Senior Finance Manager

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for a Senior Finance Manager x2 (Inside IR35) for a 12 months contract based in any DEFRA hub with the expectation to attend the office 3 times per week In the Defra group, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people’s lives. We are responsible for England’s environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards.

We have developed a set of three strategic objectives covering our policy outcomes and corporate objectives . These objectives help us to deliver our ambitious vision to build our green and healthy future and provide a framework for all the important work we carry out. Our objectives are: To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future.

To lead the world in food, farming, and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production. To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability. Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs www.gov.uk . 25 Year Environment Plan

• GOV.UK www.gov.uk . Defra is seeking two Senior Finance Managers, with one role focused primarily on ERP Implementation and Finance Transformation and the other focused on Business-as-Usual (BAU) Financial Reporting and Technical Accounting. As a Senior Finance Manager your main responsibilities will be:. Senior Finance Manager
• ERP Implementation Focus Lead and support the successful delivery of a major ERP transformation programme, from design and testing through to go-live and business adoption. Collaborate with stakeholders across Defra and its partner organisations to align finance processes, accounting policies, controls and reporting requirements. Support the development and implementation of improved financial processes and operating models. Provide financial leadership and expertise throughout system integration and transformation activities. Manage project risks, issues and dependencies, ensuring successful delivery against agreed objectives and timelines. Build strong working relationships across finance, technology and business teams to support change adoption and continuous improvement. Support annual reporting and accounting activities where required. Lead , coach and develop team members while driving high performance and delivery. Senior Finance Manager
• BAU Financial Reporting Focus Support the production of Annual Reports and Accounts, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely delivery. Manage financial reporting activities, reconciliations, technical accounting papers and audit requirements. Provide expert accounting advice in line with IFRS, HM Treasury Financial Reporting Manual (FReM), Managing Public Money and wider public sector guidance. Build effective relationships with finance teams, business stakeholders and external auditors. Lead and develop team members, promoting a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. Identify, assess and manage financial risks while providing solutions to complex technical issues. Support finance transformation initiatives and improvements to financial controls , governance and reporting processes. Contribute to ERP and system improvement activities where required. Essentials CCAB or CIMA fully qualified accountant. Strong planning and organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to challenging deadlines. Recent financial reporting and audit experience gained within the last 12 months. Excellent analytical , problem-solving and risk management capabilities. Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build trusted relationships and influence outcomes at all levels. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information to both finance and non-finance audiences. Previous leadership or people management experience. Demonstrable experience delivering projects and change initiatives to demanding timescales. Good understanding of Government Finance and the wider public sector financial landscape. Ability to drive continuous improvement, innovation and efficiency across finance operations. Experience working collaboratively across teams and influencing organisational change. Additional Requirement for ERP-Focused Role Experience supporting or delivering ERP system implementations, finance systems integrations, or large-scale transformation programmes. Desirable Experience working with Oracle, SOP and related finance applications. Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas. Disability Confident As a Disability Confident employer, Defra encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent candidates . Applications from candidates who identify as having a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance. Armed Forces Covenant / Commitment As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, Defra welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, reservists and military spouses or partners. Applications from eligible candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance. In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".