Job Description

Role Purpose

• To support the Head of Finance, Finance managers and designated departmental teams in the provision of a high quality, flexible, professional finance support to service departments and reacts to service priority changes and adapts to current requirements.
• To act as Finance Business Partner for the relevant service area and develop an in-depth knowledge of the service overall
• Providing robust financial advice to senior stakeholders, presenting information to Departmental Management teams, any specific Project delivery boards and other service related meetings as required on all financial matters relating to the post holder's specific area of work
• To attend and represent the Head of Finance and Finance managers, in their absence, at any service related meetings

• Support & deputise for the Head of Finance and Finance manager to deliver financial support, advice and guidance to the relevant service area.
• Supporting the Director of the service area that the post is designated to.
• Responsible for leading on the delivery of specific finance tasks supporting the annual financial cycle. This includes, but is not limited to budgeting, forecasting and closing the accounts.
• Undertaking where relevant (but not restricted to), sensitivity analysis, reviewing and challenging budget decisions, options appraisals, costing exercises, leading on the detailed calculations underpinning any new funding and grants requests, development of business cases.
• Horizon scan and pro-actively seek opportunities to improve the financial support provided to the Council and identify and support the delivery of efficiencies in the service support.
• Any other duties reasonably requested by management.
• Carry out all accountabilities in compliance with the Council's Policies and Procedures.

• A CCAB or CIMA accountancy qualification, or part qualified and actively studying for such a qualification or qualified by significant accountancy experience in a similar role.
• Good knowledge and understanding of local government finance, budgeting and accounting, and experience in providing high level advice, support and challenge on a variety of complex financial and service issues
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills, including the ability to analyse and interpret detailed and complex financial and other information, to develop and use financial management systems and to have the confidence and ability to train and develop others in the use and application of such systems
• Good oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present a range of complex and detailed financial and other issues to a diverse audience including councillors and senior officers and to develop and manage productive relationships with both external and internal contacts and agencies.
• Advanced IT skills in Excel, PowerPoint and Word but not limited to these applications, including the ability to design, construct and interpret complex spreadsheets. Extensive experience of working with integrated financial systems in a large organisation
• Experience of providing financial advice and support to senior officers, members and external stakeholders
• Experience of analysing and challenging budget decisions in a complex organisation in to order to achieve value for money outcomes.
• Experience of financial modelling and assessing the viability of new initiatives, service models etc.