Finance Manager

Finance Manager Key Responsibilities 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 client 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. 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. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Criteria * Full member of CCAB (preferably CIPFA), CIMA, CFA, or ACT with significant post qualification experience * Evidence of significant relevant continuing professional development Experience * Strategic management experience, including translating organisational drivers into strategic objectives, longer term plans, new ways of working and specific outcomes, for a service in a large public sector organisation (preferably) * Experience in persuading stakeholders to work together, encouraging an organisational focus on the needs of the community * Experience preparing business cases for investment decisions including the ability to apply options appraisals and evaluation techniques * Experience of working effectively in an area with competing demands and tight timescales * Evidence of successful resources management in a multi-disciplinary environment, business planning, quality and performance management including formulating budgets and financial models, resolution of conflicting priorities, applying rigorous planning challenge and appropriate control procedures Skills * Strong interpersonal and communication and presentation skills, with proven ability to communicate complex and diverse information effectively to a wide range of audiences both horizontally and vertically, financial and non-financial * Sound managerial skills with a track record of developing individuals and working in high performing teams * Ability to work effectively in a political environment and establish positive relationships with councillors, senior managers, staff, external partners and interest groups in a way that establishes confidence, credibility and trust *Local Authority experience advantageous, Finance Manager within Housing experience also welcomed. Salary Range £62,457 - £70,401 Location: 222 Upper Street, N11XR