Specific Accountabilities (Chief Accountant)

• Ensure the council’s final accounts are produced on time and meet the required legislative standards and maintain an open and positive relationship with the external auditor.

• Ensure that accounting policies and practice are developed and maintained to meet new accounting requirements and to meet the changing needs of the Council.

• Training for service and finance people on technical accounting requirements.

• Compliance with the financial reporting requirements of the system and that the reporting system itself is functional and fit for purpose. Lead on systems development, guidance and training for service and finance staff.

• Lead on financial performance reporting for revenue and capital including monitoring the Collection Fund, government grants and use of reserves.

• Provide financial direction and reporting on the Council’s capital programme and financing, working closely with the Director of Commercial Investment.

• Work with the Head of Treasury and Pensions to ensure the internal cash balances of the council are effectively managed and maximised with minimum risk and there is an effective working relationship with the council’s bank and investment advisors.

• Ensure that the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Capital Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement link with capital programme financing and the Council’s investments and borrowing are shown correctly in the Council’s accounts.

• Lead on the reporting and accounting treatments for companies and charities related to the Council.

• Lead on the consolidation and submission of external reporting requirements such as revenue estimate, revenue outturn and capital returns.

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Key Partner Relationships

Internal: Members; Chief Officers; Directors; Heads of Service; other teams and senior directorate colleagues across the whole council; trade unions.

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External: Local, regional and national government bodies, agencies and NGOs; professional bodies; other local authorities; partner organisations; statutory bodies; members of the public and community groups; trade unions; internal and external audit.

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Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

Is a satisfactory disclosure and barring service check required? Yes
What level of check is required? Standard DBS check

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Other Considerations

You may, from time to time, be required to work outside of regular office hours including weekends and evenings to attend meetings and community events.

The postholder is required to observe and fulfill the seven principles of public life (also known as the Nolan Principles):

• Selflessness: Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.

• Integrity: Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

• Objectivity: Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.

• Accountability: Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.

• Openness: Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.

• Honesty: Holders of public office should be truthful.

• Leadership: Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and be willing to challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.

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Qualifications

• Professional CCAB/CIMA accountancy qualification or significant strategic knowledge and experience in local government finance.

• Evidence of continuing professional, leadership and personal development.

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