Financial Accountant

Purpose of Post:

The Welsh Government is seeking to recruit a Financial Accountant - Core. This role is a key position within the Financial Accounting & Policy team supporting the production of the WG Core Account and providing financial advice to ensure a robust control environment.

The Welsh Government is responsible for securing the best possible value for money from over £20 billion of taxpayers’ funds allocated by the Senedd. The finance function plays a crucial role in enabling Welsh Government to fulfil its strategic objectives. This role is key in maintaining the financial reporting processes and systems to ensure the good stewardship of taxpayers’ funds, supporting the Principal Accounting Officer to discharge his fiduciary responsibilities. This role is essential for ensuring timely and compliant financial reporting.

We are looking for an enthusiastic self-starter who will thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.

This role requires strong communication and influencing skills allied to excellent organisational skills. Engaging and collaborating with colleagues across the Welsh Government is a key feature.

The postholder will have line management responsibility for one colleague.

Candidates must be working towards or hold a CCAB or CIMA qualification.

Key Tasks:

• Assist with the compilation of the Welsh Government Core Accounts at year end and during the interim process, including:
• Liaising with departments across the organisation.
• Preparation of accounts working papers, ensuring they provide a robust and clear audit trail.
• Meeting with Audit Wales auditors and resolving queries raised.
• Review of audit trail.
• Maintaining up to date desk instructions.
• Responsibility for the monitoring and recording of all Welsh Government Financial Assets and addressing any related capital expenditure queries. This includes preparation and review of analysis of the Financial Assets note for the interim and year-end accounts process, working collaboratively with finance colleagues across Welsh Government.
• Responsibility for the monitoring and recording of Welsh Government Bad Debt. This includes preparation, review, analysis and posting of provisions for the Bad Debt working paper for the interim and year-end accounts.
• Input into, and review aspects of the monthly reconciliation file. Providing assurance to senior colleagues over the validity of financial accounting data and querying data in line with accounting standards.
• Responsibility of the Year End Consolidated Fund Extra Receipts working paper. Ensuring all transactions have been posted and accounted for and engaging with external bodies in the surrender of their annual Interest to HMT.
• Strong skillset in using SAP to provide and analyse financial data, acting as a contact point for the SAP development team.
• Assist on the development of the Extended Trial Balance a key supporting document for the Welsh Government Core account and take the lead on implementing changes.
• Review and action the opening balance roll up of nominal accounts.
• Assist with the monitoring of actions on Audit Wales management letter and reporting points arising from the audit of the Welsh Government Core account to ensure that each one is actioned according to the plan.
• Prepare financial information for FOI requests ensuring accuracy and a timely turnaround.

Hybrid working model:

Welsh Government have a hybrid working model based on being in your contracted office when there is a business requirement or when it suits your individual preference. Our staff are able to work from alternative locations, including from home when there is no requirement to be in their contracted office. The advertised roles are being advertised on that basis and not on a remote basis.

Closing date:

06/05/2025, 16:00