Job Description
You will be joining the Department of Finance (DoF) within the Financial Management Directorate, based in Goodwood House, Belfast. The department plays a key role in supporting financial governance, budgeting, and reporting across government, providing high‑quality financial information to senior stakeholders.
Your new role
As a Staff Officer Accountant (SOA), you will support the delivery of effective financial management and reporting across the business area. This is a hands‑on role covering management accounting, forecasting, budget monitoring, and month‑end processes, with potential exposure to multiple Directorates.
Key responsibilities include:
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* Preparation of monthly management accounts and information packs
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* Posting and reviewing journals, including prepayments, accruals, and miscoding corrections
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* Salary forecasting, reconciliations, and monitoring staff costs
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* Reviewing the general ledger and providing accurate expenditure analysis
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* Budget preparation, profiling, forecasting, and variance analysis
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* Supporting annual budgeting and financial planning activities
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* Providing financial input to interim and year‑end accounts, audits, FOIs, and Assembly questions
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* Advising budget holders on forecasting and budget management
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* Provide financial accounting information for the interim and year end Departmental Resource Accounts and as required provide information for internal/external audit;
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* Produce or provide input into other ad hoc exercise, including FOI, Assembly questions etc
This role is offered on a full‑time basis (37 hours per week) with on‑site attendance required on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
What you'll need to succeedTo be successful in this role, you will:
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* Be a fully qualified accountant and a current member of a recognised professional body (e. ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAEW, CAI, ICAS, CPA Ireland)
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* Demonstrate strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, and month‑end processes
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* Be confident working with general ledgers, journals, and financial reporting
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* Have strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate financial information clearly to non‑finance stakeholders
What you'll get in return
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* Competitive hourly rate of £24 - £25 per hour (£41,272 per annum)
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* 2 days in office/ 3 working from home
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* 37 days annual leave
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* 37 hours working week
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* Foot in the door to then apply for the permanent external competitions with the help of the line manager, team and myself.
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* Opportunity to work within a high‑profile public sector finance function
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* Exposure to complex and varied financial work across government
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* Flexible working options available, including a hybrid working pattern
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up‑to‑date copy of your CV, or call us now this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
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