About the job

Job summary

DSIT

The responsibilities for the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology for 2023 are as follows:

• Positioning the UK at the forefront of global scientific and technological advancement
• Driving innovations that change lives and sustain economic growth
• Delivering talent programmes, physical and digital infrastructure and regulation to support our economy, security and public services
• R&D funding

For 2023, our priorities are:

• Optimise public R&D investment to support areas of relative UK strength and increase the level of private R&D to make our economy the most innovative in the world.
• Promote a diverse research and innovation system that connects discovery to new companies, growth and jobs – including by delivering world-class physical and digital infrastructure (such as gigabit broadband), making the UK the best place to start and grow a technology business and developing and attracting top talent.
• Put our public services – including the NHS and schools – at the forefront of innovation, championing new ways of working and the development of in-house STEM capability to improve outcomes for people.
• Strengthen international collaboration on science and technology in line with the Integrated Review, and ensure our researchers are able to continue to work with leading scientists in Europe and around the world.
• Deliver key legislative and regulatory reforms to drive competition and promote innovation, including the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill and our pro-innovation approach to regulating AI.
• Pass the remaining stages of the reformed Online Safety Bill to keep British people, especially children, safe online.

Our Inclusive Environment

We are building an inclusive culture to make the Department a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves.

We value difference and diversity, not only because we believe it is the right thing to do, but because it will help us be more innovative and make better decisions.

We offer first-class flexible working benefits, excellent employee well-being support and a great pension. We are fortunate to have a range of excellent staff networks and are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We will support talented people from all backgrounds to build a career and thrive.

We actively welcome applications from anyone who shares our commitment to inclusion. We will fully support candidates with a disability or long-term condition who require adjustments in our recruitment process.

Find Out More

We regularly run events where you can find out more about the department and tips for the application process. You can sign up for upcoming events here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/departmentforsciencetechnologyandinnovation?

You can also follow our LinkedIn Careers Page: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dsitcareers/

Please note that DSIT are currently reviewing our terms and conditions and pay arrangements following Machinery of Government changes and as part of the outstanding August 2023 pay award.  Please be aware that there may be changes to the terms and conditions and pay ranges listed in this advert ahead of you starting in post. Any changes would be implemented in early 2024.

Job description

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is a newly created department on 7th February 2023. DSIT's scope is unique as a newly created Science, Innovation and Technology department and you would be working for a team responsible for establishing the finance function and ensuring business continuity across all aspects of finance, including financial management, financial reporting, internal controls, financial governance, business processes and systems.

Financial Accounting function are looking for an outstanding finance professional with the required experience, skills and personal qualities for a Senior Executive Officer (SEO) Financial Accountant role, within the Financial Accounting team.

This is an important role within the finance function requiring the ability to work as part of a team to maintain the integrity of the Core Department’s ledger and working with the Financial Reporting Team to ensure that the Department group accounts are prepared.  The Financial Accounting team also provide expert accounting advice to wider finance teams within the Department, providing information used to inform key decisions.

You will be entitled to the benefits of working for the civil service including flexible working and the option to join the civil service pension scheme. Along with 25 days annual leave, growing by 1 day for each year of service up to 30 days leave entitlement.

About the team

DSIT Financial Accounts, Controls & Systems, which is a central team within the Finance Directorate that support the Core Department and its Partner Organisations: Financial Accounting, Financial Reporting, and Financial Controls and Assurance.

You will have the opportunity to work at pace and stretch yourself and will have ample opportunity to grow your skills. We strongly support our people’s career development and offer leadership development opportunities, as well as mentoring programmes, networking and peer-to peer learning.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and promote equality of opportunity, to enable us to reflect the communities that we serve.

We do not tolerate any form of discrimination and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable adjustments, including accommodation, to enable them to participate in the job application process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

The DSIT Finance & Portfolio Diversity & Inclusion team is award winning. We offer flexible working arrangements and pride ourselves on crafting an open, engaging and encouraging environment where we look after each other’s wellbeing and can all feel truly part of the team.

Please contact us to request and advise us of additional support required

To note, prospective joiners from arm's length bodies or non-departmental public bodies will be considered as new entrants to the Civil Service and would join on the minimum of our salary range.

Person specification

- Managing and maintaining aspects of the Core Department’s general ledger and financial statements;

- Engage effectively with the wider finance team and Finance Business Partners;

- Ensure all technical aspects of the Core Department accounts production process are consistent with HM Treasury guidance and specifically the requirements of the Financial Reporting Manual (FReM);

- Provide technical accounting advice under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and guidance relating to new and existing Departmental activities;

- Where appropriate, collaborate closely with HM Treasury colleagues on technical issues and cross government accountancy issues;

- Engaging with the external auditors, the National Audit Office (NAO), to ensure the audit process runs efficiently;

- Assist with the completion of Whole of Government Accounts.

Skills and experience

The successful post holder will be able to deliver at pace, whilst working together with a range of partners, acting as the face of financial reporting. They will be able to make effective decisions in providing sound advice on the application of accounting standards (as interpreted by HM Treasury), to ensure the Department's financial records are free from errors and the annual accounts are laid pre-parliamentary recess.

Successful candidate will be a driven, collaborative colleague, with good attention to detail, the experience of working to tight deadlines and the ability and communication skills to build strong working relationships at all levels across the DSIT family. You will be passionate about great public services and delivering on the DSIT objectives.

Essential Skills

- Fully or part qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent);

- Experience of International Financial Reporting Standards;

- Strong Excel skills;

- Strong presentation skills.

Technical Skills (will be assessed at interview stage)

- The ability to accurately create a double entry journal

- The ability to identify the audit evidence required to support a transaction

Desirable Skills

- Preparation or audit of Central Government or public sector financial statements

- Understanding Oracle system including the operating environment, e.g. EPM and CDM.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,470, Department for Science, Innovation & Technology contributes £10,116 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV, personal statement and a number of behavioural statements.

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Please use your personal statement (in no more than 750 words) to demonstrate the key responsibilities and experience requirements for the advertised role.

Candidates will be sifted on behavioural statements, CV, and personal statement.

In the event of a large number of applicants, applications will be sifted on the lead behaviour statement - Delivering at Pace.

Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

The interview will consist of behaviour, technical and strength-based questions.

Interviewees will be asked to deliver a presentation; further details will be provided nearer the time.

Sift and interview dates

Expected Timeline subject to change

Sift dates: w/c 22/01/2024

Interview dates: w/c 29/01/2024

Interview Location: MS Teams.

Candidates are asked to note the above timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process.

Further Information

Reasonable Adjustment

We are proud to be a disability confident leader and we welcome applications from disabled candidates and candidates with long-term conditions.

We fully support adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we encourage candidates to discuss their adjustment needs by emailing the job contact which can be found under the contact point for applicants section.

We do not have an exhaustive list of adjustments that we support but just some examples include additional time to complete your application form, behaviour questions up to 72 hours prior to interview and having extra time at interview.

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

A location-based reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for 12 months. Should another role become available within that period you may be offered this position.

Please note terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.

Any move to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology 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 https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

DSIT does not normally offer full home working (i.e. working at home); but we do offer a variety of flexible working options (including occasionally working from home). 

DSIT cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates through this campaign. DSIT holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not qualify.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service /Disclosure Scotland 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. 

For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk 

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. 

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Feedback

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.