Job summary
If you�re interested in making a difference to people�s lives, the Treasury can offer you an exciting opportunity to influence decision making that affects the whole of the UK. Working at the heart of government, we collaborate across government to promote responsible public spending and drive strong and sustainable economic growth. �
Our work ranges from protecting customers through the regulation of the financial sector, helping to reduce carbon emissions and creating a greener economy, to promoting British trade around the world and supporting people across the country on jobs, growth and more. �
HM Treasury is proud of a diverse and inclusive work environment, committed to fairness and the promotion of equality of opportunity for all. We know that having a range of experiences, ways of working and thinking makes us stronger and better at developing policy that reflects the needs of every community. We embrace different views and experiences and value the new perspective that people from a variety of circumstances bring to the work we do. We welcome applications from candidates who have not previously worked for the Civil Service, mid- and late-career changers with transferrable skills, people from all backgrounds and circumstances regardless of disability, gender, age ethnicity, LGBT+ identity and socio-economic status. �
We are part of the, a pioneering new cross-government hub which brings people together to play an active role in the most important issues of the day whilst working closer to the communities we serve. The campus provides the opportunity for people from all over the UK to help shape the future of the country, and our flexible working practices ensure you can collaborate effectively with our partners. It�s central government, made more accessible to you!
Job description
About the Group
Corporate Centre
The Corporate Centre Group delivers a wide range of corporate services to enable people at HM Treasury and many of the other organisations who form part of the Treasury Group (including the Government Internal Audit Agency and the Debt Management Office) to operate effectively and efficiently. We are a diverse group, both in terms of our professions and in our ways of working. Our colleagues are based across 3 sites in London, Darlington and Norwich.�
The Corporate Centre Group consists of a range of teams and is led by two directors (one of Finance and one of Operations);�
1. Correspondence and Information Rights
2. Finance & Commercial
3. People & Capability
4. Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
5. Treasury Business Solutions
6. Multisite Darlington Economic Campus team
7. Exchequer Funds & Accounts team�
About the Team
As the Treasury's Finance Team, within the Corporate Centre Group, we have responsibility for providing sound financial management advice and high-quality accurate information for parliamentary control and public accountability purposes. We also cover counter fraud, risk and assurance. We are part of the wide Government Finance Function (GFF), which represents and supports around 10,000 members of the finance community across the civil service.��
Finance is made up of approximately 50 staff based across London, Norwich and Darlington sites. Finance is high on the agenda and provides the opportunity to influence the direction of the Department for the future.
This role is in the central Financial Accounting and Reporting Team (FAR). In addition to being HMT�s financial accounting Centre of Excellence, the team leads in the production of the consolidated accounts of the HMT Group manages several unique balances and transactions.
About the Job
The annual report and accounts (ARA) is central to financial accountability in the public sector. It enables Parliament and the public to understand and consider the value for money offered by public spending and, ensures Parliament can hold the government to account.
As Senior Financial Accountant (Systems) you play a key part in the accountability framework. You will produce HM Treasury Group�s ARA. You will handle and maintain the systems used to ensure high quality reporting.
You will be at the forefront of an exciting transformation project. You will identify and implement efficiencies and innovation into systems, processes, models and drive forward improvements in financial reporting.
HM Treasury has a number of arm�s length bodies (ALBs) within its group. This is an opportunity for you to gain experience working with these unique entities, set up to deliver government policy and financial stability.
You will collaborate closely with the NAO and other customers to ensure comprehensive and informed advice is provided. You will provide accountancy support for the group, advising arms-length bodies and internal partners on completing consolidation packs alongside any financial accounting treatment.
You will need to demonstrate excellent numerical and problem-solving skills as well as knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). You will have the capability to clearly explain your thinking both in writing and in person.
You will be tenacious in overcoming challenges and see your ideas through into action and delivery. You will also be a teammate with the skill to articulate a vision, engage and motivate people to deliver results. You will support the ongoing learning and development of staff and demonstrate dedication to inclusive team values.
The key accountabilities include:
8. You will lead on the interim and year-end preparation of the HM Treasury�s ARA and Whole of Government return, involving the consolidation for the department�s agencies, non-departmental public bodies, and companies.
