Financial Accountant

The VOA is looking to recruit an outstanding partially or fully qualified finance professional with the required experience and skills to join us as our Financial Accountant.
The role sits within the VOA’s Financial Accounts area of the Corporate Finance function and supports the Agency with a broad remit of responsibilities including all financial accounting and reporting matters. The role holder will report to the Senior Financial Accountant, working closely across the finance community teams in VOA and HMRC, as well as many other internal and external stakeholders. The internal stakeholders mainly, but not exclusively, will include Transactions Team, Management Accounts, and Finance Business Partners teams, Estates, HR and District Valuer Services (DVS). The external stakeholders including National Audit Office, HMRC Resource Accounts and Shared Services.
This is an important role within the finance function, allowing the role holder to utilize and their ability to work as part of a team and build strong relationships with a range of internal stakeholders and wider partners. The job holder will need to be able to work independently and communicate effectively with various stakeholders when obtaining and utilising the information obtained. The job holder will play a key role and supporting Senior Financial Accountant and other colleagues within a team to ensure timely and qualitative delivery of multiple deliverables.
Financial Accountant – Key responsibilities
+ Leading the preparation of financial statements, notes and related disclosures for VOA’s annual report and accounts, ensuring these are in line with financial reporting manual (FReM) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
+ Timely submission of accurate, assured consolidated financial information to HMRC to support their financial reporting processes.
+ Liaising with National Audit Office to ensure that evidence and robust explanations are provided to support timely audit conclusion.
+ Provide assurance on the integrity of information held within the financial systems and advising on the correct accounting treatment of complex transactions (including non-current assets e.g. IFRS 16, also the monthly VAT submission).
+ Ensure all technical aspects of the accounts production process are consistent with IFRS and HM Treasury guidance, supporting the Agency on accounting issues, ensuring appropriate policies and accounting standards are adhered to (including the FReM).
+ Provide expert advice regarding systems, working with stakeholders to identify and solve issues to identify better ways of working.
+ Contribute to the successful delivery of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) finance system, including identifying VOA specific requirements, and supporting delivery of the new system across VOA’s network., We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
+ Delivering at Pace
+ Communicating and Influencing
+ Making Effective Decisions

Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
+ As part of the interview you will be asked technical questions to assess your technical skills, A Personal Statement (maximum 750 words) please outline your suitability for the role. Please pay particular attention to the ‘Essential Criteria’ and ‘Person Specification’ outlined in the advert when providing your answer.
Sift - 27 November 2024
We will assess you on your CV, Personal Statement, Qualifications and memberships.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the CV. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview.
Interviews - 11 December 2024
Please note these dates are provisional and may be subject to change. These will be confirmed should you be invited to interview.
Interviews are currently taking place using Microsoft Teams Video. We will provide more detail if you are shortlisted for interview.
We will assess you on the Behaviours listed in the job description, Strengths and Technical questions.
At the interview, the panel can then probe further and ask applicants to provide further specific examples that show how they best demonstrate their skills.
Behaviours
The distinguishing Behaviours (the required skills, knowledge and behaviours) for this role are set out in the Civil Service Behaviours Framework 2018 (Success Profiles - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)) and should be referred to when making this application.
You are required, under the Behaviours approach, to describe how you have dealt with a specific situation.
You must give evidence of your knowledge, skills and behaviours and how you have applied this, such as what you did or said and how you interacted with other people.
When you are giving your examples, do not spend too many words on description and background information. Avoid using general or unspecific statements. Instead say what the situation was, what you did what your thought process was and so on.
Application Hints and Tips
For more information on Success Profiles, tips on how to write a successful application and find out more about what’s involved in the application process please visit About the application process , Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk)
Further Information
As part of the application process, you will be asked to tell us which of the available locations you can work in. You will be able to specify up to 2 options. Please be aware that you can be posted to any location that you put in your preferences. If you would only like to be posted to one location, please confirm one location only.
Successful candidates must select one of the locations noted in this advert as their base office and will be expected to undertake regular travel to this location under the Agency’s hybrid working policy.
Due to the way the CS Jobs system is set up, when choosing your preferred locations, you will find that the Canary Wharf location will not appear on the list of options.
Should you wish to choose Canary Wharf as a location then please select Tower Hamlets.
This role requires the role holder to work a minimum of 35 hours a week across Monday to Friday with a flexible working pattern.
Any move to VOA 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
The VOA is an office-based organisation that supports flexible working. By default, everyone in the VOA is a hybrid worker with options to work in the office, at home or out and about, depending on the work they’re doing that day and where it’s best done.
VOA employees only: If you are currently in receipt of DTA as a result of a VOA office closure/restructure and it is agreed for you to take up this role in your current location, you may continue to receive DTA for the remainder of the period you can claim for. Please check with the Vacancy Holder on preferred locations for this role before you apply.
If you would require a Certificate of Sponsorship from the VOA to undertake this role, please contact resourcingteam@voa.gov.uk before submitting your application.
Pre-employment Checks
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Reasonable Adjustment
We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process because of a disability, condition, or impairment. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.
If you need a reasonable adjustment or a change to be made so that you can make your application, please click here for more information:
Reasonable Adjustments , Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk) and contact voarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible.
Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process.
Terms & Conditions
Voluntary terms apply
Reserve Lists
If we have more successful candidates than available vacancies, we will hold a 6-month reserve list.
During that time, we may use the list to fill the same, or similar roles with closely matching essential criteria, without further testing of merit. Any appointments from the Reserve list will be made in strict merit order.
Starting Work
The successful candidate will normally take up duty within one month from notification of successful completion of pre-employment checks.
Applying
All applications for these vacancies must be made online. There are limited exceptions to this. Paper applications will only be considered if you have a disability that will prevent you from applying online. If this is the case, please email voarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Once you have submitted your application it cannot be amended; only submit your application when you have completely finished and answered all the relevant questions.
Please note that late applications will not be accepted.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Use of AI
You may utilise artificial intelligence (AI) tools and platforms to support you during the application process however, as with any application all information submitted must be factually accurate and all examples provided must be taken directly from your own experience. All presented information will be assessed at interview. Any applications where factual inaccuracy, plagiarism or copying of examples/answers from internet sources is detected will be withdrawn from the process. Further action, including disciplinary action, may be considered in such cases involving internal candidates.
Concerns/Complaints
The Valuation Office Agency’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, which outlines that selection for appointment is made on merit based on fair and open competition.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the values in the Civil Service Code and/or if you feel the recruitment has been conducted in such a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, you may make a complaint, by contacting the Central Recruitment Team at the following address: resourcingteam@voa.gov.uk
If you are not content with the outcome of your complaint you have the right to complain to the Civil Service Commissioners.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements
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
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

