Finance Manager

Strategic Advisory  Inform a strategic vision for the future development of the service that enables the council to meet its future challenges, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.  Contribute towards the development and implementation of the council's financial strategy, fundamentally ensuring sustainability both in-year and over the medium term.  Work closely with all stakeholders to ensure best use of limited financial resources, providing the strategic financial advice, insight, intelligence and support needed.  Continually review, update and report on financial risks and opportunities, advising how the risks can be mitigated and the opportunities exploited.  Proactively identify trends and changes in the operating environment (e.g., legislation, technology, policy, etc.) that could financially impact service delivery; provide advice and collaborate on potential solutions. Financial Management  Draw on knowledge of council services and the related financial complexities, to ensure the provision of systems and procedures that enable effective budgetary control; ensure that variations and emerging financial pressures are drawn to the attention of budget managers, with options and plans for their resolution.  Advise Assistant Directors and Strategic Finance Managers on funding, financial management and accounting requirements.  Promote a culture which empowers budget holders and supports the delivery of value for money services and knowledge of key cost drivers.  Prepare and present informative, high-quality reports to senior stakeholders that aid in informed service and corporate decision making.  Advise on investment and funding strategies including investment risk and performance.  Ensure members of the team, directors and budget holders receive the financial management training required to be effective in their roles, including awareness of Financial Regulations and financial approval requirements prior to taking decisions. Financial Reporting  Prepare and present complex and diverse informative, high-quality reports to members and other senior stakeholders that inform service and corporate consequence action decision making.  Ensure statutory and other returns are submitted accurately and on a timely basis. Prior to submission ensure senior management sign-off and produce an appropriate supporting paper setting out the approach to development of the return.  Monitor and control the monthly financial reporting process ensuring forecasts are accurately included on the system or promptly escalating relevant issues backed up with appropriate analysis. Financial Planning and Budgeting  Support the longer-term council-wide financial position and develop financial strategies with stakeholders.  Provide support for the medium-term financial planning process.  Develop appropriate financial models and analytics to determine the financial impact of future service demands, changes in legislation and other factors affecting resource requirements.  Instigate, develop and support the attainment of alternative sources of funding that contribute towards identified funding gaps