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Job description
Deputy Chief Finance Officer
c. £73,000 - £83,000 per annum
Role description
To support the Chief Finance Officer in the strategic planning and the management of the Council’s Finance Service. To be the Council’s deputy statutory Section 151 Officer and undertake all duties and accountabilities, as directed by the Chief Finance Officer, required by legislation and according to guidance set by the appropriate professional body (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountability CIPFA).
Accountabilities
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Deputise for the Chief Finance Officer as member of the Council’s Corporate Management team, leading the development and implementation of the council’s strategies and the achievement of objectives, drawing on external good practice as appropriate.
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Support delivery of cross organisational programmes, projects and activities to secure continuous improvement in the way that the Council’s functions are exercised, and services are delivered, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
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Lead and manage defined services to ensure that delivery is effective and efficient and avoids a silo-ed, single directorate or service area approach.
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Lead and develop staff teams which meet organisational needs. Model leadership behaviours in terms of equality, effective governance, effective internal controls, transparency, and openness.
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Manage allocated funds within the budget envelope whilst upholding financial regulations.
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Exercise robust performance management. Set objectives and actively monitor compliance ensuring that any corrective action is put in place where targets are not being met.
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Support the Chief Finance Officer in developing and implementing mechanisms to work with Members, colleagues and other stakeholders in the development of strategies, policies and other corporate wide action plans.
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As directed by the Chief Finance Officer, provide timely and expert advice to Members and other decision makers.
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As directed by the Chief Finance Officer, represent the Council externally including Regional and National fora.
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Operate within the governance, financial and legal frameworks of the Council.
Specific accountabilities
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Support the Chief Finance Officer in providing expert financial advice to the Corporate Management Team and developing strategy to achieve the organisation’s vision, values, and desired behaviours.
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Be the Council’s Deputy Section 151 Officer and, as directed by the Chief Finance Officer, undertake the duties and accountabilities as required by the Local Government Act 1972 and related legislation and guidance.
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Support the Chief Finance Officer in leading the development of a cross-organisational finance strategy that supports Council objectives and makes proper use of financial resources.
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As directed by the Chief Finance Officer, create and maintain effective professional relationships with the Leader of the Council, the Portfolio Member for Finance and other Members, through regular communication and providing advice and challenge on complex and far-reaching financial, governance, investment and asset management issues.
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Promote good financial management throughout the Council so that public money is safeguarded and used appropriately, economically, efficiently, and effectively.
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Assume line management responsibility for Finance staff as directed by the Chief Financial Officer
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Support the Chief Finance Officer in contract management of internal audit services.
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Work closely with the external auditor and support the Chief Finance Officer in receipt of auditor reports drawing them effectively to Members’ attention for response and action.
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Ensure all teams under the postholder’s control deliver effective and efficient services, that they set and achieve high standards of performance control the budgets, manage risk effectively and ensure accountability
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Support the Chief Finance Officer in leading and directing an effective directorate management team. Ensure staff members in directly managed services are, developed, informed, organised, performance managed and motivated to deliver high quality and cost-effective services.
Qualifications
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A professionally qualified accountant (CCAB / CIMA) with a track record of successfully leading and developing large, multi-service finance team.
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Current full membership recognised professional accountancy body.
Skills & experience
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A comprehensive knowledge of the financial framework for Local Government, its decision-making processes and procedures and a strong understanding of financial accounting.
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Knowledge of current economic and financial trends affecting and how they affect local government generally and the implications for Reigate and Banstead Borough Council.
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Knowledge and understanding of the broader range of services provided by Local Government.
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Evidence of own continuing professional development and leading the development of accountancy professionals.
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Experience of strategic financial management, including managing complex budgets in order to enhance value for money and achieve service and corporate objectives.
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Experienced in or able to demonstrate an ability to work in a political environment.
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Able to demonstrate success in leading, managing and motivating teams.
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Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of stakeholders.
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A proven track record of working effectively in partnerships, particularly in relation to financial management.
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A proven ability to maintain high performance whilst establishing a culture of outcome focused working and focus on organisational and customer needs.
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Experience of working successfully as part of a collaborative and effective senior management team.
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A proven track record of successful delivery of projects or programmes relevant to the role, including leading and managing change.
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Evidence of successful resource and financial management and the delivery of significant savings within services directly managed.
