment Accounts, including the review and enhancement of policies and procedures.
• Inspire, develop and lead a high-performing team, creating opportunities for growth while ensuring the successful delivery of key objectives.

Essential criteria:

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• a good foundation in technical accounting, with the ability to explain accounting concepts clearly and accessibly to colleagues from non-finance backgrounds
• clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to share information accurately and adapt messages for different audiences
• experience of interpreting and applying International Financial Reporting Standards, or the ability to develop this knowledge, together with an understanding of relevant legislative principles
• the ability to build positive working relationships with a range of stakeholders, understand their needs and work collaboratively to support successful outcomes
• a well-organised and proactive approach, with the ability to manage priorities, work independently when needed and respond constructively to new or changing requirements
• an inclusive and supportive leadership style, with the ability to provide direction, encourage collaboration and help colleagues develop and deliver their best work

Desirable criteria:

• an understanding of system accounting and/or experience of using Power BI to support analysis, reporting and insight
• familiarity with central government financial reporting requirements, such as the Financial Reporting Manual, Consolidated Budgeting Guidance and Managing Public Money
• experience of fees and charges accounting and/or laying accounts
• experience of preparing clear submissions or papers for senior forums, such as Boards, Audit Committees or other governance groups.

Please note: This vacancy is advertised across 11 locations; however, Stratford and Croydon are only available to current Insolvency Service Staff. The advertised salary includes London weighting, which is only applicable to internal candidates.