Description
Head Of Finance
Whitehall Resources currently require an experienced Head Of Finance to work with a key client based in London
*Please note this role falls INSIDE IR35*
Job Purpose:
* The postholders will be responsible for providing the strategic financial lead for the relevant department. They will provide customer focused support to both the Departmental Leadership team (DLT) and the Executive Leadership team (ELT) when required.
* They will ensure that DLT and the budget managers in the department have access to sound and timely financial advice on policy and strategic issues and will be responsible for developing and enhancing the financial management competencies of budget managers.
* They will provide the financial lead on the capital budget proposals for the relevant department and ensure that there is compliance with the Council's corporate financial framework.
* They will lead, manage and develop a financial team to ensure robust support for the organisation and an ability to be flexible with changing demands
Key Stakeholder Relationships:
* Internal: Departmental Leadership Team, Executive Directors, Directors and Heads of Service across departments, Executive Leadership Team, Cabinet Members
* External: Government departments and agencies, Audit (both external and internal), Consultative groups, Local Government representative groups, Partner organisations and suppliers, Professional bodies, Trade Unions.
Statutory Responsibilities:
* This role is responsible for delivering all statutory financial returns in relation to the relevant department and coordinating the relevant returns for the annual budget and the financial accounts.
Key Outcomes:
* To enable the Council to set a balanced budget each year by providing financial support, challenge and guidance to the relevant department
* To ensure that robust financial management is in place within the organisation to deliver a balanced financial position in each financial year
* To deliver a proposed capital budget and robust financial monitoring to ensure delivery of the aspirations of the authority
* To develop a skilled and well qualified finance team to ensure support and advice to the organisation
* An organisation with robust governance and financial controls
Key Deliverables:
* To provide operational financial leadership and support to DLT.
* To provide personal support and advice to Executive Directors, Cabinet Members and committees
* To manage the core financial processes of the relevant department to ensure effective financial management and control
* To deliver financial support and expertise to provide accurate and comprehensive strategy proposals
* To provide support and guidance on the capital programme proposals to ensure a programme that is fit for purpose and will deliver the aspirations of the organisation
* To provide financial expertise and support to other areas within the finance team to ensure that the statutory accounts are delivered to deadline and without audit qualification
* To ensure that all future financial risks for the department are fully understood and appropriate actions taken
* To manage the financial and management accounting processes for the relevant department including budget preparation, budget monitoring, financial analysis and accurate accounting records
* To manage the team to provide accurate grant claims, statistical returns and deliver statutory requirements to required deadlines
* To ensure that financial processes are as efficient as possible and continually improved, ensuring that systems are as robust and effective as possible
Specific Minimum Qualifications and Expertise
* CCAB or CIMA Qualified Accountant
* Extensive knowledge and experience of local government finance
* Knowledge of the main business areas and current issues relevant to the department supported
* Experience of budget setting, financial monitoring and closing the accounts as well as experience of managing the development of significant strategic budgets
* Experience of successfully operating in a political environment
* Track record of identifying and implementing solutions to high risk financial problems
* Track record of significant change management
* Excellent oral, written and presentational skills
* Strong analytical skills and lateral thinking to develop creative and innovative service solutions and a willingness and ability to challenge
* Track record of identifying, leading and implementing reviews for key financial processes that have led to significantly improved outcomes
* Track record of successfully leading, managing and developing staff
* Experience of building and participating in teams, particularly cross departmental teams
* Ability to set personal priorities, objectives and deadlines while maintaining a focus on the key service priorities/accountabilities, as well as the resilience and drive to meet the demands and pressures of the post
* A readiness to make decisions, take the initiative, motivate and empower others into action
* Ability to build effective relationships both inside and outside the organisation
All of our opportunities require that applicants are eligible to work in the specified country/location, unless otherwise stated in the job description.