Senior FInance Officer

Responsible to : Principal Accountant

Purpose of the job:

Supports the Principal Accountant to provide a comprehensive accountancy and financial management and advice service to the E&C Directorate.
To provide high quality financial information.
To promote Corporate working.

To ensure the integrity of the information held on and produced by the Council’s financial management and information systems.
To produce appropriate information to Members and officers to facilitate sound financial management and effective monitoring.
To operate within relevant legislation and accounting codes of practice ensuring that Financial Regulations and Standing Orders are adhered to in relation to all tasks carried out.

To be responsible for the co-ordination, monitoring and completion of claims and returns to external agencies.
To assist in the Council’s key financial processes, including budget setting, monitoring and accounts closure.
To liaise with the external organisations in respect of relevant systems and financial matters.
To contribute towards the preparation of the Finance Team’s plans and strategies.
To be responsible for streamlining and improving the provision of budget management and the use of information technology.
To achieve agreed service outcomes and outputs and personal appraisal targets as agreed with your line manager.
To undertake relevant training and development, including meetings, supervision, appraisals, seminars and other events.
Ensure that all duties and responsibilities are discharged in accordance with the Council’s Health and Safety at Work Policy.
Ensure that duties are undertaken with due regard and compliance with the Data Protection Act and other legislation.
Comply with the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy and assist with its development and promotion. Take active steps to promote the policy of a workforce to reflect the community.
Promote a positive image of Tower Hamlets and be an advocate of the Council and its policies.
Promote Corporate working and undertake Corporate projects as required.
Carry out any other responsibilities or duties commensurate with the level of responsibility of the post as may be required.

Ability to bring creative solutions to problems and to communicate effectively.
Ability to contribute to multi-disciplinary projects.
Ability to work to deadlines.
Ability to work closely and establish positive relationships with officers in Service Departments, District Audit and outside agencies.
Ability to establish positive relationships with any other Council officers.
Ability to carry out figure work accurately and speedily.
Ability to assimilate new legislation and procedures.
Ability to understand complex accounting systems and interpret computer output.
Ability to promote the Council’s Equal Opportunities policies, specifically within the Accountancy Division, and generally throughout the Council.

To assist the Principal Officer in planning the work of a small section.
To demonstrate ability to work to pre-determined deadlines.
To communicate effectively on complex issues, both orally and in written form to all levels.
To train and motivate staff to a high level of personal and professional attainment.
To interpret legislation and provide advice on financial procedures and financial regulations.
Spreadsheet skills.

Experience of management and development of junior staff working within a Finance function.
Staff supervision.

Complete understanding of, and positive contribution to, the development and furtherance of the Council’s Equal Opportunities policy in the fields of service delivery and employment practices.