Finance Officer
Office for Environmental Protection
Apply before 11:55 pm on Wednesday 2nd October 2024
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About the job
Job summary
Are you an experienced finance administrator? Are you experienced in an accounts payable Finance system, such as Sage? Do you have a keen eye for detail, excellent communication skills and an interest in the environment? If so, then we want to hear from you.
This role is based in the OEP's Chief of Staff Directorate which comprises of the Business Strategy and Planning team, the Communications team and Corporate Services teams covering functions including Finance, HR, Procurement, IT and Estates.
We are looking for a permanent Finance Officer to work 0.6 FTE/ 3 days a week in our busy finance team.
The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) mission is to protect and restore the natural environment. Created by the Environment Act 2021, our role is to hold Government and public bodies to account, to make sure the environment is improved. We do this in several ways, including reporting on progress against environmental plans, goals and targets, advising on changes to environmental laws and receiving complaints from the public, which can lead to us taking enforcement action.
To find out more about the OEP, what we do, who we are and our current work, visit the OEP website.
With a total staff of just over 70, we are a dynamic, friendly and flexible organisation covering both England and Northern Ireland, and environmental matters reserved to the UK government. We offer flexible working arrangements, high profile, dynamic work and the chance to have an impact on improving the state of the environment.
The OEP is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra which means it operates independently from Defra and is not part of the UK Civil Service. Our employees are public servants.
Job description
We are looking for a Finance who will be responsible for administration in the finance function for the OEP.
Key responsibilities of the role include:
- Management of the Finance mailbox ensuring all queries and questions are answered accurately and dealt with in a timely manner.
- Raising purchase orders in our finance system (Sage) ensuring this is done in accordance with OEP finance policies.
- Invoice management including liaison with suppliers, resolving invoice payment queries, ensuring prompt payment of invoices and credit notes and preparing weekly payment runs.
- Management of supplier statements and reconciliation, liaising with suppliers when necessary to resolve issues.
- To manage communications with internal teams as well as external stakeholders building and maintaining good working relationships for the Finance team.
- Gathering information required for monthly accruals and prepayments schedules in accordance with the Finance month end closing timetable
- Assisting the Management Accountant in preparing monthly bank reconciliations and other balance sheet reconciliations on monthly basis and adhering to Finance month end closing timetable.
- Monitoring staff expenses and ensuring they are in line with the OEP Finance policies and procedures.
- Any other activity that the Head of Finance and Corporate Services and the Principal Finance Officer may reasonably require the post holder to carry out.
Please note the above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
Person specification
The successful candidate will have previous experience of accounts payable, knowledge of accounts payable processes and good attention to detail. They will be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:
- AAT book-keeping qualification or other similar qualification, or proven practical experience of book-keeping.
- Experience of using accountancy systems and Excel, including the ability to use formula.
- Excellent attention to detail within all finance processes including, for example, checking invoices, PO numbers, dates.
- Ability to work at pace, prioritise and organise effectively ensuring work is completed to a high standard and accuracy.
- Adaptable and able to work flexibly across a range of activities with competing deadlines.
- Ability to communicate well across the organisation both in writing and orally and taking a proactive approach to ensuring accurate financial reporting and resolution to queries.
- Proven ability to take the initiative, to work independently and be delivery-focused and an effective forward-planner.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Managing a Quality Service
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Managing a Quality Service
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Experience of using accountancy systems and Excel, including the ability to use formula.
Benefits
Leave and Flexible Working
The OEP offers 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days over 5 years for all new entrants.
Additional paid leave is available where necessary to cater for a variety of situations including, but not limited to, family-related leave, volunteering days, exam and study leave, public duties and trade union activities. In addition, we offer a generous enhanced maternity leave, parental leave and shared parental leave policy.
The OEP is supportive of flexible working and has a flexible working policy to allow for variations in individuals working hours where this is compatible with business need.
Performance Management and In Year Bonus Scheme
The OEP is committed to promoting a high-performing culture for all employees. Performance and development management is key to developing trusting relationships between managers and employees so that they can be their best and thrive at work. Every individual will have a performance management plan which will be reviewed on a regular basis.
The OEP has a quarterly ‘In-year Bonus Scheme’ where individuals and/ or teams can be recognised for outstanding one-off contributions and achievements.
