Budget Support Manager

Education Authority; Armagh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional educational body in Northern Ireland is seeking an experienced individual to take on the role of Assistant Principal Officer in Management Accounting. This crucial position involves supporting the management of financial reporting, fostering continuous improvement, and leading a team to fulfill the operational needs of the Finance Directorate. The ideal candidate will be a fully qualified accountant with extensive experience in finance and a proven ability to analyze complex data to drive strategic decisions. Competitive remuneration and the opportunity to make a significant impact await in this role.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration

Opportunities for professional development

Equal Opportunities Employer

Qualifications

• Be a fully qualified accountant with current membership of a CCAB body.
• Have a minimum of three years’ relevant experience or five years in finance.
• Ability to analyze data and trends for accurate reporting.

Responsibilities

• Support Functional Lead to meet management accounting requirements.
• Prepare and deliver timely management accounts.
• Manage and lead a team within the service.

Skills

Data analysis

Financial reporting

Leadership

Communication

Education

Fully qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent)

Bachelor’s Degree or higher qualification

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

SERVICE AREA: Finance Directorate – Budgetary Control and Reporting Division
Corporate Reporting & Business Partnering Service

REPORTS TO: Deputy Functional Lead

RESPONSIBLE FOR: The post holder will support the Functional Lead and Deputy Functional Lead to develop and lead on all aspects of the Corporate Reporting & Business Partnering service to meet the corporate financial reporting requirements of the organisation. As a key member of this team, the post holder is accountable for ensuring that service delivery is focused on fostering and driving continuous improvement. The Assistant Principal Officer will be expected to provide strong leadership and direction to ensure the significant ongoing change and harmonisation process to create and implement a fit for purpose Management Accounting function.

JOB PURPOSE

The overall purpose of the role is to support the Deputy Functional Lead to meet the management accounting requirements of the organisation, in particular the organisation of data from Oracle and reconciliation to the General Ledger. As a key member of this team, the post holder will contribute to ensuring that service delivery is focused on fostering and driving continuous improvement.

In acting as an integral member of the Service, the post-holder is required to fully contribute to all Management Accounting issues related to the corporate plan, operational business plan, service development proposals, savings proposals and risk register to ensure that the Directorate operational plans support the overall strategic direction of the Authority and the achievement of its objectives in line with its vision, mission and values.

The post-holder will be responsible for managing and leading a team of employees within the service, this may include managing employees across all Authority offices.

The Management Accounting Manager has the following Service-Specific Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the delivery of management accounting activities, including the preparation and delivery of timely, accurate, and insightful monthly management accounts.
• Work with financial systems to interpret data, analyse results using statistical techniques and provide ongoing reports.
• Identify, analyse, and interpret trends or patterns in complex data sets.
• Work with management to prioritise business and information needs.
• Present financial insights to support management decision making.
• Work within the Finance Team to help support budget holders to set and monitor their budgets, within the context of the annual and spending review planning cycle and savings delivery plans.
• Work in close partnership with the Finance Business Partnering teams to provide accurate, timely and comprehensive management accounting information to enable robust forecasting.
• Develop detailed working knowledge of the range of Directorate activities in order to tailor reports to the organisations need.
• Provide an effective challenge function in respect of operational practices to drive efficiencies and cost savings wherever possible.
• Support the Deputy Functional Lead to provide ongoing financial and budgetary support to projects and programmes to monitor monetary costs and benefits.
• Financial advice and training to staff area to ensure effective budgetary management and control.
• Identification and management of key strategic risks impacting on the delivery of team, directorate and EA objectives.
• Support the functional lead in the identification, management and reporting of strategic risks to the organisation’s budget.

The Finance Business Partner, Budgetary Support Manager has the following Service-Specific responsibilities:

• Support the Functional Lead and Deputy Finance Business Partner in assisting the Directorate with budget setting and development of profiled expenditure within the context of the overall EA budget strategy.
• In conjunction with the Directorate budget holders, contribute to the development and review of expenditure profiles.
• Preparation of detailed and complex reports to support analysis of expenditure across the Directorate.
• Integration of service financial and performance data to develop management information to support the Functional Lead and Deputy Finance Business Partner in assessing the current financial position, associated risks and actions to mitigate.
• Support for the Functional Lead and Deputy Finance Business Partner in the submission of Directorate profiles and monthly returns to the Corporate Reporting Team.
• Manage the provision of ongoing financial and budgetary support to monitor delivery of organisational objectives.
• Work closely with the Directorate to investigate and challenge the financial position within the relevant Directorate.
• Financial advice and training to relevant EA Directorate and budget-holders.
• In conjunction with relevant Directorate, support the implementation of monthly accruals processes across the organisation and the roll out of other improvements in financial management.
• Play a key role in the identification, management, and reporting of strategic risks to the Directorate’s budget.
• Contribution to the annual statutory accounts and compliance with extant technical accounting requirements and implementation of any future changes as required by the Department of Education, Department of Finance or HM Treasury as appropriate.
• To provide accurate, timely and relevant advice and front-line support to relevant Directorate on all matters relating to Directorate reporting.
• To provide clear, strategic leadership to staff to ensure the Service has a highly skilled, flexible, and motivated workforce.
• To promote and develop a strong and consistent service delivery culture throughout the service.
• To ensure that Directorate Reporting services are delivered to a high quality, provide value for money, support the delivery of Departmental policy and are consistent and integrated in approach across all areas of the EA.
• To assist the Functional Lead and Deputy Finance Business Partner in the achievement of Service, Directorate and Corporate objectives and to contribute where required to the development of the Finance & ICT Directorate strategies, supporting policies and the implementation of processes, procedures, and new ways of working.
• Support the Functional Lead and Deputy Finance Business Partner and other Departmental leads to ensure a co-ordinated and integrated approach to planning that is aligned with all long term strategic plans for the Finance & ICT Directorate.
• To develop and maintain effective working relationships with budget holders from relevant Directorates in the strategic planning, management, and delivery of the EA’s corporate priorities.
• To assist and support high standards of governance including contributing to the establishment and implementation of effective accountability processes and systems to monitor, measure, control and report on the work of the service, to take account of changes in the internal and external environments, which may impact on and influence priorities and needs. This will include appropriate use of benchmarks and key performance indicators (KPI) to demonstrate the achievement of value for money.
• To represent the EA on internal and external working groups and committees and to represent the Functional Lead and Deputy Business Partner on such groups.
• Develop expertise as appropriate of specific statutory, contractual, commercial requirements or other financial management guidance on relevant Directorate services.
• To deputise and undertake additional duties for the Functional Lead or Deputy Business Partner as required.

