Head of Finance
(Resources and Commercial)
JOB TITLE: Head of Finance (Resources and Commercial)
SALARY: £65,733 to £74,496 per annum plus excellent benefits
REPORTS TO: Assistant Director (Finance)
TEAM: Finance Team
DEPARTMENT: Resources
Purpose of the Job
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To lead the team that brings together support for commercial and transformation initiatives, the financial management of the capital programme across the Council and support for the Resources and Community Protection departments.
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To lead the provision of strategic financial advice to the Council on its commercial activity, including assessment of commercial business cases and coordination of financial support for a range of trading and other entities
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To lead the development of the financial aspects of the management and delivery of the Council’s transformation programmes.
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To lead the financial support for the Community Protection and Resources departments. Work with Service Chief Officers, Senior Managers and elected members and support them to enable them to meet their responsibilities for effective financial management and delivery of value for money services.
Main Areas of Responsibility
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Lead on the financial elements of the development and delivery of the Councils commercial arrangements and major procurements, including advising on new models for service delivery
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To lead on the oversight of commercial ventures and service delivery, including providing financial support in preparing business cases
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Ensure appropriate financial support is provided to the Council’s arm’s length bodies, including Herts at Home and Herts Living Ltd, to ensure efficient governance structures are in place.
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To oversee the financial management of the Council’s transformation programme
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To oversee the financial management of the capital programme across the Council and to ensure effective processes are in place to support best use of the Council’s capital resources, including linking to the transformation programme and efficiency plans.
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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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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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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.
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The duties and responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present. The post holder is expected to accept any reasonable alterations that may from time to time be necessary.
Person Specification
Education, Training and Professional Qualifications:
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Qualifications - Recognised CCAB qualification
Skills, Abilities & Experience:
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Technical Knowledge/Experience - Understanding of statutory, regulatory and financial frameworks for local government finance, including capital and revenue accounting
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Delivery - Ability to translate strategic business objectives into focused projects and deliver outcomes.
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Leadership - Experience of leading, managing and motivating staff in order to meet service objective as well as drive and implement best practice.
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Teamwork - Ability to build effective teams and relationships and support others in developing and achieving their personal, professional and organisational goals.
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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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Influencing - Ability to influence senior managers and partners for whom you do not have direct line management responsibility to deliver shared objectives.
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Innovation - Ability to encourage innovation in the delivery of services to improve standards and cost effectiveness, overcoming resistance and / or obstacles.
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Communication - Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing with a range of audiences, including senior offices and members and 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.
