Head of Financial Accounting

Would you like to work with the UK’s only national emergency service that has a variety of contracts and commercial arrangements with the associated complex accounting treatments for our helicopter and aviation services?

Do you want to be our main subject matter expert providing technical accounting advice/  guidance and apply your professional judgement to future business strategies in line with International Financial Reporting Standards  and the Financial Reporting Manual (FReM) , in support of our business and operational colleagues?

Are you experienced in leading external financial reporting processes including the production of Annual Report and Accounts in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and being the main point of liaison with our External Auditors?  

   
If so, we are looking for a Head of Financial Accounting to join us at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and we'd love to hear from you!   

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) implements the government’s maritime safety policy in the United Kingdom and works to prevent the loss of life and occurrence of pollution on the coast and at sea.    

Safer lives. Safer Ships. Cleaner Seas.    

Our vision is to be a world-leading organisation, accelerating the transition to sustainable shipping with non-negotiable safety standards. We put our people, our customers and our planet at the heart of everything we do.   

We are committed to giving all our colleagues purpose, professionalism and pride in what we do. We work in supportive, diverse and inclusive teams. 

We want everyone to feel valued and supported to achieve their potential at MCA. 

This culture of inclusion is underpinned by our staff networks groups covering, Women’s, LGBTQI+, Race, Carers, Mental Wellbeing and volunteer Respect Ambassadors.

Job description

Whilst we welcome applications from candidates seeking part time/flexible working hours, there will be a business requirement for candidates to work a minimum of 30 hours. For further information please contact jane.jackson@mcga.gov.uk

What is the Finance Function within MCA? 

The MCA is an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport, providing multiple statutory functions as flag, port and coastal State and delivering international obligations for search and rescue, environmental protection and responding to major maritime incidents. The Finance function is a key enabler for the Agency to ensure we can deliver against this remit, managing an annual budget of c. £500m.

As part of the Directorate of Corporate Services, the Financial Accounting team is responsible for preparing external financial reporting for the Agency and ensuring robust processes are in place to give assurance on the quality of the numbers. 

What is the purpose of Head of Financial Accounting? 

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Financial Control, this role leads the external financial reporting processes for the Agency including the production of the Annual Report and Accounts (ARA) and quarterly Department for Transport consolidation packs, working with finance colleagues and auditors to agree accounting treatments as necessary.

As a key member of the Senior Management Team within the Finance Directorate, the role provides effective and inspiring leadership to the Financial Accounting team, fostering a high performing culture through continuous improvement 

Your responsibilities include but are not limited to:   

• Ensure Finance processes are compliant with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) requirements and the Government Financial Reporting Manual (FReM)
• Lead the production of the financial statements and associated notes and narrative in line with IFRS and FReM requirements, including presenting the ARA to MCA Audit and Risk Assurance Committee
• Lead the production of quarterly consolidation packs for submission to DfT Finance colleagues as part of the wider reporting of the Department, including ensuring the returns are consistent with the internal reporting of the Agency
• Act as the main point of liaison between MCA and External Audit, working closely with audit colleagues across the audit period to ensure smooth progression of the Annual Report and Accounts to meet the timetable for laying with Parliament
• As the Agency’s main subject matter expert, provide technical accounting advice and guidance in line with International Financial Reporting Standards, the financial reporting manual (FReM) and other relevant Government guidance documents
• Innovate, develop, manage and simplify financial accounting policies, procedures, guidance and related management information practices across the Agency to reflect new ideas and best practice.
• Provides accounting advice, analysis and scrutiny to support business managers in complex situations and contributes to future business strategies. 

Person specification

About You  

To be successful as the Head of Financial Accounting, you will be: 

• Qualified CCAB/ CIMA with significant relevant experience or Part Qualified CCAB/ CIMA (working towards final strategic level examinations) with significant relevant experience
• Relevant experience in a financial accounting or financial control role
• Highly developed interpersonal and influencing skills
• Track record of business improvement and supporting delivery of operational change 

Additional Information  

This role will be based in the Southampton HQ. MCA supports flexible working and operates a hybrid working model between home and office for this role, giving you greater flexibility over where and when you work.   

The expectation is that you will spend a minimum 60% of your working time based at your principal workplace or out on official business. Details of the arrangement will be discussed further with your line manager.  

There may be a requirement for occasional travel on official duty within the UK, which may involve overnight stays. Notice will be given prior to travel. 

This role is suitable for someone who is qualified or part qualified (working towards final strategic level examinations ) under one of the main five Consultative Committees of Accounting Bodies (CCAB) ie ACCA, CIPFA, ICAEW, ICAS CIMA or equivalent

This post is part of the Government Finance Profession.

Please take note that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) are currently unable to offer Skilled Worker Sponsorship.

Qualifications

Qualified CCAB/ CIMA with significant relevant experience or Part Qualified CCAB/ CIMA (working towards final strategic level examinations) with significant relevant experience