applicants
Financial Accountant
at Ministry of Justice London in London (Published at 28-08-2024)
Business Group Financial Transactions, Reporting and Governance
Directorate Financial Management, Control, Risk and Governance
Location National with occasional travel to London
Hours 37
Post Type Permanent
Role Type/ Team Finance
Ministry of Justice an Inclusive Employer
We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer of choice and ensuring equity of opportunity for all. We welcome the unique contribution diverse applicants bring in terms of their culture, ethnicity, race, nationality or national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, religion or belief, disability status, sexual orientation, educational or social background or any other factor.
Overview
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is here to protect the public, reduce offending, and deliver swift access to justice. We are responsible for:- Prisons
- Probation
- Courts and tribunals
- A range of services to help victims of crime, children, vulnerable people, and those seeking access to justice.
The MoJ sits at the heart of public service delivery and the government’s wider social reform agenda, working to protect and advance the principles of justice. The department has been at the forefront of the Government’s wider efficiency agenda making finance roles an exciting and challenging opportunity.
The Ministry’s Financial Management, Control, Risk and Governance directorate brings together multiple teams from across the Ministry into consolidated teams and centres of excellence to deliver high quality financial management and reporting services for the Ministry.
Role Summary
The role advertised is in MoJ’s Financial Accounting and Reporting team, which produces financial accounts for the group, agencies and arm’s length bodies, and is within the financial accounting team for the Judicial Pensions Scheme (JPS) providing a professional service in delivering the annual report and accounts for the JPS for sign-off by the Permanent Secretary as the Accounting Officer.
The Financial Accounting and Reporting team produces statutory financial accounts and estimates ensuring they meet HMT reporting standards. This requires adherence to a tight audit timetable and continued liaison with a range of colleagues and wider stakeholders such as the third-party pension administrator, Government Actuary Department and the National Audit Office, to obtain and assure the information relevant to the production of accounts and liaise with the auditors to see the accounts to a clear audit certificate.
Typical Role Responsibilities
Financial Accounting and Reporting HEOs are expected to perform analysis and interpret data to provide assurance to senior managers over the validity of the data. HEOs will gather supporting information and query data in line with accounting standards and suggest solutions to decision makers. They will ensure data is clear and supportive and can be used as evidence for audit purposes.
Entry Routes
Suitable for staff with the required skills and / or experience from within or outside Finance.Within Finance
This role may be suitable for individuals in the following roles:
- Financial Accounting EO.
- Business Partnering EOs or HEOs interested in more technical financial issues.
- Finance EOs or HEOs with the required numeracy and technical accounting skills.
From Outside Finance
This role may be suitable for EOs on promotion and HEOs with the required numeracy and data analysis skills, an interest in financial accounting and who are wanting to join the profession.
Progression Routes
Staff in this role typically move into other HEO roles in Finance or progress to Financial Accounting and Reporting SEO or wider finance SEO roles.
Responsibilities
Support senior team members in delivery of outputs by:- Analysing a number of reports received monthly and yearly from the third-party pension administrator, challenging transactions where necessary.
- Completing monthly bank account reconciliations and reconciling ledger balances to produce accurate monthly journals for the finance system in a timely manner, for review by senior managers.
- Ensuring the integrity of data collected for external reporting purposes and that good controls and checks are in place to maintain accuracy.
- Reviewing, analysing, and interpreting financial data for use in the annual report and accounts and estimates processes, providing insight for senior managers and decision makers.
- Manage the JPS annual accounts excel model feeding into the annual accounts, ensuring data accuracy.
- Interpreting financial data against relevant accounting standards and being able to explain it in a non-technical format.
- Answering queries from external auditors and resolving issues raised in management letters.
- Maintaining a strong working relationship with other MoJ colleagues, the NAO and other external stakeholders.
Other duties
The post holder will be required to work in a flexible way and undertake any other duties reasonably requested by line management which are commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility of this post. This may also include working closely with other MoJ Finance staff to develop solutions/problem-solve and engaging in project work to drive finance improvements.
Behaviours Required
Success Profiles will enable a fairer and more inclusive method of recruitment by enabling us to assess the range of experiences, abilities, strengths, behaviours and technical/professional skills required for different roles. This flexible approach to recruitment focuses more on finding the right candidate for the specific role. To find out more about Success Profiles to support your application please click here for further guidance.
Civil Service Behaviours
The following HEO Civil Service Behaviours are essential to this post and will be assessed upon application:- Delivering at pace
- Making effective decisions
- Changing and improving
Please refer to the Civil Service Behaviours Framework, which can be found here, to complete this application: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/717275/CS_Behaviours_2018.pdf
If we receive a large volume of applications, we reserve the right to conduct the sift based on one lead behaviour. The chosen lead behaviour for this campaign is Delivering at Pace.
