The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is a system leader for health security; taking action internationally to strengthen global health security, providing trusted advice to government and the public and reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health. UKHSA’s remit, as an agency with a global-to-local reach, is to protect the health of the nation from infectious diseases and other external threats to health. As the nation’s expert national health security agency UKHSA will: Prevent: anticipate threats to health and help build the nation’s readiness, defences and health security Detect: use cutting edge environmental and biological surveillance to proactively detect and monitor infectious diseases and threats to health Analyse: use world-class science and data analytics to assess and continually monitor threats to health, identifying how best to control and mitigate the risks Respond: take rapid, collaborative and effective actions nationally and locally to mitigate threats to health when they materialise Lead: lead strong and sustainable global, national, regional and local partnerships designed to save lives, protect the nation from public health threats and reduce inequalities. Job overview We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Principal Support Officer – Financial Accounts to join our Finance Operations and Control team. This pivotal role is instrumental in supporting the delivery of high-quality financial evidence for both interim and year-end annual accounts, ensuring compliance with audit requirements and contributing to the overall integrity of financial reporting. The successful candidate will be responsible for the coordination and provision of timely and accurate sampling evidence for approximately 2,000 samples, which are critical to the preparation of statutory accounts. Working closely with both finance and non-finance colleagues, the Principal Support Officer will ensure that all evidence provided to the National Audit Office (NAO) meets the required standards and is delivered within agreed timelines. Advert In addition to audit-related responsibilities, the role will support Finance workstream leads in implementing agreed actions in response to NAO management recommendations. This includes tracking progress, ensuring accountability, and contributing to continuous improvement in financial processes and controls. This role operates within established policies and procedures, with a degree of discretion in interpreting rules and adapting processes. The Principal Support Officer will make day-to-day operational decisions, prioritise tasks, and allocate work effectively. While complex or policy-related issues will be escalated to senior staff, the role requires initiative and sound judgment in managing routine matters. The Principal Support Officer will have a direct impact on the quality and timeliness of financial reporting, thereby influencing the organisation’s credibility and relationship with external auditors. Through effective coordination and technical expertise, the role contributes to improved service delivery, enhanced financial governance, and the successful implementation of audit recommendations. Working for our organisation We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all. Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers Detailed job description and main responsibilities Lead the coordination of approximately 2,000 audit samples for both interim and year-end accounts, ensuring timely commissioning and collation of high-quality supporting evidence in line with audit requirements. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including finance and non-finance teams, to obtain appropriate and robust evidence that meets National Audit Office (NAO) standards. Provide bi-weekly verbal updates to the Financial Accounts and Control Annual Accounts meetings, reporting on the status of each sample area and highlighting any risks or delays. Lead NAO sample meetings ensuring that all agreed actions between NAO and UKHSA are tracked and completed within agreed timelines. Manage and update sample trackers, detailed schedules, and the shared audit requests inbox to ensure a clear, auditable trail of all evidence and correspondence. Be prepared to report on sample status to senior stakeholders on a daily basis if required. Assist Finance workstream leads in implementing agreed actions in response to NAO audit recommendations, contributing to continuous improvement in financial governance and control. Exercise discretion and sound judgment in resolving operational issues, interpreting guidance, and adapting procedures to meet audit and organisational needs. Provide expert advice to senior colleagues where appropriate. Identify opportunities to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of audit evidence collection and reporting processes, contributing to the development of best practices within the team. Operate independently within a defined area of responsibility, managing day-to-day tasks and priorities with minimal supervision, while escalating complex or policy-sensitive issues as needed Ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with internal controls, financial regulations, and audit standards, maintaining the integrity and credibility of financial reporting. Essential Criteria: Demonstrable experience in supporting year-end audits, particularly in the coordination and provision of high-quality sample evidence in line with external audit requirements. Proven ability to work effectively with non-financial stakeholders, providing clear guidance on financial processes and audit evidence expectations. Expert knowledge of core financial operations, with a strong focus on Receivables, Payables, and Purchase-to-Pay (P2P) functions. Good understanding of General Ledger structures, double-entry bookkeeping principles, and practical experience in the preparation and processing of manual journals. Experience in supporting the implementation of audit recommendations, including tracking progress and contributing to process improvements. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information clearly and confidently to a range of audiences. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel ,Word, Outlook, and Teams. Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and demonstrate strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and sound judgement in problem-solving. Capable of making day-to-day operational decisions within established policies and procedures, with the discretion to interpret guidance and adapt processes as needed. Experience in managing or coordinating discrete areas of work, including the potential to supervise staff, allocate tasks, and contribute to performance management and resource planning. Educated to Level 4 qualification with AAT, CCAB, CIMA or qualified by experience with a minimum of 3 years finance experience in an equivalent role. Desirable Criteria: Experience of supporting the delivering of change and transformation initiatives Working Knowledge of Oracle Fusion ERP system Selection Process Details: This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours and Experience. Stage 1: Application & Sift Success Profiles You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 11 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a: Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application) 750 word supporting statement. This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together. Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV. Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of: Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria If longlisting is used, the pile 'meets all essential criteria' will proceed to shortlisting. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications an initial sift will be conducted of the lead criteria of: Demonstrable experience in supporting year-end audits, particularly in the coordination and provision of high-quality sample evidence in line with external audit requirements. Expert knowledge of core financial operations, with a strong focus on Receivables, Payables, and Purchase-to-Pay (P2P) functions. Good understanding of General Ledger structures, double-entry bookkeeping principles, and practical experience in the preparation and processing of manual journals. Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment. Please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview Success Profiles - GOV.UK You will be invited to a single remote interview. Behaviours will be tested at interview. The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be: Working Together Working at Pace Managing a Quality Service Changing and Improving Interview dates to be confirmed. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Selection Process Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV. Eligibility Criteria External- Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). Location This role is being offered as hybrid working based at any of our Core HQ’s. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's core HQ’s (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and London- Canary Wharf). Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport link and benefit from benefit from co location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC). Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard. IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ Artificial Intelligence (AI) Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. Link below: Artificial intelligence and recruitment | Civil Service Careers This is a Non-Reserved post under the Civil Service Nationality Rules. To be eligible for employment in the UK Civil Service applicants must meet the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs) which operate independently of and additionally to the Immigration Rules. Applicants must also meet necessary security and vetting requirements, along with any other relevant pre-employment checks. This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service For more information on job nationality requirements and the right to work in the UK, see the Civil Service Nationality rules (opens in a new window) and the UK Visas and Immigration rules (opens in a new window) For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest. The Civil Service pay structure and progression is different from NHS Agenda for Change (AfC), most local authority pay grades and other systems that have annual pay increments. For further details, please refer to the Information Sheet- Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment. For AfC or Medical/Dental posts, you must have the correct professional registration to be appointed. The pay will follow the AfC or Medical & Dental terms & conditions. You may be asked to provide evidence of previous service whilst we are conducting pre-employment checks to determine your starting salary. For Temporary Appointments, if you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment. You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA’s Pay policy. Given the nature of the work of the UKHSA, as a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act, you may be required in an emergency, if deemed a necessity, to redeploy to another role at short notice. You may also be required to work at any other location, within reasonable travelling distance of your permanent home address, in line with the provisions set out in your contract of employment. Late Applications will unfortunately not be considered. Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: [email protected] If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website here. Reserve List - If more than the required number of suitable candidates pass the interview criteria, you may be kept on a reserve list for 12 months subject to your agreement. You may be contacted, in merit-order, if similar roles with closely matching essential criteria become available and the department choose to appoint from a reserve list. The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirement of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available. Interview expenses will not be reimbursed. UKHSA is required to check employment and/or education history covering three consecutive years. Please ensure you give details of at least two different referees, even if you were employed in one company for three years or more. If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system. Please note, all communication regarding your application will be made via email, please ensure you check your junk/spam folders as emails are sometimes filtered there. Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/. Benefits of working at UKHSA include: Generous annual leave: -26 days for the first 5 years of continuous service -28 days after 5 years of continuous service -32 days after 10 years of continuous service -Plus public holidays and one privilege day for the King’s birthday Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions. Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving. Access to a retail discounts and cashback site. We also promote flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours). UKHSA views flexible working as essential in enabling us to recruit and retain talented people, ensuring that they are able to enjoy a long-lasting career with us. All employees have the right to apply for flexible working and there are a range of options available including working from home, compressed hours and job sharing. We also offer a generous maternity/ paternity and adoption leave package. Hybrid Working UKHSA operates a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will usually spend a minimum of 60% of your contracted hours (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's locations (approximately 3 days a week pro rata) and the rest of your time working from home. Disability Confident Scheme The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria at sift to ensure these candidates are invited to interview. If you wish to be included in this scheme please tick the box on your application form. Reasonable Adjustments The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will take into account any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should: Contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs. You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/ International Police Check If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and could be time accrued over that period. Internal Fraud check If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service. Security Vetting Please check the Security Clearance needed for the role and follow the link for more information: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels Future location UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK. The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.