Forensic Accountant

Description:

The Central Grants & Loans Team (CGL) undertakes the operational delivery for grant schemes delivered internally across three departments: Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ), Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT).

We are looking to recruit an additional accountant to join the Due Diligence team, to undertake initial financial assessments, financial analysis and detailed financial due diligence as part of this work. The Due Diligence team undertake work on a diverse portfolio of grant and loan schemes including in sectors such as Energy and Net Zero, Automotive, and Pharmaceutical.

We work on projects on a national basis and business travel will be required, sometimes at short notice. This may include overnight stays throughout the UK and more rarely overseas.

The role involves:

• Preparing initial financial assessments of applications.
• Performing detailed financial due diligence, assessing and reporting on:
  • the viability/financial position of businesses;
  • the credibility of project forecasts and business cases;
  • the need for grant or loan assistance and the minimum amount of grant necessary.
• Advising on conditions for awards.
• Providing other ad-hoc advice as required including contributing to the design of new grant schemes.

Person specification

Skills and experience

You will need to have an in-depth knowledge of investment appraisal techniques used commonly within businesses, the technical ability to assess the merits and credibility of financial and strategic business cases and the personal skills to debate and challenge arguments with authority.

You should have strong analytical skills, feel at ease conducting reviews and investigations into both large and small organisations and the ability to work to tight deadlines.