We are delighted to be partnering with a Worcester-based Local Authority who are seeking a Director of Finance on an interim 6-month fixed term contract basis. The successful applicant will also have sound knowledge and experience of Section 151.
Working with the Chief Executive and Executive Director, you will ensure that priorities are met and that all residents receive services which meet their needs and are value for money. You will also act as the Section 151 Officer in the provision of a comprehensive and quality financial service and ensure that our client fulfils its statutory responsibilities relating to its financial affairs including the development of the budget, medium-term financial strategy, and the production of the annual Statement of Accounts. You will lead for the annual audit of those accounts and the engagement with the external Auditors. You will also provide effective strategic direction and development for the services within the remit of the post, to ensure the enabling services provide a professional and effective business partner role and deliver changes to culture and practice that further improve service delivery and outcomes for customers. In addition, you will work as part of the Strategic Leadership (SLT) and Corporate Leadership (CLT) Teams to provide strategic direction to both councils and ensure that resources are deployed to agreed priorities.
Your main duties and responsibilities will include;
* Be responsible for leading the annual budget setting and MTFS process, preparation of the annual statutory financial statements and manage the annual closure of accounts, ensuring that statutory deadlines are met and that accounts are accurate and of good quality.
* Lead service improvement initiatives and programmes.
* Develop and maintain the financial and investment affairs, ensuring there is a financial and investment strategy.
* Support Councillors in achieving a thorough understanding of the finances to undertake decision making on a fully informed basis.
* Provide an excellent financial service to SLT, CLT and managers.
* Ensure that financial services objectives and key performance indicators and controls are monitored, reported and achieved.
* Manage, motivate, and develop the Assistant Director and their teams, ensuring that the employees are aware of the aims and objectives, the standards of behaviour and performance expected of them.
* Manage and maintain a coherent framework of performance management which ensures that staff within the financial services team can perform to the best of their abilities to achieve service priorities
* Be responsible for risk and reputational management
* Attend Council and Committee meetings and act as Lead Officer as required.
* Deputise for the Chief Executive when required, attending meetings, etc.
* Ensure efficiency, effectiveness and equality in service delivery.
* Reflect the core values and objectives in undertaking the duties of this post.
* Understand and comply with the legal requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and any other relevant regulations as detailed in the Health and Safety Policy Statement.
* Carry out duties and responsibilities under the Data Protection Act 1998; in particular, to take all reasonable care that no unauthorised loss or disclosure of personal data occurs.
* Undertake, as required, responsibilities of DIRO for Out of Hours / Emergency planning.
The ideal applicant for this position will possess the following skills, experience, and qualifications;
* Proven Strategic and operational management and leadership of a range of financial management services in a complex and fast changing organisation focussed on customers and the community.
* Proven people management skills with the ability to inspire and provide direction and support promoting a “can do” attitude and an environment of creativity and innovation.
* Experience of working as a section 151 officer or deputy section 151 officer
* Experience of leading improvement programmes
* Experience of working in a local authority or similar public body and of working effectively with elected members.
* Degree-level qualification and/or professional qualification or equivalent experience. Recognised accountancy qualification, e.g. CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA.
* Demonstratable Enhanced negotiating Skills.
* Proven experience of leading on corporate projects and initiatives that cross service boundaries. Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence, negotiate and establish credibility.
* Ability to delegate responsibility and provide constructive feedback and coaching to individuals.
* Ability to recognise where change is needed, to embrace and create an enthusiasm for change and to work effectively with others to develop creative, innovative and customer-focused solutions. Experience of the management of change in a customer focused environment
* A clear commitment to continual professional development.
* Must have Strong political awareness reflecting the responsibilities of this post.
* Excellent verbal, written and comprehension skills e.g. ability to write complex, but cogent reports in plain English, give advice at all levels on complex matters.
* Hold a full UK driving Licence and have access to a car for work purposes.
If this opportunity is of interest and you would like more information, apply now for a confidential conversation