Head of Accounting and Reporting

Public Sector Resourcing•London Britain Township, PA

6d•Remote

About The Position

The Crown Prosecution Service is seeking a Head of Accounting and Reporting for an initial contract through March 2027. The role is remote, with ad hoc work in London, and can only be performed within the UK. It is an Inside IR35 position and requires active SC clearance, or at minimum eligibility and willingness to undergo checks; candidates with active clearance may be preferred. This senior leadership role provides technical accounting expertise and oversight of financial accounting, reporting, government budgeting, and financial governance. The postholder leads the Accounting and Reporting function, manages and develops the Management Accounting team and wider finance resources, and ensures high-quality management accounts, statutory reporting, year-end accounts, and financial advice for senior executives and external stakeholders. The role includes leading Annual Report and Accounts preparation and Whole of Government Accounts submissions, ensuring compliance with relevant government accounting requirements, and advising on complex accounting and budgeting matters. The postholder also maintains financial controls and assurance, manages relationships with the National Audit Office and external auditors, presents financial information to senior bodies, and drives improvements across finance processes, systems, and controls.

Requirements

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
Significant experience operating at a senior level within the Civil Service or wider public sector finance environment.
Demonstrable expertise in technical financial accounting and government budgeting.
Recent hands-on experience leading the production of Annual Report & Accounts.
Experience providing technical financial advice and exercising professional judgement on complex accounting and budgeting issues.
Proven experience engaging with senior stakeholders, Executive teams, Boards, and Audit & Risk Assurance Committees.
Experience working directly with HM Treasury and other central government bodies.
Active SC Clearance; at minimum, candidates must be willing and eligible to undergo checks.
Able to work within the UK; the role cannot be worked overseas.

Nice To Haves

Oracle Financials experience.

Responsibilities

Lead the Accounting & Reporting function and provide technical finance leadership across the organisation.
Manage and develop the Management Accounting team and wider finance resources.
Oversee the production of monthly management accounts and financial reporting packs.
Lead the preparation and delivery of Annual Report & Accounts in accordance with government accounting requirements.
Ensure compliance with IFRS, HM Treasury guidance, the Government Financial Reporting Manual (FReM), and other relevant accounting standards.
Provide expert technical advice on complex accounting and government budgeting matters.
Lead Whole of Government Accounts (WGA) submissions and associated reporting requirements.
Support budget planning, forecasting, and government budgeting activities.
Maintain robust financial controls, governance arrangements, and assurance processes.
Manage relationships with the National Audit Office (NAO) and external auditors.
Present financial information and recommendations to senior executives, Boards, and Audit & Risk Assurance Committees.
Identify financial risks and opportunities and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives across financial reporting processes, systems, and controls.
Implement audit recommendations and drive best practice across the finance function.