Director of Finance

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JOB SUMMARY

To provide strategic direction, corporate leadership and advice on all matters relating to finance, procurement, audit and risk. In doing so, ensure that statutory requirements are met and that accelerated and sustained improvements in performance against Council targets are achieved.

Acting as the Deputy S151 Officer, support the Corporate Director Resources and Governance in ensuring high quality financial administration and stewardship throughout the Council.

To be the responsible and accountable officer for development of policy and strategy on all matters relating to Council’s Financial systems, processes, policies and reporting, working closely with the Mayoral Cabinet where necessary and advising the Chief Executive, Members and others.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

  1. The on-going development and co-ordination of the corporate financial framework, including the medium-term financial strategy, to enable the Council to prioritise and utilise its financial resources to the greatest effect and ensure activity and process comply with professional standards, Government regulations and legislation.
  2. The delivery of robust and efficient financial systems, processes and policies in place supported by effective training and the provision of guidance to budget managers and system users.
  3. The delivery of an efficient and effective accountancy and treasury management services that enable financial resources to be accurately recorded, monitored and controlled whilst maximising the benefits of reserves and ensuring the Council’s cash flow is sufficient to meet all payments due.
  4. The delivery of a responsive service to provide financial advice and guidance to management teams and budget managers across the Council.
  5. The delivery of a Procurement function to provide a framework for the Council to achieve value for money and achieve corporate objectives through commissioning and purchasing activities.
  6. The provision of an effective Audit and Risk Management function that ensures robust controls are in place to protect the Council’s resources and reputation whilst providing a framework to identify and manage risks across the organisation.

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Actively contribute to the leadership of the Council in a way that promotes a ‘one organisation’ approach.
  2. Develop and maintain positive relationships with elected members to ensure the Council and directorate strategic priorities are effectively implemented and to support Members to undertake their strategic monitoring role.
  3. To promote equality among all staff and ensure that services are delivered in a non-discriminatory way, that is inclusive of disadvantaged groups.
  4. Support organisational change and learning, ensuring appropriate systems of performance and development, communication and engagement, quality measures, monitoring and review are in place for all services and the workforce that delivers them.
  5. Support organisational change and learning, ensuring appropriate systems of performance and development, communication and engagement, quality measures, monitoring and review are in place for all services and the workforce that delivers them.
  6. To promote sustainability including encouraging a culture of innovation and accountability amongst staff.
  7. Participate in the required rota as directed by the Chief Executive/Corporate Director to ensure emergency planning and business contingency arrangements are in place throughout the Council.
  8. Deputise on a rota basis for the Corporate Director, Resources and Governance.

PEOPLE

  1. Work collaboratively with the Council’s partners to inform strategic decision making sure that this supports the delivery of specific corporate programmes and the community strategy.
  2. Establish clarity around expected outcomes and standards, providing clear lines of accountability and delegated authority
  3. Establish clarity around expected outcomes and standards, providing clear lines of accountability and delegated authority.

FINANCE

  1. Effectively manage budgets and income delivery targets ensuring that resources are deployed in line with agreed priorities. Ensure that opportunities for efficiencies are systematically explored and developed and drive down spend where appropriate.
  2. Hold managers to account to provide services that are delivered or procured that represent value for money.

SERVICE

  1. Actively consider new and innovative ways of delivering services that provide high quality and good value for money.
  2. Drive the implementation of consistently high-quality service standards and levels of customer service.
  3. Continuously measure and improve customer service processes to improve the consistency, quality and efficiency of services.
  4. Ensure there is effective integration of related services within the directorate and across the Council, ensuring the contribution of partner organisations.

PERFORMANCE

  1. Set strategic objectives and lead delivery through robust business and financial planning.
  2. Hold managers and partners to account for the delivery of targets.
  3. Manage, monitor and control externalised contracts effectively ensuring that Service Level Agreements, service standards and contractual obligations are met.
  4. Ensure that all services within own area of responsibility, including those provided by external contractors have robust business continuity plans and contribute to the discharge of the Council’s responsibilities.
  5. Lead on borough-wide and strategic initiatives collaborating with internal/external stakeholders to deliver cross Council projects.

OTHER CONDITIONS

To carry out other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the level of the post as directed by the Chief Executive/Corporate Director.

Job Description and Person Specification – click to download

Terms and Conditions

Timetable

Activity
Timing
Applications Close
Thursday 13 May, Midnight
Longlist Meeting
Monday 24 May
Preliminary Interviews
Tuesday 02 June & Wednesday 03 June
Shortlist Meetings
Thursday 10 June
Informal Conversations
Monday 14 June
Final Panel Interviews
Thursday 17 June