Accountants in DWP
DWP accountants are skilled professionals who build effective relationships with customers and achieve value for money to deliver economic benefit and social welfare.
The roles and responsibilities within the Department’s Finance Community are varied and include:
- strategic financial management
- managing the systems and processes that pay benefits
- internal audit
- project management
- financial accounting.
But finance is only part of our role. It is the unique coexistence of the challenges of a financial institution set beside the challenge of achieving key social policy objectives which makes the role of the finance community in DWP so fascinating and demanding.
What's the work like?
DWP is one of the largest financial organisations anywhere. We are responsible for one third of Government spending, amounting to over £100 billion a year. We process 10 million transactions a night, make 850 million benefit payments a year and spend £4 billion a year with external suppliers.
The Department is undergoing a major programme of change to make it more focused on its customers, more efficient and provide a more joined-up service to its customers. All members of the finance and commercial community have a vital part in helping the Department achieve this. At the heart will be people from increasingly diverse backgrounds. Our professionalism, skills and influence will make a real difference and be valued by our customers.
“Since I qualified I’ve worked in lots of areas of the business, all the work has been interesting and very varied. I worked on the New Deal for Young People, managing the project budget of £12 million per year. From there I went on to the financial modelling and evaluation of the outsourcing of a payroll system for 35,000 staff. I now head up the Programme Management Office for the Delivering our Vision Programme, which will help transform the business and help us to meet the challenge of the Spending Review settlement over the next three years. There’s lots of support for continuing professional development, too. I’ve completed an MBA and a Masters Degree in Public Services Management, supported by the Department. DWP is such a diverse and ever-changing organisation, there’s no chance of getting bored.”
Senior Manager - Accountant in Jobcentre Plus
Professional development
DWP has Investors in People accreditation and this sets the standards that all our managers work to.
As a DWP accountant, you will have:
- support for your career development
- clear professional standards to work to
- support in achieving Continuing Professional Development.
All qualified accountants working within the Department must undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD). In support of this the Department has implemented the Government Finance Profession (GFP) Continuing Professional Development scheme.
DWP is an accredited employer with CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA, ICAEW and AAT.
In agreement with the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies (CCAB) Institutes our qualified accountants can have a combined record that meets both the Department’s personal development plan and their Institute’s requirements in recording CPD that has been undertaken.
The Department supports all accountants to achieve their professional development through work-based learning, attendance at conferences and local institute events, training courses, e-learning and other means.
There are also a number of cross business events organised by regional steering groups of volunteer accountants. These provide a mix of internal and external speakers and you will have the opportunity to attend your locally held events and contribute your ideas.
Through a range of supported opportunities, such as mentoring and coaching, you can achieve your full potential.
“The Department’s approach to finance has become progressively more professional - during my time the Department has supported me to gain the ACCA Certified Diploma in Accounting and Finance, and then the full ACCA Professional Qualification. The Department’s wide span of business presents, in my view, a fascinating and exhilarating range of challenges to any finance professional seeking to develop their career in the public sector.”
District Finance and Governance Manager - Jobcentre Plus