Leadership

• To work within the Management Accounting Service to lead and support on service delivery and to support and give guidance across the service.
• To oversee the operational management of Service delivery.
• To give direction, training, and development within the Corporate Reporting & Business Partnering team on specific areas to gain a high level of compliance in processes and procedures.
• Assist the Deputy Functional Lead Management Accounting with design, implementation and periodic evaluation of structures within the Service to ensure that management structures and practices support a culture of effective team working, continuous improvement and innovation.
• Apply resources effectively and proportionately across the service.
• To support an annual auditing schedule across the Management Accounting Team.
• Regularly monitor service delivery against agreed key performance indicators ensuring achievement and improvement where required.
• Attend working groups and team meetings as required.

Policy and Procedure Development

• Contribute to the review, revision and development of existing and new policies and procedures as the need arises for the service.
• Contribute to human resources and the Authority’s corporate strategy and plans on matters relating to employee relations.

Other Responsibilities

• Ensure that the EA’s policy on Data Protection (in particular processing sensitive personal information) is properly complied with.
• Ensure that the EA’s Equal Opportunities Policy, relevant Codes of Employment and Practice and other relevant legislation are adhered to. In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.
• Participate as required in the selection and appointment of staff in accordance with the policy and procedures as laid down by the Authority.
• Provide responses to Parliamentary Questions, Assembly Questions, Minister’s cases, FOI requests and other correspondence within set deadlines.
• Undertake such other relevant duties as may be reasonably expected of the post-holder.
• Deal with whistleblowing complaints in accordance with the Whistleblowing procedure.
• The post holder may also be required to work outside normal office hours on occasions.

Building Relationships and Working with Others

• Build and maintain effective, professional, and respectful stakeholder relationships.
• Develop and maintain clear lines of communication and effective working partnerships with relevant internal and external stakeholders.

Training

• To provide specific training and development to staff and line managers when required e.g. introduction of new processes, new regulations or the revision of existing regulations.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of relevant initiatives and programmes such as workshops and training and development initiatives for Senior Managers and service wide.

This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.

To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS

1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.

2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.

3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.

4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.

5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.

6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria.

Section 1 - Essential Criteria

The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and whichmay also be further explored during the interview/selection stage.You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications/
Experience

Be a fully qualified accountant with current membership of one of the five CCAB bodies (ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA, ICAS or Chartered Accountants Ireland) (ICAI) or CIMA or equivalent

OR

Hold a Bachelor’s Degree (UK Qualification and Credit Framework Level 6) or an equivalent or higher qualification AND have a minimum of three years’ within last seven years relevant experience*

OR

Have a minimum of five years within the last ten years relevant experience*

*Relevant experience is defined as:

Experience gained within a Finance environment of successful contribution to at least two of the areas listed below in a complex organisation:

a. Finance policy, procedures and processes;

b. Financial planning and strategy;

c. Budget setting, monitoring and control;

d. Provision of advice and support to budget holders.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other

Demonstrate an active commitment to continuous personal and professional development.

The successful candidate will be required:

to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion;

OR

be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Section 2 - Essential Criteria

The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model.

Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Skills/
Abilities

In line with EA’s Game Changing People Modelwe will look for evidence of:

Analysis of data and trends to deliver sound and effective monthly financial reporting processes.

Ability to champion EA strategic priorities, support the delivery of change and drive service improvement.

An influential and persuasive communicator who recognises the value of working with stakeholders and can gain commitment across groups to achieve shared objectives. Able to establish credibility and presence in groups across a wide spectrum of people.

Excellent leadership and management skills to build a high performing team.

Achievement against challenging targets through the engagement of teams and solving problems through informed decision making.

Interview

Values Orientation
Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. You will find information about our Values here.

Interview

Section 3 - Desirable Criteria

Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor Desirable Criteria Method of Assessment Experience

Experience in delivering monthly financial reporting and analysis to budget holders including Senior Management.

Experience in the preparation of budgets, forecasts, variance analysis and strategic insights.

Demonstrable experience in staff management to meet challenging targets against strict deadlines.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Our Values

Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.

In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.

Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES

To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here.

To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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