Deputy Principal Accountant

ACCA, FINANCE PARTNER, CIMA, QUALIFIED ACCOUNTANT, CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Location: DOJ, Financial Services Division - Castle Buildings, Stormont, BT4 3SG
Rate: £27.55-£28.67 per hour
Hours: 37 per week Monday-Friday Flexible start & finish
Working Pattern: Hybrid - 2 days in office / 3 days from home
Contract: Temporary (12 months+) with potential pathway to permanent NICS competitions
Flexibility: Flexi-time available
About the RoleAn excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced finance professional to join the Safer Communities Directorate as a Deputy Principal Accountant - Finance Business Partner. This role forms a key part of the Directorate's financial management function and requires a highly capable individual who can lead budget management, financial planning, and provide high quality advice to senior stakeholders.
You will work closely with Director-level stakeholders, the wider DoJ Finance team, DoF, governance boards, and external partners, contributing to both in year and strategic financial planning.
Key ResponsibilitiesIn this role, you will support the Directorate and its senior leadership through:
Budget Management & Planning

Leading the in year budget management process, including in year Monitoring Rounds, ensuring all Ministerial, Senior Management Team, Justice Committee and DoF deadlines are met.Supporting delivery of the Spending Review and future budget planning.Providing year end and budget request information to DoJ accounts and budgeting teams.Providing Directorate finance support for ACNI processes.
Financial Reporting & InsightPreparing meaningful monthly financial updates for Director(s).Monitoring monthly year to date and forecast spend, including robust variance analysis and constructive challenge.Delivering accurate financial information for all departmental financial exercises.
Governance & Advisory SupportSupplying financial input into briefings for the Minister, Senior Management, and Sponsor Areas.Providing governance support including: Advice on MPMNISupport for business casesAttendance at governance meetingsEngagement with DoF Supply Team on expenditure proposals and financial governance issues
Essential QualificationsApplicants must possess:
Professional QualificationFull, current membership of one of the following (or an equivalent accountancy qualification):Chartered Accountants IrelandInstitute of Chartered Accountants ScotlandInstitute of Chartered Accountants England & WalesCIMAACCACIPFAInstitute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland
ExperienceMinimum of two years' post qualification experience (within the last five years) in a finance related environment.
Skills & CompetenciesThe ideal candidate will have:Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal)Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with senior managers and Department of Finance colleaguesWell developed analytical and problem solving skillsProven ability to work with numerical data, particularly using Microsoft ExcelAbility to work under pressure and meet strict internal and external reporting deadlines
Why Apply?This role offers: Competitive pay: £27.55-£28.67 per hour
Hybrid working: 2 office days / 3 home days
Flexi time and flexible start/finish times
37 hours per week, Monday-Friday
A 12 month+ contract with a supported pathway to future permanent NICS opportunities #