Job Description
JOB TITLE: Head of Finance (Childrens and Schools)
GRADE: Level 15 £63,842 - £70,935 per annum
REPORTS TO: Director of Finance
TEAM: Finance Team
DEPARTMENT: Resources
Purpose of the Job
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Work with Service Chief Officers, Senior Managers and elected members to ensure effective financial management within the departments supported
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Work with the Childrens management team to develop savings and efficiency plans, and ensure their delivery.
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Lead the ‘business facing’ aspect of the finance function, including driving forward developments and service improvements in how finance supports the rest of the organisation.
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To lead the Finance Business Partner team supporting Childrens Services and Schools
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Ensure that the Childrens management team and budget managers are provided with appropriate financial advice and support to enable them to meet their responsibilities for the planning, management and control of financial resources and delivery of value for money services
Main Areas of Responsibility
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Provide strategic advice and constructive challenge to Chief Officers and Service Boards on financial matters to ensure that efficiency programmes are developed and delivered.
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Ensure the provision of timely and business focussed financial advice to service board members and budget managers on service developments
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Lead the delivery of finance services to service departments
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Develop and deliver service and efficiency improvements to the finance offer to the organisation, and champion a culture of service improvement within the Business partner group.
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Ensure that any significant financial issues, systems failures or non-compliance with financial regulations and procedures are challenged and reported as necessary
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Lead and develop staff within the business partner group to ensure that professional standards and service quality are maintained and that team members have appropriate knowledge and understanding of the front line work of the relevant service departments and the wider context/market in which the service operates.
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As a member of the Finance management team contribute to the overall management of the delivery of quality and innovative financial arrangements for the Council.
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Represent the Council at local, regional and national level on financial matters relating to the service areas for which the team provide support to promote Hertfordshire and the development of innovative and efficient financial services.
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To act as finance lead on major council programmes/procurement ensuring robust financial governance in place and programmes deliver value to the council.
Person Specification
Education, training and professional qualifications
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Recognised CCAB qualification (preferably CIPFA) – or alternative qualifications and exceptional levels of relevant experience
Skills, abilities & experience
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Influencing – ability to influence chief officers and management teams regarding management of their services
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Relationship management – Ability to manage effectively the relationships with internal and external partners on a range of issues
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Leadership – Ability to lead, manage and motivate staff in order to meet service objectives as well as drive and implement change
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Understanding of statutory, regulatory and financial frameworks particularly as they affect those service areas supported by the Business Partner team
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Delivery – Ability to translate strategic business objectives into focussed projects and deliverables
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Innovation – Ability to encourage innovation in the delivery of services to improve standards and cost effectiveness
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Teamwork – Ability to build effective teams and relationships and to support others in developing and achieving their personal, professional and organisational goals
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Communication – Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing with a range of audiences and the ability to listen and respond to feedback
Equality and Diversity
Hertfordshire County Council is determined to take action to ensure that our belief in diversity and equality of opportunity is integral to everything we do. It will inform every area of activity; from the way we provide services to the way we employ our staff. It is a central responsibility of all councillors, managers, staff and partners. The council's equality policy 'Putting People First' is available on HertsDirect, on the internal intranet 'Compass' or from your line manager.
Health and Safety
It will be the duty of every employee while at work to take reasonable care for the Health and safety of themselves and of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.
The Council is embracing a hybrid approach to working, enabling staff to work flexibly. There is no set requirement in terms of numbers of days to be in the office, rather staff are encouraged to consider the best location to undertake the work they are doing. Computer based work and video calls are likely to be best done at home or remote site, collaboration and engaging with colleagues may be better in the office.
