Lead Accountant - Grade H

Primary purpose of role To contribute towards the achievement of the Council’s and client’s objectives and play an influential role in the development of systems and working practices. Provide effective support, training and advice to departmental clients and also senior colleagues regarding the timely provision of accurate information, financial or otherwise, to aid the decision-making processes and the production of management and statutory accounts and financial / statistical returns. Assist the Council to manage business risk and provide advice regarding effective use of Council resources. Ensure relevant work streams are correctly prioritised and resourced across each team. Key accountabilities and key measures Work within clearly defined policies, practices and procedures, with clear rules and set precedents. (20%) Deliver training and presentations and may draft policies, for formal approval by management. (15%) Provide a support service of an advisory and diagnostic nature. They will refer to line management for guidance where necessary. (55%) Analyse and interpret all finance metrics (10%) Key activities Provide financial advice to clients, senior finance colleagues, departmental management teams and elected members. This should be timely, accurate and consistent information and advice, financial or otherwise. (20%) Promote and maintain the effective use of financial and other resources of the Division / Department / Council. (10%) Support service planning especially with regard to financial systems development and working practices, including training and advice for users. (15%) Ensure there is effective financial stewardship within PCC and within the various partnership arrangements. Undertake a proactive role in developing and maintaining the financial management framework of these arrangements. (10%) Act as a driver for change and support strategic service planning especially with regard to new initiatives and maximisation of external funding. Provide effective financial advice to support the decision making process by undertaking financial analysis and modelling of proposals. (10%) Deliver minimum statutory finance services, consolidate and ensure continuous improvement, regarding the financial management, financial standing, financial reporting and internal control of the Council and, where applicable, its partners. (10%) Make a positive contribution towards delivering departmental and corporate plans, strategies and objectives resulting in improvements to services provided. (10%) Supervise, develop and train finance staff, budget holders and customers to deliver efficient, effective and timely management reports. (10%) Ensure the relevant work streams are correctly prioritised and resourced (5%) Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade of the post Essential qualifications/ knowledge Part CCAB qualified, or equivalent; or fully qualified AAT or equivalent with demonstrable experience of working within Local Government Finance. A commitment to achieving full CCAB qualification within 5 years. Knowledge and understanding of Local Government finance. Knowledge of planning and organising individual and team workload and performance management. Commitment to personal and professional development Essential Experience Experience in providing a customer focused Finance Service Experience of supervising staff. Reasonable recent experience of providing financial advice to senior Management. Experience of using financial systems and PC applications, including spread sheets. Desirable Experience Demonstrable recent experience of Local Authority finance Experience of staff recruitment and selection Experience of finance monitoring and reporting Experience across all local government finance Essential Skills Organising and planning skills to prioritise and plan work, set / achieve targets and deadlines, contribute to longer term development, i.e. corporate policies, budget preparation, Medium Term Financial Forecast, etc.