Deputy Director: Corporate Finance

The post is responsible for leading and managing the following teams:

 

Corporate Finance

• Corporate Finance

• Treasury & Pensions

• Finance Systems & Banking

 

Strategic Advisory

• Inform a strategic vision for the service that enables the council to meet its future challenges, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

• Lead in the development and implementation of the Council’s financial strategy, fundamentally ensuring sustainability over the medium term

• Work closely with all stakeholders to ensure best use of limited financial resources, providing the strategic financial advice, insight, intelligence and support needed

• Continually review, update and report on financial risks and opportunities, advising how the risks can be mitigated and the opportunities exploited

• Contribute to the development, implementation and monitoring of the finance business plan

• Help shape the direction of the council to ensure delivery of its priorities and value to residents

• Proactively identify trends and changes in the operating environment (e.g. legislation, technology, policy, etc.) that could financially impact service delivery; provide advice and collaborate on potential solutions

• Ensure that on a day to day basis the finance department operates effectively and to the highest possible professional standards.

• Make key contribution to the finance department leadership team and direction of the Council working closely with Members.

 

Financial Management

• Draw on knowledge of Council services and the related financial complexities, to ensure the provision of systems and procedures that enable effective budgetary control; ensure that variations and emerging financial pressures are drawn to the attention of budget managers, with options and plans for their resolution

• Advise the Chief Financial Officer and Deputy S151 officer in their S151 roles (and act as their advocate) on funding, financial management and accounting requirements

• Promote a culture which empowers budget holders and supports the delivery of value for money services and knowledge of key cost drivers

• Support the Council’s commercial arrangements to better ensure strong price competition and transfer of risks through contracts with third parties

• Assist the senior manager in managing performance indicators and relationships within service contracts towards continued service improvement, value for money and generating social value

• Prepare and present informative, high quality reports to senior stakeholders that aid in informed service and corporate decision making

• Advise on investment and funding strategies including investment risk and performance

• Ensure members of the team, directors and budget holders receive the financial management training required to be effective in their roles, including awareness of Financial Regulations and financial approval requirements prior to taking decisions

 

Financial Reporting

• Prepare and present informative, high quality reports to members and other senior stakeholders that aid in informed service and corporate decision making

 

Financial Planning and Budgeting

• Oversee and strategically lead on the production of the medium term financial plan, undertaking all necessary resourcing forecasts and determining required savings to achieve a balanced budget over the period

• Develop appropriate financial models and analytics to determine financial impact of future service demands, changes in legislation and other factors on the Council’s medium term financial envelope

• Reporting and advising on the outcomes of the medium term financial planning process to key stakeholders through drafting budget reports, council tax reports, the medium term financial strategy, and other ad hoc reports as required

• Providing leadership and guidance on the medium term financial implications of policy framework changes relating to the Council’s corporate functions, identifying options to mitigate their effect

• Work with the Heads of Finance, responsible for the capital programme to manage and co-ordinate the overall control of the Councils funding position across capital and all revenue funds, ensuring spend is approved through due process including the use of capital funding, corporate reserves and balances

• Ensure that the Business Partnering, team are kept up to date on any significant changes within the planning process and are therefore able to effectively advise their respective service leads

• Establish and maintain key linkages across the council including but not limited to Treasury Management, Revs & Bens, and Economic Development to support maximisation of funding opportunities.

• Establish longer-term council-wide financial position and develop financial strategies with stakeholders

• Instigate, develop and support the attainment of alternative sources of funding that contribute towards identified funding gaps

• Maximise the income generated through government grants, to maximize the financial resources available to each of the service areas within the Council

• To lead and be responsible for the annual coordinating and closure of the Council’s and Pension Fund’s Accounts in consultation with the senior finance leadership team

• To coordinate and ensure quality assurance over other corporate reports including statutory returns

• To lead and be responsible for the interpretation of the accounting standards, incorporating professional codes of practice, IFRS, the accounts and audit regulations, the accounting code of practice, the best value code and any other relevant regulations

• To manage and determine technical treatment of complex accounting rules including determination of capital financing strategy

• Act as principal adviser for accounting for tax liabilities

• Take responsibility for the development and maintenance of the financial systems supporting the chart of accounts and the integrity of the general ledger

• Develop appropriate financial models and analytics to determine and communicate the impact of changes to technical accounting requirements

• Prepare and present informative, high quality reports to members and other senior stakeholders that aid in informed service and corporate decision making

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Customer Focus

• Act as a key financial advisor and service delivery partner, providing strategic support and constructive challenge through negotiation and influencing skills

• Contribute to the delivery of a high performing, customer focused finance service that is proactive and creative, looking for ways to shape and influence service decisions and taking joint responsibility for the outcomes achieved

• Engage, communicate and influence within the council, across partners and with the wider local and central government community towards a unified public service approach

• Represent the Council’s views on national and regional bodies with respect to financial planning, including fair funding and related issues

• Foster the development of social value and community-based organisations to reduce demand and help communities more independently support themselves

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Compliance

• Ensure that all activities within the service comply with the council’s constitution, Standing Orders, financial regulations, health and safety and safeguarding responsibilities and that effective systems operate within the service to manage performance and risk.

• Interpret and implement legislative and regulatory requirements relating to the CIPFA codes of practice, Treasury Guidance, and relevant financial legislation

• To be responsible for the timely completion of the Statement of Accounts, ensuring no material errors or misstatements.

• To ensure the Council sets a robust, transparent and legal budget

• To manage the relationship with the External Auditor and the successful and timely delivery of an audit opinion.

• Support an effective system of financial controls across the organisation

 

Leadership and Management

• Provide leadership that encourages staff to recognise their contribution to the strategic objectives the council has set

• Foster a high-performance culture including carrying out internal service reviews to improve value for money and efficiency

• Lead and effectively motivate staff by providing coaching, mentoring, training, professional development opportunities, and appropriate performance management

• Develop credible and responsive supervisors and finance officers who are respected for their knowledge base, expertise and customer focus

• Deputise for the Director of Finance as required

• Enable and encourage a flexible working environment

• Champions a culture that values equality and diversity, and ensures these are built into the delivery of services

• Promotes a culture that values continuous personal and professional development

• Demonstrates a high level of personal drive and energy that sets an example to others

• Fosters a dynamic, achievement orientated culture

• Work collaboratively with peers and stakeholders

• Takes responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.

 

Change and Improvement

• Lead in the development, implementation and review of change management programmes to deliver continuous improvement

• Proactively seek and identify commercial opportunities that generate income and provide innovative solutions to service delivery challenges

• Proactively seek and take responsibility for implementing internal process improvements, demonstrating the business case for change and benefits achieved

• Support opportunities for council-wide transformation and alternative service delivery models

• Contribute to the creation of a new digital culture within the service by embracing technology in every-day activities and actively seeking digital improvement opportunities in support of a service-wide digital strategy

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