Finance Manager (Strategy) | London Borough of Bexley

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Senior Management Accountant x3

£34,665 - £42,945 per annum

Management Group: Finance and Corporate Services

Department: Finance and Property

Section: Business Partnering

Reports to: Business Partner

Responsible for: Overall day to day responsibility for managing up to 4 staff. The postholder is responsible for giving financial advice to a range of services.

Functional links with: Financial and Technical Accountancy Team, Strategy, Treasury and Pensions Team, Internal audit, External Audit, Service Department Deputy Directors and Heads, Relevant Partner organisations (e.g. NHS, Schools)

Download Finance team structure chart

Main purpose of the job

The post-holder’s primary activities are:

to assist with an integrated approach to strategic financial planning that supports the delivery and outcomes within the context of the Councils corporate plan and financial constraints.

to assist with the provision of an effective Business Partnering function

to support an integrated approach to the closure of accounts process.

to provide high quality and consistent financial advice, to support effective decision making.

The post must work effectively with Finance and other colleagues to help develop a strategic and workable response to the financial challenges the councils face.

Assisting the Head of Strategy, Treasury and Pensions, Chief Accountant and Head of Finance Business Partner with the full range of financial planning and financial advice services as appropriate.

Major duties and responsibilities

To contribute towards the Council’s financial planning function to deliver a comprehensive, high quality, cost effective and timely service.

To liaise widely and effectively to ensure that relevant issues are taken into account in developing plans and budgets and that the sums included are appropriate.

To provide financial advice and support to Members, directors and other managers on all issues requiring financial support.

To review reports, policies, procedures and other proposals for financial issues and make amendments as required.

To analyse and advise on proposals for spending, savings or other service and corporate initiatives.

To have oversight of budget monitoring (capital and revenue) in service departments, including developing financial data analytics where appropriate and challenge where necessary.

To support service managers in appropriately risk assessed spending and income areas to understand and address key financial management issues and cost drivers and budget management.

To provide support to Budget Managers during budget preparation, monthly monitoring, year-end and closure of accounts

To contribute to developing complex forecasting and modelling tools in liaison with service managers and to support corporate and strategic decision making

To support senior managers in developing and implementing strategies to manage budget variances and achieve MTFS savings

To complete or support as appropriate, the completion of relevant complex grant and statistical returns, including guidance on accounting and audit arrangements

To assist in the closure of accounts process having regard to corporate timescales and appropriate quality standards

To continually improve levels of customer service, and recommend and implement ways to further improve efficiency and effectiveness of processes and procedures.

To contribute to the development of self-service by training and supporting service managers and developing self service infrastructure.

To participate in the development, review and dissemination of finance policies and procedures to the councils.

Ensure that senior managers, directors, members and other stakeholders receive correct and consistent financial advice on the interpretation of financial frameworks, policies and procedures.

To lead, manage and motivate staff through excellent communication, professional guidance, support and development in accordance with the council’s policies and procedures.

Additional Level Two Criteria

Contribute to the critical review of policy options and proposals to be considered during budget development and the MTFS cycle.

Undertake complex budget modelling, sensitivity analysis and scenario testing as part of the development of the budget strategy, and other corporate and strategic initiatives.

To work with Business Partners to produce robust financial and commercial analysis as required including for business cases

To take a lead role in the preparation of complex tasks within the closedown programme requiring a high level of technical expertise.

To develop, review and disseminate financial control policies and procedures and complex corporate accounting activities as appropriate.

To liaise with internal and external audit and review and implement relevant audit recommendations.

To take a lead role in the analysis and financial interpretation of appropriate Government announcements and determinations.

Provide expert advice and guidance to senior management, members and wider stakeholders in relation to complex financial matters

To develop, review and disseminate finance policies and procedures to the councils.

To establish and maintain contacts with potential partner local authorities, government departments, professional advisors and consultants.

To carryout research into the financial implications of potential developments, funding streams or business operations; from a wide range of sources.

Plans and co-ordinates a wide range of activities required to meet service objectives within and across finance teams.

Job activities

Example outcomes or objectives that this role will deliver:

Quantifying financial pressures and savings to the necessary degree for their inclusion in financial plans and budgets.

Financial implications sections in reports e.g. member decision/committee reports

Completed sections of revenue budget and capital programme within cash limit and the requested time frame.

Achievement of specified parts of closure of accounts within specified timescales.

Person specification

Key: Essential (E), Desirable (D), Application form (A), Interview (I)

Education & Formal Training

Part Qualified/Commenced studying towards a CCAB or Equivalent Relevant Finance Qualification or AAT qualified (E, A)

Qualified CCAB Accountant or Equivalent Accountancy Qualification (D, A)

Participation in Continuing Professional Development (E, A)

Knowledge & Experience

Accounting and budgetary experience and an understanding of accounting principles and standards, statutory requirements and relevant codes of practice. (E, A/I)

Knowledge and understanding of financial planning, management and financial framework in a large organisation – preferably local government. (E, A/I)

Good communication influencing and presentation skills and a pro-active approach to work, including identifying and resolving problems/issues. (E, A/I)

Staff management experience (E, A/I)

Skills & Abilities

Ability to interpret financial data/information, apply logic and judgement (E, A/I)

Ability to work in a pressured environment with conflicting demands (E, A/I)

Ability to work effectively within a team (E, A/I)

Ability to fully utilise standard Microsoft Office products (E, A/I)

Other Additional Requirements

To deliver the service effectively, a degree of flexibility is needed, and the post holder may be required to perform work not specifically referred to above. Such duties, however, will fall within the scope of the post at the appropriate grade.

Work in an agile way in line with a paperless and flexible work environment.

Commitment to maintain professional and ethical standards