Job Description
6 - 7 Month Contract With A local Authority
Job Purpose
To provide strategic and operational financial support to service divisions within Housing and Regeneration, acting as the lead finance professional on all management accounting matters. The postholder will oversee key aspects of the annual budget cycle, provide high-quality financial advice to senior managers and stakeholders, and manage a small finance team to ensure effective financial planning, control and reporting across the service.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the delivery of the annual budget cycle, including budget setting, budget monitoring and year-end accounts closure for revenue and capital budgets.
* Provide high-quality financial advice and support to senior management, budget holders and stakeholders to support effective decision-making.
* Manage and supervise finance staff, including Service Accountants and Accountancy Assistants, ensuring high performance and effective service delivery.
* Produce and quality assure financial reports, monitoring information, committee reports, briefing notes and statutory returns.
* Ensure accurate, timely and compliant financial information with clear audit trails and adherence to financial regulations and accounting standards.
* Support senior managers in financial modelling, budget management, savings proposals and service planning.
* Provide financial support to major projects, transformation programmes and service change initiatives.
* Build strong working relationships across the organisation and with external stakeholders to support collaborative working.
* Ensure compliance with financial controls, standing orders, schemes of delegation and relevant legislation.
* Support continuous improvement by reviewing and refining financial systems, processes and reporting arrangements.
* Assist with Freedom of Information requests and other financial enquiries where required.
* Deputise for the Head of Finance when necessary.
* Undertake additional duties appropriate to the grade and responsibilities of the post.
Requirements
* CCAB qualified accountant with a minimum of two years’ post-qualification experience, or significant equivalent accounting experience demonstrating management and supervisory responsibility.
* Strong experience working within a management accounting environment, preferably within local government or the public sector.
* In-depth knowledge of local government finance, accounting regulations and budget management processes.
* Experience managing the full annual budget cycle, including budget setting, monitoring and year-end closure.
* Experience managing and developing staff, including performance management and supervision.
* Strong analytical, financial modelling and problem-solving skills.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
* Experience supporting senior management and working within a political or complex organisational environment.
* Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
* Commitment to continuous improvement, equality, diversity and high-quality customer service.
Additional Information
* Pay: Bi-Weekly
* Location: London Borough of Hackney
* Hours: Full TIme