An interesting new opening has arisen for an experienced, technically strong accountant to join a government department as they begin the preparation with for year end. Reporting to the Head of Group Accounts, you will be working as part of a project team on the initial phase of the preparation for the annual accounts. The first step will be to conduct an extensive validation exercise of the figures received from connected organisations. Although each of these entities completes a return, the information submitted will need to be analysed and assessed to give a high degree of assurance before the figures are consolidated. Beyond the initial testing and preparation phase, there will be very busy period of around two months, once the figures have been submitted, to work through the data on a case-by-case basis and satisfactorily resolve any issues that arise. You should be a qualified accountant, or equivalent, with a current, technical financial understanding, gleaned from an auditing or financial accounting background. Exposure to government, or the wider public sector would be helpful, but most important is an enquiring mind and an eye for detail. As a wide range of liaison, both internal and external of the organisation is required, strong communication skills and the ability to rapidly form effective working relationships is important. This role is likely to be busy and the deadline the team is working to will be a challenge however, as a result, this should be a rewarding contract and will give you the opportunity to strengthen your CV.