OPPORTUNITIES
ROLE: CHIEF ACCOUNTANT
RESPONSIBLE TO: HEAD OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
SALARY: UP TO £39,258
Dear Prospective Candidate
Thank you for taking time to consider the Chief Accountant post at Torridge District Council. Having only recently joined the Council myself, I can assure you that Torridge offers an exciting and rewarding opportunity.
The Council is undergoing rapid change and improvement which has been acknowledged by our customers as well as by the Audit Commission and over the next year Torridge will take part in a CPA reclassification exercise.
As Chief Accountant, you will be responsible for a hard working finance team. You will be instrumental in further improving our Use of Resources scores but will have the opportunity to get involved in other corporate projects.
As well as a competitive salary, Torridge offers many other benefits such as flexible working. A lease car and relocation package are also available.
Please feel free to call me on 01237 428969 for an informal discussion
Yours sincerely
Dan Bates
Head of Financial Services
Job Purpose:
To manage the Council’s Accountancy and Exchequer functions in order to provide a consistently good and improving service and to provide an effective financial and management accounting function.
Team/Service Purpose:
FINANICAL ACCOUNTING
-timely, accurately, cost effectively, professionally, compliant
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING
-timely, accurately, cost effectively, effectively, professionally, communicate
CONTROL & RECONCILE -timely, accurately, cost effectively
CREDITORS & PAYROLL
-accurately, timely, cost effectively, compliant, communicate
TREASURY MANAGEMENT
-timely, accurately, compliant, maximise
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Assist in the implementation of the Strategic Plan - Implement the Council's Strategic objectives under the direction and guidance of the Head of Financial Services. Manage the Financial Accountancy Team to achieve agreed targets and objectives.
2. Operational Management - Manage and lead the Financial Accountancy Team to provide efficient and effective support and customer service for the Council's key stakeholders and service users.
Specifically,
- Oversee the annual final accounts process
- To undertake monthly budget monitoring including reporting to committee
- To work with the Head of Financial Services on the Medium Term Financial Plan and the budget setting process
3. Performance Management - Monitor and report on progress against attainment of Accountancy and Exchequer Business Plan including key performance indicators for the Council. Identify and action any corrective measures which may be implemented. Ensure that such corrective measures are effective.
4. Business Planning - Assist in the development and implementation of a business plan for Financial Services. Identify recommend and action amendments and changes where necessary to enable the timely delivery of the overall business plan for the area of responsibility.
5. Resource Management - Accountable to the Head of Financial Services for the control of all resources, financial, physical and staff within the budgetary areas of control. Adherence at all times to the Council procedures which apply in the area of accountability.
6. Management of Direct Reports - Day to day management of direct reports. Conduct appraisals, objective setting, motivate and support the Financial Accountancy Team to deliver outstanding customer service on behalf of the Council. Ensure mentor support, guidance and performance monitoring are available at all times
7. Risk Management - Maintain and regularly review the service risk register in area of responsibility and enable recognised risks to be mitigated.
8. Health & Safety - Implement and uphold all Health & Safety measures as identified in the Council's policy and risk assessments
Education, Qualifications, Training:
CCAB qualified Accountant with 3 – 5 years post qualification experience
Experience:
- Experience of end of year financial accounts and statements process
- Experience of Local Government end of year financial accounts and statements process
- Experience of managing financial budgets and delivering efficiencies
- Experience of business /service planning and its link to financial and performance planning / monitoring
Knowledge:
Specific working knowledge of Local Government financial accounting regulations and legislation
Skills:
- Experience of people management
- Good leadership
- Excellent communication skills in all mediums
- Demonstrates integrity at all times
- Able to demonstrate experience of decision making
- Problem solving capability
- Understanding of role carried out by elected members and the ability to maintain political neutrality at all times
Other job related requirements:
Ability to carry out duties of the post with reasonable adjustments where necessary
Anti discrimination:
Commitment to implement anti discriminatory and equal opportunities policies
CLOSING DATE: 28TH JANUARY 2008
INTERVIEWS WILL BE HELD WEEK COMMENCING 11TH FEBRUARY 2008