9. You will lead on a transformation project, which will involve the implementation and configuration of a new consolidation system. Maintaining processes and procedures used in the consolidation project.
10. You will handle and maintain the systems used to create the ARA to ensure high quality financial reporting. Driving forward innovation to achieve efficiencies in the accounts production and consolidation process.
11. Lead on the preparation of counterparty eliminations and consolidation packs for HMT ALBs.
12. Liaise with external auditors over the completion of the audit of HM Treasury�s ARA.
13. Various ad-hoc projects that may come up during the year, for example data returns to the central team or other projects to improve processes and controls relating to accounting models, systems and balance sheet items.
14. Develop good relationships with a range of customers, including policy teams within HM Treasury, finance colleagues from arm-length bodies, Audit and Risk Committee, obtaining relevant information to sign-off and provide ad-hoc advice when appropriate.
15. Direct line management of one Range D (HEO) staff to assist in production of the Accounts and other work to support the Finance team, ensuring sufficient development opportunities are provided.
Candidate Drop-In Session��
We will be running a candidate drop-in session for this role to give you greater insight about the role as well as the chance to learn more about HM Treasury and the recruitment process. If you would like to join us, then use the appropriate link below to join the call at the right time.�
24th May 2024 12:00-1300
Person specification
We are looking for the below skills, experience and behaviours and we will ask you to demonstrate these in your application form. Please review the Candidate FAQ document that is attached to the advert for guidance on how to complete your application form. �
16. Evidence of the ability to drive forward efficiencies, innovation, and automation for continual improvement to financial reporting processes and reporting. Experience with Oracle Consolidation and Close software would also be desirable but not essential. (Changing and improving)
17. Experience of financial statements preparation and accounting for complex consolidations, including experience of applying IFRS. (Experience)
18. Strong numerical, analytical and MS Excel skills with ability to analyse and accurately interpret data from various sources to help support decisions. (Managing a quality service)
19. Ability to work independently and handle a full workload at key times in the year to deliver priorities. (Delivering at pace)
The lead criterion is: Changing and Improving
If we receive large volumes of applications, we will conduct an initial sift on the lead criterion only.
Qualifications
Qualified Accountant with recognised CCAB body qualification
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
20. Changing and Improving
21. Managing a Quality Service
22. Delivering at Pace
23. Working Together
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
24. Changing and Improving
25. Managing a Quality Service
26. Delivering at Pace
Benefits
Alongside your salary of �52,960, HM Treasury contributes �14,299 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
27. 25 days� annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King's birthday (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant)��
28. Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours)��
29. Generous parental and adoption leave package.�
30. A which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and average employer contributions of 27%��
31. Onsite restaurant and coffee bar. The London office also offers a gym, showers and prayer room��
32. Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving��
33. Access to a retail discounts and cashback site��
34. A Rental Deposit Advance Scheme to help meet the total costs of deposits for privately rented homes��
35. A range of active staff networks, based around interests ( analysts, music society, sports and social club) and diversity ( women in the Treasury, ethnic minority network, LGBT* network, faith and belief network)�
Flexible Working Arrangements
HM Treasury views flexible working as essential in enabling us to recruit and retain talented people, ensuring that they can 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; part-time, compressed hours and job sharing. Additionally, we operate flexitime systems, allowing employees the flexibility to adjust their working patterns throughout the week which is subject to operational needs and line management approval.��
At HM Treasury we have an incredibly broad remit; our work touches every citizen of the country. So, it�s important our employees come from the widest possible range of backgrounds, bringing us the widest possible range of perspectives and ways of thinking. We are committed to ensuring that all staff can realize their potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.�
HM Treasury operates an office based working approach across all Treasury sites - Darlington, London, and Norwich, and along with the rest of the Civil Service, has an expectation of a minimum of 60% attendance in the office, along with working remotely. This blended working approach allows you to work collaboratively, meet stakeholders face to face, support others and promotes a healthy work life balance (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone�s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review. All our offices have been recently modernised and designed to collaborate and connect with colleagues as well as desk and quiet space to allow a range of ways to work.