Job Description Project Accountant

Transcription

1 Do you: Job Description Project Accountant Fancy working on one of the biggest Central Government Change Programmes, currently taking place in the UK? Being involved with transforming the way justice is delivered with the Courts and Tribunals service? Enhancing and developing your Accounting skills and knowledge, fit for the 21 st century? Working with both highly professional and skilled finance and non-finance staff, to deliver the changes needed at an ever increasing pace? If so, then please read on! The Organisation Her Majesty s Court and Tribunals Service is an agency of the MoJ and provides the supporting administration for the judiciary across England and Wales. It delivers services to the public directly in court and tribunal buildings, remotely via business centres and some limited services via the internet. The Challenge The challenge is to deliver a Courts and Tribunals service fit for the 21 st century by using technology to deliver new ways of working and giving a better customer experience whilst ensuring we have an estate which is fit for future generations. The HMCTS Reform Programme is a once in a generation opportunity to transform the entire HM Courts and Tribunals Service, enhancing the provision of a world-class justice system, in a manner that provides an improved user experience at reduced cost to the taxpayer. This will contribute to consolidating the UK s position at the forefront of an increasingly competitive international legal market as well as ensuring access to justice for all. HM Treasury have committed 1 billion over six years the aim is to put technology at the heart of everything that we do and create a digital by default environment bringing justice closer to the public. The Team We are building a team of highly talented and motivated individuals to work on one of the biggest investment programmes in government today. The roles are varied, flexible and fast paced and will give you an opportunity to develop a raft of skills. Vacancies within the Reform finance team offer a unique chance to be at the forefront of leading and implementing significant change projects across the organisation. The Programme is ambitious and innovative and will need a flexible workforce to deliver it. Those leading the change will experience new and exciting opportunities and will benefit from playing a part in a number of vx- file- fcf2ac3c875229b25df7c7fe71555e26467d292f Page 1 1

2 different initiatives throughout the four year programme. Staff within the Programme will need to display a commitment to three key principles: Continuous change, managing uncertainty and designing services around the needs of the users. All those appointed to these new roles must be wholeheartedly committed to these principles and evidence this in their application. The Roles The roles that we are recruiting for are Band B/SEO Senior Accountants to carry out exciting and varied functions within Finance. 2 X Permanent roles Working within the Central Finance Reform team supporting the teams delivering the programmes and projects The Role What s the main purpose of the role? As a Senior Accountant in HMCTS your role is to protect value, drive value and add value. Your role will be to ensure that financial information is accurately analysed and reported in order to inform decision making and commercial discussions. You will provide effective, active and dynamic leadership, communicating objectives, plans and priorities with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. You will become involved in national initiatives that continue to develop the finance function with regard to delivering accounting services and improving management information and where appropriate you will ensure compliance with CPD requirements, and keep up to date with accounting developments. Responsibilities More detail about the role and what you will be doing! The various roles will cover some/all of these points and probably even more (the 5% other duties). Below is a good start. You will be responsible for change financial reporting, including analysing financial information and preparing summary reporting, ensuring that the leaders of HMCTS are able to make decisions based on accurate financial information. You will engage with colleagues across the business to provide insightful commentary, including the preparation of high quality and timely financial reports, Board packs and business cases. You will support the production of HMCTS s financial accounts by preparing control reconciliations You will provide accounting advice in accordance with international financial reporting standards and central government accounting rules You will engage closely with our suppliers, different parts of the business and external stakeholders to manage HMCTS s financial processes You will manage the budget setting and forecasting process, including developing a comprehensive understanding of actual spending compared to forecasts and monitoring key trends and assumptions in forecasts vx- file- fcf2ac3c875229b25df7c7fe71555e26467d292f Page 2 2

3 You will provide support to policy colleagues when they are considering changes which affect HMCTS finance. You will set a clear example of good financial control and governance, designing and following business processes to ensure regularity and propriety in HMCTS s transactions You will act as a key point of contact for internal and external auditors regarding financial information, processes and controls You will potentially line manage other finance staff members You will coach, inspire, motivate and seek development opportunities for all staff You will build and develop new teams to work together and continually look to improve performance You will manage attendance and actively tackle poor performance You will 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. It is anticipated that the roles will give the opportunity to move around, to different programmes and projects Skills and Qualifications Essential Skills CCAB, or equivalent, qualified (or the ability to evidence solid financial experience over an extended period of time and/or in a variety of finance roles). Strong MS Excel Skills Sound MS PowerPoint and Word skills Strong data analysis skills and experience in preparing, engaging and understanding complex data Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders, both finance and non-finance Exceptional written and verbal skills. Ability to work in a culture of rapid change and work with risk Adaptable and willing to review role and priorities with senior management team to meet the current and future needs of the organisation. vx- file- fcf2ac3c875229b25df7c7fe71555e26467d292f Page 3 3

