Senior Management Accountant

On behalf of the Intellectual Property Office, we are looking for a Senior Management Accountant (Inside IR35) for a 12 month contract based hybrid with 1 day a week office attendance in Newport, Wales.

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is the official UK government body responsible for intellectual property (IP) rights including patents, designs, trademarks and copyright. Our ambition is to be the best IP office, and we intend to achieve this by:
* Delivering excellent IP services
* Creating a world leading IP environment
* Making the IPO a brilliant place to work

We operate and maintain a clear and accessible intellectual property system in the UK, which encourages innovation and helps the economy and society to benefit from knowledge and ideas. We help people get the right type of protection for their creation or invention.

We are responsible for:
* IPO Policy
* educating businesses and consumers about IP rights and responsibilities
* supporting IP enforcement
* granting UK Patents, trademarks and design rights

We have a small office in the heart of London, but our main office is on the outskirts of Newport, South Wales.[1]

About us - Intellectual Property Office -  ().Role Profile:

This is a high-profile role providing leadership across taxation, VAT, payroll accounting, statutory reporting, and financial governance. Acting as the organisation's lead tax specialist, you will provide expert advice to stakeholders across Finance, HR, Payroll and the wider business while ensuring compliance with all relevant regulatory and reporting requirements.

You will also take ownership of key disclosures within the Annual Report and Accounts, act as the principal finance contact with HMRC on organisational tax matters, and provide line management and technical support to a Management Accountant.

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified accountant looking to apply their technical expertise in a complex and varied finance environment.

As a Senior Management Accountant, your main responsibilities will be to:
* Act as the organisation's lead subject matter expert for tax, VAT and payroll accounting.
* Provide technical advice on the tax implications of business activities, transactions and organisational changes.
* Manage relationships with HMRC, ensuring accurate and timely submissions, payments and responses.
* Monitor changes in tax legislation and implement appropriate controls and governance processes.
* Oversee VAT reporting activities and provide guidance on complex VAT matters.
* Ensure payroll costs and related balances are accurately accounted for, working closely with HR and Payroll teams.
* Review and reconcile payroll-related accounts and support payroll process improvements.
* Lead the production of the Remuneration & Staff Report and Fees & Charges disclosures within the Annual Report & Accounts.
* Apply relevant FReM and HM Treasury reporting requirements, ensuring disclosures are accurate and audit-ready.
* Manage external audit queries relating to tax, payroll and financial reporting.
* Line manage and provide technical support to a Management Accountant.
* Build strong relationships across Finance, HR, Payroll and wider business teams.
* Contribute specialist accounting expertise to finance projects, including system and process improvements.
* Identify and mitigate financial, compliance and operational risks.
* Support the wider Finance Operations team during year-end, audit and peak reporting periods.

Essential:
* A recognised CCAB qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
* Strong technical accounting knowledge gained within a professional finance environment.
* Demonstrable UK taxation experience with the ability to interpret and apply legislation.
* Strong VAT knowledge and experience providing technical guidance on VAT matters.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Experience leading, mentoring or managing finance team members.
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders.

Desirable:
* Experience with in central government, wider public sector or arm's-length bodies.
* Familiarity with Government Financial Reporting Manual (FReM).
* Experience preparing remuneration or staff disclosures within Annual Report & Accounts.
* Experience responding to external audit queries.
* Exposure to Estimates, Parliamentary reporting or Select Committee submissions.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident As a…