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 equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and 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 (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

We are seeking a credible and authentic leader, with the ability to coach, communicate and engage with others to promote understanding of technical accounting issues and their implications (accounting policies and standards). The successful candidate will be a dynamic self-starter, with great attention to detail and experience of working at pace and to tight deadlines.
Essential Requirements
+ Fully or part qualified accountant (CCAB e.g. ACCA, ACA, CIPFA or CIMA) and if part qualified, you must be actively studying towards completing your accountancy qualification within the next 18 months.
+ Significant financial experience and strong accounting skills with focus on producing financial accounts.
+ Experience of external audit cycles in Government / public sector or private sector organisation.
+ Understanding of International Accounting Standards (IAS) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and ability to provide technical accounting advice effectively.
+ Strong working knowledge of excel and of finance systems.
+ Excellent time management and prioritisation skills to work flexibly and adapt to changing priorities whilst adhering to strict deadlines.
+ Excellent communication skills, with an ability to collaborate confidently with people at all levels and build positive relationships among a broad range of key internal and external stakeholders.
+ Ability to work proactively, identifying problems and reaching informed decisions to provide and implement solutions., Fully or part qualified accountant (CCAB e.g. ACCA, ACA, CIPFA or CIMA) and if part qualified, you must be actively studying towards completing your accountancy qualification within the next 18 months.

Memberships
Fully or part qualified accountant (CCAB e.g. ACCA, ACA, CIPFA or CIMA) and if part qualified, you must be actively studying towards completing your accountancy qualification within the next 18 months.

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) are the public sector’s property valuation experts and advisers with a vision to be a world-leading provider of public sector valuations. Our work is vital to the collection of over £60 billion of revenue which goes back into communities, touching every citizen and every business across England and Wales.
We champion the values of professionalism, integrity, respect and innovation. We are committed to providing a collaborative and supportive working environment that encourages every colleague to contribute, grow and excel together. With opportunities to drive your own development and growth, we empower our colleagues to succeed by ensuring support at every step of their career journey.

Alongside your salary of £42,194, Valuation Office Agency contributes £12,223 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
We offer a range of flexible working options, a generous leave allowance that starts at 25 days and goes up to 30 days after 5 years’ service and a Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%.
+ Learning and development tailored to your role.
+ An environment with flexible working options.
+ Family friendly policies including 26 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption or shared parental leave.
+ Employee Assistance Programme offering comprehensive wellbeing support.
+ To learn more about the extensive benefits we can offer you as a VOA employee please download our Benefits Booklet: pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)