Employer: Public Health Wales
Job Title: Financial Accountant
Location: United Kingdom
Salary: £48,527 to £55,532 per annum
Job Type: Full-time
Closing Date: 10 December 2025
Job Summary
Are you an experienced finance professional looking for a short-term opportunity to make a real impact?
Public Health Wales is seeking a Financial Accountant to join the Finance team on a six-month fixed-term contract or secondment within NHS Wales. This role is critical in supporting year-end processes and ensuring the delivery of high-quality financial reporting.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
About the Role
As Financial Accountant, you will:
Lead and manage the Accounts Receivable and VAT functions, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
Support the production of Annual Accounts, statutory returns, and audit working papers.
Maintain robust internal controls and drive continuous improvement in financial processes.
Act as the organisation’s lead VAT officer, providing expert guidance.
Represent Public Health Wales at technical accounting groups and liaise with auditors.
Line manage and develop team members, fostering a culture of excellence.
Main Duties of the Job
Responsible for managing and improving the Trust’s Accounts Receivable and VAT functions, ensuring efficient service delivery and aiming for best-in-class performance to support full assurance in financial systems audits.
Assists in interpreting and applying financial reporting standards (e.g., IFRS), contributing to the production of statutory accounts and returns, and ensuring compliance with internal controls and external audit requirements.
Deputises for senior finance roles, represents the Trust in technical groups, manages financial accounting staff, and drives continuous improvement in financial processes, including month-end and debt recovery.
About Public Health Wales
Public Health Wales is the national public health agency in Wales. Its purpose is “Working together for a healthier Wales”. The organisation exists to help everyone in Wales live longer, healthier, happier lives.
Teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services, and public health expertise. Public Health Wales is the leading source of public health information, research, and innovation in Wales.
Guided by the values “Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference”, Public Health Wales is committed to an inclusive workplace that values equality and diversity. Applications are welcomed from all communities, and flexible working arrangements—including part-time roles and job sharing—are supported.
Job Description
Job Responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job Description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents, or click Apply Now to view in Trac.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge – Essential
Appropriate degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent qualification or level of knowledge and skills (e.g., Accounting, Finance, or Business).
CCAB / CIMA Qualified & Member of Professional body.
Up to date on Latest Accounting Standards and recommendations.
Evidence of Continuing Professional Development.
Experience – Essential
Significant experience working in a finance department.
Experience of using Oracle Financials and iProcurement system (or similar).
Able to demonstrate experience of working in a customer-focused manner.
Knowledge of finance and procurement processes.
Advanced specialised knowledge and experience of financial management and business planning.
Awareness of audit requirements.
Recruitment, management, supervision, setting workload, appraising and development of staff.
Experience – Desirable
Management of large complex income and expenditure budgets.
In-depth understanding of NHS Financial Controls.
Demonstrable understanding of the NHS VAT regime, including the treatment of contracted-out services, partial exemption rules, and VAT recovery processes.
Skills and Attributes – Essential
Proficient in standard Microsoft software (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong numeracy skills with the ability to interpret and present financial data accurately.
High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and use initiative to solve problems.
Ability to analyse areas of work for continuous improvement.
Excellent negotiating skills.
Ability to demonstrate understanding and application of workplace values and behaviours.
Skills – Desirable
Ability to speak Welsh or willingness to learn.
Advanced O365 and Business Intelligence software experience.
Recruitment Checks
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post requires a Disclosure submission to the DBS under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome. Criminal record certificates may be required for applicants with overseas residence history.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. Visit the NHS Careers website for further information.
How to Apply
If you’re interested in this role, visit the official website for more information — click here to apply now.