Job Description

Head of Strategic Financial Management & Business Partnering
Lisburn BT27
Temporary (please contact to discuss duration)
30.87 per hour PO9 (equivalent Garde 7 NICS)
36.25 hours per week
**** "Whilst hybrid working arrangements are available, the seniority of this position mandates that candidates be available to work on-site full-time (five days per week) during peak periods or in response to short notice requirements to fulfil service demands."****
Post Overview
This is a senior and integral position within the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Finance Team. The post holder will provide strategic leadership and direct management across a range of core functions, including:

• Strategic financial management
• Business partnering
• Economic advisory services
• Procurement

Reporting directly to the Assistant Director of Finance, the post holder will adopt a hands-on approach in supporting the Senior Leadership Team to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of financial management, performance, and procurement services. They will be responsible for reviewing and updating financial policies, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, and embedding best practice across all areas of responsibility.
In addition to providing authoritative advice and expert analysis to senior stakeholders, the post holder will lead a large, multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality financial and procurement services aligned to organisational needs. The role carries responsibility for the stewardship and optimal allocation of financial resources of circa 110 million.
Application Requirement
Applicants must provide a comprehensive cover letter demonstrating how they meet the essential and desirable criteria for the post. The cover letter should clearly outline relevant skills, experience, and achievements, and explain how these align with the responsibilities and requirements of the role.
Main Roles and Responsibilities

• Delivering and supporting the financial planning framework for NIFRS for each planning cycle.
• Initiating and managing the annual budget planning process for both revenue and capital budgets.
• Maintaining systems to provide a comprehensive overview of the progress of financial plans, ensuring linkages are made between finance and other key policy areas, such as operational service delivery and workforce plans.
• Mediating in financial planning processes in respect of unresolved issues; providing briefings, including options to improve the planned position, to the Assistant Director of Finance.
• Providing expert financial advice on the development and implementation of the relevant savings and contingency plans and to identify areas for efficiencies to support the overall breakeven plan for the organisation.
• Delivering and managing a strategic framework for the financial overview of all key business cases.
• Preparing timely financial plans that are clearly linked and synchronised to other key policy areas.
• Providing a comprehensive Financial Business Partnering service to Directorates, including the full production of monthly financial performance reports and budget statements in accordance with pre-determined timetables, policies and procedures.
• Preparing monthly financial monitoring returns, including projected outturns, in the prescribed format to the Department of Health.
• Providing high level assurance to the sound management of revenue, capital and cash limits across NIFRS Supporting the Assistant Director of Finance in the delivery of the financial performance management functions of the NIFRS.
• Leading a team of Finance Business Partners, ensuring provision of professional finance and governance advice and guidance to all Directorates.
• Providing information to facilitate the management of the performance within Directorates across the NIFRS, in respect of strategic programmes and projects.
• Managing the internal NIFRS procurement team and lead on the relationship with the CoPE.
• Providing assurance to the Assistant Director of Finance and Director of Corporate Services with regard to compliance with procurement regulation.
• Leading the delivery of the NIFRS procurement function, to include contract monitoring, direct award contracts and direct ordering from frameworks.
• Monitoring and taking responsibility for individuals' personal performance, ensuring access to skills and personal development through appropriate training and support.
• Encouraging and empowering others in their team to achieve their goals and reach their full potential through regular supportive conversation and shared decision making Representing the NIFRS on Departmental financial working groups.
• Developing relationships and understanding of key financial issues across NIFRS with external and internal auditors.

(This is only a brief description of the roles and responsibilities expected by the post holder. A full job description will be provided to those interested in the post)
Essential Criteria: * Applicants must be fully qualified accountants, having successfully completed the professional examinations, and be a full Member of one of the following bodies:

• The Chartered Association of Certified Accountants
• The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy
• The Chartered Institute of management Accountants
• The Institute of Chartered Accountants Ireland
• The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England or Wales: or
• The Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland

AND * Minimum of three years' relevant post qualification experience in a middle-management role in a complex and challenging, large organisation. Middle management is defined as responsibility for supporting service/business unit, as Deputy Head of Function reporting to an Assistant Director. For example, NICS Grade DP.

• Evidence of supporting the formulation and delivery of effective financial budgets and plans.
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills with a successful track record in developing and maintaining productive working relationships
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to clearly communicate complex financial information.
• Excellent planning skills and ability to work under pressure of multiple deadlines
• IT literate specifically in the use of the Microsoft Office suite (including MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel and MS Outlook).
• Applicants must have a valid driving licence and a car available for official business use, or access to a form of personal transport that will enable you to meet the requirements of the post in full.

Please note original certificates will be required when registering with Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd)
Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and a Corporate Member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd adheres to all current employment legislation.
Please note only those candidates shortlisted may be contacted.

Skills Required