Main Purpose of Job : To work as part of a collective leadership model to take joint responsibility for the overall direction, performance, corporate management and governance of the council. To represent and promote the Borough within the community and more widely; working with partners, networks and neighbours to achieve Council priorities. On a rotational basis to act as lead for the designated management cluster; to represent the council at civil and officer led events (including cabinet, full council and scrutiny committees) with the purpose of providing clear and focussed advice, leadership and solutions. To take responsibility for ensuring compliance against strategic, financial, legal and statutory aims and ensure that the vision and council plan is understood across direct areas of operational responsibility. With regard and engagement of relevant stakeholders; to interpret the Council Priorities and develop and deliver a synergised service strategy which focusses on achievement of targeted and measurable outcomes. In doing so, the Service Director will role model the leadership competencies and values of the organisation, empowering staff within their service. Owning and achieving the relevant and desired outcomes and evidencing success through engagement with the performance framework. To act collaboratively, respecting and learning from peers and colleagues in driving forward continuous improvement and shaping high performing teams. To manage a specific portfolio of services, activities and functions to high standards as designated by operational area; acting as the subject matter expert on policy and best practice within that area. To be responsible for setting direction for the service in line with Council and corporate plans, as well as managing and measuring achievements and results. Main Tasks/Duties/Responsibilities 1. Work collaboratively with the Chief Executive and peers to ensure corporate success 2. On rotation; to represent the Council at key events, committees, consultations and partnership programmes 3. Work across business areas to develop aligned and agile service strategies which ensure delivery of key outputs and performance indicators. To review and measure achievement of performance metrics against strategic performance 4. To drive financial stability by fostering positive relationships with political members which ensure a culture of confidence and performance across the council. Developing and managing short and long term expenditure plans, and where appropriate, commercial initiatives. Embedding the importance of sound financial awareness within own areas of responsibility 5. To ensure compliance with governance and technical requirements of the organisation. 6. To form positive and mutually beneficial relationships with partner organisations to support delivery of the Council Plan 7. To contribute to and role model the cultural goals of the NULBC 8. To lead on the overall risk and audit requirements for the area of service delivery and ensure these areas of responsibility are managed within the service area plan and in wider corporate plans where necessary 9. To foster positive relationships with political members which ensures a culture of confidence and performance 10. To be a critical friend to peers; contributing to a positive culture of challenge and excellence. Service Specific Responsibilities To act as the Council’s Section 151 Officer ensuring that the finances of the Council are well managed to the highest standards of stewardship and probity, which meet the expectations of the public and Government. Key responsibilities currently include the overseeing of: accountancy (including corporate accounting system, revenue and capital budget preparation and monitoring, preparation and publication of final accounts, financial/treasury management), client management of the outsourced internal audit service and creditor payments. To undertake the statutory duties as they apply to the financial affairs of the Council in accordance with Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972, Section 114 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 and Section 6 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Leadership of the Finance Function, ensuring that the Team has the capacity, capability and clarity needed to fulfil all tasks to the required, high standard. Oversee the system of internal controls, which underpin the production of the annual Statement of Accounts. To ensure that the principles of diversity and equality of opportunity are fully integrated and actively pursued within all areas of the Council’s service provision for which you are responsible and employment policies, practices and procedures. Statutory Duties Section 151 Officer Occasional Duties Requirement to take a specified role as part of Civil Contingencies and Business Continuity. General 1. To be aware of and comply with current Health and Safety Regulations and the Borough Council’s Health and Safety policy and procedures as they relate to the duties and responsibilities of the post. 2. To be proactive in personal and professional development, updating knowledge and skills by appropriate means as agreed annually through the Council’s Performance Appraisal Scheme. 3. To maintain awareness of risks and incorporate these into the formal risk management process and also to control the risks inherent in your job and report any risk concerns to your manager. 4. To produce any performance information required in a reliable, timely and accurate way, in accordance with the Council’s Data Quality Policy. 5. To be aware of and adhere to the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy. 6. To undertake any other duties as may be reasonably allocated to the postholder commensurate with the grading and responsibilities of the post. (Where necessary, reasonable adjustments will be made in accordance with the Equality Act). 7. To be familiar with the obligations and requirements of the council's information security and data protection policies and procedures as they apply to the post, ensuring that confidential and sensitive data used by the post holder is held securely and personal data is obtained, processed and disclosed only in accordance with the principles and requirements of the Data Protection Acts. This job description is not exhaustive providing an indication only of the scope and length of the main duties and responsibilities to be undertaken by the postholder and may be subject to amendment or alteration. It may be changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances and does not form part of your contract of employment.