We are looking for a proactive, passionate and positive Head of Finance to bring financial expertise and leadership to the organisation. Reporting to the Council’s Assistant Director, Finance and working closely with our Director of Resources, you will lead the Council’s operational finance team to develop robust and compliant financial processes across the Council and to ensure managers across the Council are supported to effectively manage their budgets. You will also oversee the production of the annual Statement of Accounts, and the relationships with internal and external audit. Our finance team will report to you, who cover the full range of a local authority finance function. This includes budgetary control, financial reporting, management accounting, treasury management, income collection and maintaining the corporate finance ICT system, Agresso. Each service area has an assigned Business Support Accountant, who works with the Head of Service on all financial matters. As Head of Finance, you will be pivotal in the delivery of our financial transformation programme which seeks to improve efficiency, procurement, finance processes and protocols and financial systems. This includes overseeing the implementation of a new financial system from One Advanced. This is a great opportunity, to help the Council’s future financial policy and achievements as well as being part of the corporate management team to drive delivery of our new Corporate Plan. You will also be a key player in the Council’s financial preparations for local government reorganisation. This is a role for a passionate qualified accountancy professional who will bring a wealth of enthusiasm, supplemented with experience of working in a complex, multi-faceted financial leadership role. We will give you the support and opportunity to develop and grow. Main Purpose of Job To manage the Council's Finance Operations Area ensuring robust and compliant financial management across the Council. To ensure managers across the Council are supported to effectively manage their budgets. To deputise, for the Director / Assistant Director as required including accepting appointment by the Section 151 Officer as their deputy as appropriate. To give financial advice and guidance to Council, the Executive, Committees, and senior managers To act as the key liaison on financial matters with the Council’s wholly owned companies Main Duties Act as the Council's Deputy Statutory Section 151 Officer (if appointed) in the absence of the Section 151 Officer, with responsibility for ensuring that proper advice is given to the authority on all financial matters, for keeping proper financial records and accounts, and for maintaining an effective system of internal financial control. Maintain an effective and positive relationship with internal and external customers including External Audit. To support councillors and senior managers in the budget setting process Provide strategic financial advice to Councillors and senior managers on all matters covered by the Medium Term Financial Plan To advise on opportunities to reduce costs and increase income To ensure that the Council’s financial management IT system is used to its best advantage and that associated practices are regularly reviewed Plan, monitor and co-ordinate the annual closure of the Council's accounts and the production of the Annual Statement of Accounts, ensuring compliance with statutory reporting requirements. Arranging the audit of accounts by the External Audit and liaising with them during the process. Operational (Generic) Duties To develop, coordinate, implement and review the annual Operational Plan for the Service, incorporating the Council’s risk management procedures. To lead and develop operational area employees using delegated powers authorised by the Director / Assistant Director. To manage and supervise employees in accordance with Human Resources policies and procedures and management competencies including a positive duty to promote diversity and equal opportunities. To be responsible and accountable for the operational areas budget/s including monitoring and reporting and the preparation of estimates as required by the Director / Assistant Director and in accordance with the Council’s financial procedures. To identify, coordinate and promote new and innovative opportunities to develop the service for the future including alternative methods of service delivery, external funding and partnership working. Contribute to the development and implementation of corporate projects and policies. To be responsible for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in own specialist / professional area in order to remain abreast of new developments, local and national issues, case law and relevant legislation and also maintain comprehensive CPD records. Such variations as may be required from time to time without changing the general character of the duties shown above or the level of responsibility entailed