Finance Manager / Finance Business Partner / Local Authority Accountant

Positive Employment; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 64,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organisation in Bedford is seeking an experienced finance professional to lead Technical Accounting functions, including the delivery of Financial Statements and management of team-focused financial support services. The ideal candidate must have local authority experience, hold a CCAB or CIMA qualification, and exhibit strong leadership skills. This permanent position offers a hybrid working arrangement and a competitive salary ranging from £64,866 to £72,562 annually, plus a market supplement.

Qualifications

• Must have post qualification experience in a similar role including leading a team.
• Experience of final accounts closure and budget planning.
• Good understanding of legislation related to Local Authority accounts.

Responsibilities

• Lead on Technical Accounting including Closure of Accounts and Treasury Management.
• Provide financial advice and guidance on capital planning and budget processes.
• Represent the finance department at Committees and external meetings.

Skills

Local authority experience

Financial analysis

Team leadership

Accounting principles

Communication of complex information

Education

CCAB or CIMA Qualified

Job description

Are you looking to join a progressive and dynamic local government organisation in Bedford? If so, this opportunity might be perfect for you! Deliver the organisation's Financial Statements in line with Statutory requirements and timescales. Manage the organisation's Technical Accounting functions including Capital Strategy/Planning, Treasury Management, Banking, Taxation, and the Accounts Payable team. Manage and motivate a team of finance staff in the delivery of financial support services. This is a permanent position and the working arrangement is currently hybrid - 3 days a week in the office.

PREVIOUS LOCAL AUTHORITY EXPERIENCE IS ESSENTIAL.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for leading on all aspects of Technical Accounting including: Closure of Accounts, Technical Finance advice, External Audit, Treasury Management, Capital planning and Capital budget process, Capital strategy.
• Reports and financial information and direct support to Portfolio Holders, Directors, Assistant Chief Executives and Chief Officers to enable them to effectively oversee the management of the organisation's finances.
• Lead on Capital Strategy development, capital planning and annual capital budget process and provide financial advice and guidance on financial developments.
• Provide support and a robust challenge throughout the financial year in relation to Capital budget monitoring complying at all times with agreed timetables. Support Budget Managers through direct contact and responding to ensure there is effective financial control across the organisation, robust decision making and to enable expenditure to remain within budget.
• Lead the closure of accounts, production of the Statement of Accounts External Audit and member training, complying with agreed timetables. Ensure all Grants, Statistical Returns and other Returns are made to the appropriate standard and within agreed timescales. Ensure at all times that working papers are at an appropriate standard as determined.
• Effectively represent the Assistant Chief Executive/Chief Officer for Finance at Committees, meetings, external working groups etc. This will entail working across a broad spectrum of projects and assignments, seeking expertise from within the finance function and incorporating other relevant information from different disciplines across the organisation and from third parties.
• Review and appraise on the financial implications of new legislation and regulations and fully respond, as required, to emerging proposals affecting the Authority.
• Lead financial aspects of the organisation’s major capital projects ensuring robust financial appraisals, including policy option reviews and cost/benefit analysis of service related proposals.

Personal Requirements

• Previous local authority experience is essential.
• Must be CCAB or CIMA Qualified with post qualification experience in a similar role with a similar level of responsibility including leading a team.
• CPD participation.
• Have a good level of understanding of accounting principles and standards and legislation relating to Local Authority accounts along with experience of final accounts closure, budget planning and capital financing.
• Have the ability to analyse, interpret and communicate complex financial information and legislation and an understanding of the economic environment and statistical techniques.

Working Hours

9:00am-5:00pm, MondaytoFriday

Salary

£64,866 - £72,562 per annum + £4,000 market rate supplement