6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide professional management accounting services that add value to service delivery within the Resources Department and finance functions across service departments.

The postholder will provide expert financial analysis, advice, and information to support strategic decision-making, effective financial management, and the achievement of corporate and departmental objectives. This will include responsibility for revenue and capital budget monitoring and closure, supporting budget holders and senior officers, promoting sound financial management practices, and contributing to the continuous improvement of the finance function.

The role will also deputise for the Senior Finance Manager as required and provide management and support to staff delivering the finance function.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality financial information, analysis, and professional advice to the Council, budget holders, senior officers, and other stakeholders.
• Interpret and prepare briefing notes on new, current, and proposed legislation, accounting standards, and other relevant financial issues.
• Respond to requests for financial information from Members, officers, external organisations, and members of the public.
• Prepare and provide financial and statistical information required by government departments and other external bodies.
• Provide financial training and guidance to staff as required.
• Continuously improve the quality, timeliness, and effectiveness of financial monitoring and reporting to support informed decision-making.
• Advise on and develop improvements to financial management processes, procedures, and controls.
• Ensure revenue and capital budgets are aligned with service objectives and financial targets.
• Monitor and control revenue and capital budgets, ensuring income and expenditure is accurately recorded throughout the financial year.
• Identify, investigate, and report significant budget variances and ensure appropriate corrective action is taken.
• Lead and support the year-end closure of corporate cost centres in accordance with approved closing timetables.
• Ensure compliance with the Council’s financial regulations, policies, procedures, and wider regulatory framework.
• Provide professional financial input into Cabinet, Committee, and other reports as required.
• Provide financial advice and input into options for the allocation of resources, including savings and efficiency requirements.
• Evaluate and report on the financial impact of statutory, economic, and political developments affecting Council resources.
• Participate in meetings of officer groups and contribute to discussions on Council-wide revenue and capital financial matters.
• Contribute to the development and effective use of SAP and other financial information systems.
• Liaise with external auditors and provide appropriate information and support on relevant financial and audit matters.
• Promote accuracy, clarity, and timeliness in financial reporting and support departments in achieving their financial targets through effective monitoring and control.
• Monitor and control the financial aspects of contractors delivering Council services, where applicable.
• Identify and report suspected fraud, financial irregularities, and malpractice in accordance with the Council’s Fraud Response Plan.
• Support effective people management within the finance function and ensure good management practices are embedded in day-to-day working.
• Identify training and development needs for staff within the area of responsibility, including personal development requirements.
• Deputise for the Senior Finance Manager as required.
• Provide appropriate supervision, management, and support to staff delivering the finance function.