4 Competencies (based on the Civil Service competency framework) Delivering Value for Money (Level 3) Recommend actions to achieve value for money and efficiency Cultivate and encourage an awareness of cost, using clear simple examples of benefits and how to measure outcomes Work confidently with performance management and financial data to prepare forecasts and manage and monitor budget against agreed plans Follow appropriate financial procedures to monitor contracts to ensure deliverables are achieved Monitor the use of resources in line with organisational procedures and plans and hold team to account Changing and Improving (Level 3) Find ways to improve systems and structures to deliver with more streamlined resources Regularly review procedures or systems with teams to identify improvements and simplify processes and decision making Be prepared to take managed risks, ensuring these are planned and their impact assessed Actively encourage ideas from a wide range of sources and stakeholders and use these to inform own thinking Be willing to meet the challenges of difficult or complex changes, encouraging and supporting others to do the same Prepare for and respond appropriately to the range of possible effects that change may have on own role/team Leading and Communicating (Level 3) Take opportunities to regularly communicate and interact with staff, helping to clarify goals and activities and the links between these and Departmental strategy Recognise, respect and reward the contribution and achievements of others Communicate in a succinct, engaging manner and stand ground when needed Communicate using appropriate styles, methods and timing, including digital channels, to maximise understanding and impact Promote the work of the Department and play an active part in supporting the Civil Service values and culture Convey enthusiasm and energy about their work and encourage others to do the same Collaborating and Partnering (Level 3) Establish relationships with a range of stakeholders to support delivery of business outcomes Invest time to generate a common focus and genuine team spirit Actively seek input from a diverse range of people Readily share resources to support higher priority work, showing pragmatism and support for the shared goals of the organisation vx- file- fcf2ac3c875229b25df7c7fe71555e26467d292f Page 4 4

5 Deal with conflict in a prompt, calm and constructive manner Encourage collaborative team working within own team and across the Department Achieving Commercial Outcomes (Level 3) Consider, in consultation with commercial experts, alternative ways of working with partners and contractors to identify more efficient outcomes, balancing cost, quality and turnaround times Work with commercial experts in engaging effectively and intelligently with delivery partners in order to define and/or improve service delivery Gather and use evidence to assess the costs, benefits and risks of a wide range of delivery options when making commercial decisions Identify and understand relevant legal and commercial terms, concepts, policies and processes (including project approvals and assurance procedures) to deliver agreed outcomes Managing a Quality Service (Level 3) Make effective use of project management skills and techniques to deliver outcomes, including identifying risks and mitigating actions Develop, implement, maintain and review systems and service standards to provide quality, efficiency and value for money Work with team to set priorities, goals, objectives and timescales Establish mechanisms to seek out and respond to feedback from customers about service provided Promote a culture that tackles fraud and deception, keeping others informed of outcomes Develop proposals to improve the quality of service with involvement from a diverse range of staff, stakeholders or delivery partners Professional Competency Government Finance Professional Expertise A recognised finance qualification or part-qualification of an IFAC (International Federation of Accountants) member body (e.g. ICAEW, ICAS, ICAI, CIMA, ACCA or CIPFA); or no formal finance qualification but considerable financial/ commercial experience and the ability to gain formal CCAB qualifications within a reasonable time. Excellent practical understanding of Oracle financial systems and related reporting products Excellent financial analysis skills and an advanced knowledge of Excel Detailed understanding of cost and income issues affecting budget management within tribunals or courts. Track record for producing reliable and accurate forecasts and other financial reports to tight and shifting deadlines. Ability to communicate complex financial issues to non-finance staff in a way that is clear and concise Knowledge and understanding of up-to-date International Accounting Standards (IASs) vx- file- fcf2ac3c875229b25df7c7fe71555e26467d292f Page 5 5

6 What we can Offer You We offer a competitive salary, with a generous leave entitlement and an option to work flexibly Salary and Working Arrangements The Terms & Conditions New Civil Servants will be appointed under the latest MoJ terms and conditions. These are in agreement with the Civil Service reform arrangements. Staff joining the MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on modernised terms in their current post. Other they will transfer onto unmodernised MoJ terms if they are currently under these arrangements. Details will be available if an offer is made. Salary Ranges The salary range for this post will depend on the location you are allocated: Inner London Salary Range - 35,540 to 45,964 per annum, ( pro rata for part time post) Outer London Salary Range - 33,627 to 43,873 per annum, ( pro rata for part time post). National Salary Range - 29,930 to 39,690 per annum ( pro rata for part time post). Hours of Work Dependent on whether you are an existing Civil Servant and if you are modernised or unmodernised. New Civil Servants will be expected to work 37 hours. Allowances This post may be eligible for allowances (such as the qualifications allowance) which are to be discussed at interview. Flexible Working HMCTS operates a Flexible Working policy with various options available which are to be discussed at interview. Other Benefits As part of the Civil Service, you would be eligible to a generous pension. This form an important part of the pay and reward package we offer our employees. If you join the pension arrangements we will contribute a significant amount of money to your pension. Other benefits include: vx- file- fcf2ac3c875229b25df7c7fe71555e26467d292f Page 6 6

7 Deals such as MoJ Great Deals (various discount schemes) A range of Family Friendly policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share. Access to flexible benefits such as salary sacrifice arrangements for childcare vouchers, and voluntary benefits such as retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services. Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave. Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens. Location Some of the roles may require the post holder to work from London, however it s anticipated that it will be possible to work from a regional HMCTS office. If this is the case there will be a need to travel to London on a regular basis. Training HMCTS is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities. vx- file- fcf2ac3c875229b25df7c7fe71555e26467d292f Page 7 7