Specific Experience Required
In addition to the Behaviours identified above;- A Statement of Suitability is required consisting of a maximum of 250 words along with a work history as part of the application.
Interpersonal Skills
- Ability to develop collaborative relationships with key stakeholders e.g., GAD, NAO, judicial policy and legal colleagues and pensions operations team.
- Ability to effectively negotiate with stakeholders.
- Ability to organise effectively and manage own workload and priorities.
Professional Skills
Key for Levels of Professional Skills- A = Awareness
- W = Working
- P = Practitioner
- E = Expert
Professional Skills Level
Understanding of International Accounting Standards A
Understanding of Government accounts W
Data Analysis W
Interrogation of technical systems E
Excel skills P
Drafting skills W
Qualifications
- Level 4 qualification with AAT, CCAB or CIMA
- Qualified with CCAB, CIMA or equivalent
- Working towards qualification
- Some financial experience
In addition to salary, this role is eligible for a pensionable, non-contractual specialist allowance for those who are full members of a professional accountancy body (CCAB or CIMA). Specialist allowances apply to certain roles only, are non-transferable to other roles and are subject to annual review.
Application Process
To apply please complete the online application form. Applications will be sifted by a panel who will look at the Civil Service Behaviour framework and what is evidenced in your application. Should many applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour Delivering at Pace.
Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate the essential role requirements within the application behaviour responses.
Candidates who are successful following the sift process will be invited to interview, where the behavioural elements and strengths will be tested further alongside other elements of the post. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates in advance of the interviews.
Travel
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (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.
This will be discussed and agreed upon completion of pre-employment checks.
Applicants are advised to access the JCC/JSO office map, which is updated whenever a new JCC/JSO site opens, to determine potential travelling times and distances to MoJ locations before applying for a job.
Training
The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
Networks
The opportunity to join employee run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees.
For further information please feel free to contact Petula Herbert, Petula.herbert@justice.gov.uk .
Working Arrangements & Further Information
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.
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.
For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.
Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.
MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.
All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.
Flexible working hours
The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.
Benefits
The MoJ offers a range of benefits:
Annual Leave
Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.
There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
Pension
The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.
Training
The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
Networks
The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.
Support
- A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
- Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
- For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
- Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
- Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code 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. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order
- To Shared Service Connected Ltd (0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com);
- To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
- To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)
As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.
For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please see our Disability Confident Scheme Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
Interview dates Expected end of September / early October Closing Date:17/09/2024, 23:55 hours.
Contact information If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com Please quote the job reference - 90127.To apply for roles in MOJ you will need to confirm your employment history for at least 3 years prior to the date of application so that pre-employment checks (BPSS) can be undertaken. If you have spent significant time abroad (a total of 6 months in the past 3 years) you would be required to give a reasonable account of the reasons why.
For some roles you will be required to successfully complete National Security Vetting at Counter Terrorism (CTC), Security Clearance (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV) level as a condition of appointment. To meet CTC/SC/DV requirements you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 3/5/10 years prior to the date of application (The level of checks that are required are stated in the advert).
If you do not meet the above requirements, you may still be considered if, for example:
- You've been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government
- You were studying abroad
- You were living overseas with parents
In such cases you will need to be able to provide referee cover for the period(s) of residence overseas. The duration of overseas residence and the country of abode will also be taken into account.
Success ProfilesSuccess Profiles will enable a fairer and more inclusive method of recruitment by enabling us to assess the range of experiences, abilities, strengths, behaviours and technical/professional skills required for different roles. This flexible approach to recruitment focuses more on finding the right candidate for the specific role. To find out more about Success Profiles to support your application please click here for further guidance.
if you feel that your application has not been treated in line with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, please contact SSCL (Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com) in the first instanceWe have provided detail of the assessment stages and areas being assessed to help you prepare for completing your application form, and to advise of what will be assessed following this, if you successfully pass the application stage.
Application form stage assessments
Behaviours Delivering at Pace - 250 word limit Making Effective Decisions - 250 word limit Changing and Improving - 250 word limit Experience Work History Statement of Suitability - 250 word limit A sift based on the lead behaviour, Delivering at Pace, may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift, where all behaviours will then be considered.Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
You must ensure that any evidence submitted as part of your application, including your CV, statement of suitability and behaviour examples, are truthful and factually accurate. Please note that plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.
Interview stage assessments
There is 1 interview stage for this vacancy. Behaviours Delivering at Pace Making Effective Decisions Changing and Improving Experience Experience of IFRS and/or FREM requirementsfor central government. Experience of Excel. Technical Skills Accounting knowledge – we will test knowledge of accruals at interview Excel knowledge – Test using excel formulas at interview Strengths may also be assessed at interview but these are not shared in advance.
A Great Place to Work for Veterans
The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit : https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans
Redeployment Interview Scheme
Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ are committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.
MoJ are able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidate's will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.
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) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
- 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
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules
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