Financial Accountant

at  British Geological Survey BGS

ABOUT YOU

We are seeking a highly skilled individual and you should either be qualified AAT or part qualified to CCAB/CIMA or have significant relevant finance experience working within a complex financial environment as well as evidence of working at a high level with a computerised finance system.
Working flexibly within a small team, you have excellent communication skills as part of the role will require you to be able to explain and present financial information in an understandable way to non-finance professionals.
Experience of using Microsoft Office applications including Excel to at least an intermediate level is an essential requirement of this post and ideally, you should also be capable of generating new ideas for the development of new business systems and reporting.
Some occasional travel to the other BGS and UKRI offices will be required in this role.
Please note – you will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during your employment.
The specific essential and desirable skills criteria for this post will be assessed at Shortlist (S) stage, interview (I) stage, or both (S&I).

ABOUT US

The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that belongs to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey whose core mission is to advise government of science related to the subsurface and to undertake applied research to solve earth and environmental issues, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI, as well as through research grants and private sector contracts.
We strive to promote equality and diversity across our organisation in order to continuously improve our scientific and organisational efficiency! As such, we aim to have a workforce with employees from all backgrounds with people who are passionate about earth science and who share our dedication to work for the good of the environment and the benefit of society. BGS became a signatory of the Technician Commitment in July 2022.
How to apply
Applicants are required to include a CV and covering letter outlining their suitability for the role. We would stress the importance of this paperwork in our selection process.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The BGS Finance Team has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual to join as a Financial Accountant based either at our Nottingham (Keyworth) or Edinburgh offices.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:

• Reporting to the Senior Financial Accountant, responsible for the financial management of all projects within specific science and support areas.
• Reconciliations of control accounts, review of revenue generation, income analysis, month end accruals, calculation of overhead/charge rates, reporting, as well as provision of advice and support in sophisticated accounting issues to the BGS Finance and Project Support Teams.
• Using a Business Partnering approach, provide a financial service including advice, reporting/analysis, guidance and support to BGS Chief Scientists/Directors, Programme Managers and Project Managers.
• Provide financial input on an ad-hoc basis, e.g. corporate and external reports and audits, either based on projects within specific science areas, or with a wider remit.
• Report on specific projects to required timescales, working closely with auditors as required.
• Work as part of the BGS Finance Team including input into financial exercises for business planning, outturn, as well as interim and year-end accounts.
• May be required to deputise for the Senior Financial Accountant.
• Involvement in finance training of keys users within BGS.
• Undertake revenue calculations adhering to relevant financial standards (e.g. IFRS15).
• Ensure correct VAT applications and interpretations.
• Provide specialist support and knowledge to BGS colleagues in a key policy or knowledge area.
• Become involved in cross-BGS projects or working groups.