Lead Accountant

612 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

To support Finance function in its budgeting setting Ideally public sector experience.

Provide high level strategic financial advice in liaison with senior finance colleagues and service managers.

Provide advice and financial input into the Council s financial planning processes including input and guidance into business plans and service improvement reviews under the direction of senior finance colleagues utilising financial modelling options appraisal and risk analysis tools and techniques as appropriate.

Key Duties/Accountabilities

To be responsible for delivering a first class value for money financial service that meets the legal financial and Council aims and objectives to meet our customer requirements in accordance with Finance and Contract Procedure Rules.

To deputise in the absence of or in place of the Deputy Head of Finance/Head of Finance or other managers where necessary

To provide high quality financial information to senior management up to and including Executive Directors to allow decisionmaking.

To present financial information to a range of audiences including contentious information to Scrutiny panels and other public meetings.

To represent Walsall Council at regional meetings and on regional projects as appropriate

To effectively manage yourself and the staff for which you are responsible including ensuring at all times the following

Written procedures for all team roles are prepared and monitored

Deadlines are effectively managed prioritised and met

Adequate staff cover to ensure maintenance of an effective finance service both within the team and across the finance service where appropriate

Resources aims objectives and priorities are met

Performance is maintained managed and reported in line with EPA guidelines

Service improvement change management and process developments are implemented provide lead support to the Council s Transformation programme.

Essential Experience Required:

Experience of management accounting is essential.

Experience of budget setting techniques and processes is essential.

Experience of working with a variety of different stakeholders (preferably in a political environment) is essential.

Experience of providing accountancy services within a large is essential.

Essential Qualification Required:

Member of CIMA or CCAB body with significant post qualification experience and undertaking active CPD or evidence of continuous professional development is essential.

Additional information to note:

Working hours: 37 hours per week.

The role is Hybrid with 23 days in the office while training 1 2 days in the office once training is complete.

The closing date for this position is 15^th August 2024.