Chief Accountant

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Chief Accountant

c. £70,000 per annum

Structure chart

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Job purpose

To lead, manage and develop the Corporate Finance Team within the Finance function ensuring the provision of high quality, timely and accurate technical support and advice across all of the Council’s services. To be instrumental in developing, implementing and operating financial management policies and high-level processes.

To ensure that the Council’s financial arrangements comply with statutory requirements in terms of accounting, financial control and tax compliance.

To provide financial advice to senior officers and elected members, ensuring continuity of sound financial management, governance and value for money.

Where appropriate deputise and act on behalf of the Head of Finance (Deputy s151 Officer).

Job accountabilities

Service delivery accountabilities

Lead and manage the preparation of the annual accounts closedown process, in accordance with best practice, agreed timetables and professional and statutory guidelines
Lead and manage the preparation of the Council’s capital programme – ensure the programme is budgeted, accounted for, monitored, reported, funded and published in accordance with best practice, within agreed timetables and in accordance with professional and statutory guidelines
Develop and maintain the Council’s Capital Strategy
Develop and maintain the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy and associated strategies and policies
Provide technical accounting advice and guidance to other members of the Finance team and service managers
Lead on day to day treasury and bank reconciliation functions
Lead on debt management
Lead on management of the Collection Fund, NNDR and related issues
Manage the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions
Prepare financial models, financial management tools, reports
Liaise with external networks, government departments and professional bodies to ensure that advice and support to the team and other services is up to date

Standard accountabilities/responsibilities that apply to all council staff or specific groups are set out in the Employee Handbook, these include:

Corporate management
Information governance compliance
Whistleblowing
General Safeguarding Statement
Project and work management
Working in a team
Risk management including Health & Safety
Business continuity
Equality of Opportunity
Our corporate values
Budget management
Specific responsibilities for managers.

The hand book can be viewed here.

Local operating procedures and specific activities/tasks will be supplied by the service.

Person specification

Key: Essential (E), Desirable (D), Application (AP), Certificate (C), Interview (I), Test (T), Reference (R)

Qualifications and training

CCAB or equivalent recognised accounting qualification (E, AP, C)
Post qualification development (E, AP, C)
Management development (D, AP, C)

Job Competence summary (knowledge, skills, abilities, experience)

Current and in depth knowledge of Local Government Corporate Finance (including Accounts Preparation, Council Tax, Collection Fund and Capital Finance) (E, AP, I)
Current knowledge of issues affecting Local Government Finance (E, AP, I)
Excellent written and oral communication (E, AP, I)
Expert use of Microsoft Excel (E, AP, T, I)
Extensive experience of managing staff (E, AP, I)
Ability to identify and apply a strategic view on problems (E, AP, I)
Ability to plan, prioritise, lead, develop, and direct the work of others (E, AP, I)
Ability to motivate staff (E, AP, I, R)
Ability to work effectively under pressure (E, AP, I, R)
Ability to work under minimal supervision (E, AP, I, R)

Other requirements

Occasional attendance at evening meetings will be required

Politically restricted post: Yes