Learning and Development
The OEP is a learning organisation and strongly supports the continuous professional development of all employees through both personal and work related study. The OEP will pay for one relevant profession membership per employee to support continuous professional development.
Every employee has access to five days learning and development each year to support professional development. This could be through Civil Service Learning mandatory and voluntary learning, corporate inductions, staff events and welcome days as well as relevant professional qualifications and specific courses.
Staff Wellbeing
Staff wellbeing is extremely important and the OEP strives to provide access to numerous resources to aid the wellbeing of its employees. Current initiatives include:
- Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing free and confidential 24/7 telephone advice and guidance to support employees with both personal and employment issues. This may include personal wellbeing, career development or legal matters such as landlord / tenant disputes.
- Access to an Occupational Health Service to provide a range of support service to help with the way you feel at work.
- Access to trained Mental Health First Aiders and wider Defra Group mental health first aid network and resources.
- Free access to Headspace, a mindfulness, meditation and sleep app.
- Access to a Financial Wellbeing Portal.
- Free eye tests and a contribution to glasses/ lenses if required for VDU use.
Salary Sacrifice, Discounts and SmartTech Benefits
All employees have access to the STaR, Reward Gateway an online platform providing access to hundreds of discounts, offers and cashback options with well-known retailers. They offer a SmartTech scheme, a Cash Healthcare plan and numerous other benefits and services.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
The OEP uses the Civil Service Success Profile framework which is made up of five elements: Behaviours, Strengths, Ability, Experience and Technical. It is strongly recommend you have a look at the Success Profiles to enable you to make the best application possible.
When writing or presenting behaviours, the OEP recommends you use the STAR format to present your answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a CV detailing qualifications and work history; a 500 word statement of suitability on how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification in the advert and a 250 word behaviour statement on the lead behaviour: Managing a Quality Service.
The personal statement is a very important part of your application. Review the person specification and essential experience and skills criteria on the job description and outline how you meet it providing specific and relevant examples. These could be from work, volunteering, training or education.
Further details are provided on the application form.
Sift
After the closing date, your application will be reviewed against the essential sift criteria outlined for the role.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted on the lead behaviour: Managing a Quality Service.
Once the sift has concluded, applicants will be notified of the outcome shortly after the closing date. Please note that feedback will not be given to applications at sift stage.
Interview and ID Verification
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on experience, behaviours and Technical elements.
At interview, you may be required to deliver a presentation or complete an additional exercise. If this is required, details will be sent alongside your invite to interview.
Interviews will be held In-person at the Worcester Office. Travel and subsistence costs will not be reimbursed for candidates travelling to interview.
Appointments
All appointments will be made in merit order.
Identification
Candidates will need to bring ID to interview for verification in person. Human Resources will contact you to advise what ID you need to bring.
Following interview, ID will need to be checked for Right to Work and BPSS security clearance. This will be done by secure online platforms via the Government Recruitment Service.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. All appointments will be made in merit order.
Near Miss Appointments
On occasion candidates may attend interview for the advertised post but will narrowly miss the standard required at interview. The OEP may, where appropriate, consider such candidates for alternative, similar posts at a lower grade.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
Location and Office Attendance
All OEP roles are based in Worcester and/ or Northern Ireland. This role is based in Worcester.
All GB employees will be contractually based at the Worcester office. The OEP embraces a blended working model and supports a combination of office and home working which will be dependent on business need and individual circumstances. Our current office attendance approach requires 40% attendance in one of the OEP offices or on official OEP business at offsite meetings with partners and customers. This approach enables thriving workplaces to connect with colleagues, as required by their role and business team needs balanced with personal flexibility and choice.
If GB based, travel and subsistence will not be paid for travel to the Worcester office.
Employees based in Northern Ireland will be contractually home based. There will be an expectation of travel to Worcester but this will be dependent on business need and individual circumstances. As a guideline, it’s envisaged that travel to Worcester would be between 4 and 6 times a year, fully funded by the OEP. However, travel will be a 2-way commitment, with other OEP staff members being expected to travel to NI at a similar frequency. Northern Ireland based staff currently have access to a touch down space in Belfast to enable collaborative working.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact the OEP at recruitment@theoep.org.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
- Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Criminal Record Check
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service or Access NI 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.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please note that the OEP is not a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License Sponsor and is unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to the OEP from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
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).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : OEP Recruitment
- Email : recruitment@theoep.org.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : recruitment@theoep.org.uk
Further information
