Duties for this role will include;

Strategic Advisory

• Support development of a strategic vision for the service to enable the council to meet its future challenges, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Lead in the development and implementation of the Council's financial strategy, fundamentally ensuring sustainability over the medium term
• Work closely with all senior 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
• Contribute to the development, implementation and monitoring of the finance business plan
• 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
• Help shape the direction of the council to ensure delivery of its priorities and value to residents
  

Financial Management

• Draw on an in-depth knowledge of Council 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 the Chief Financial Officer in their S151 role (and act as their advocate) 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
• Drive and/or support the development of outcome based commissioning models to better ensure strong price competition and transfer of risks through contracts with third parties
• Effectively manage performance indicators and relationships within service contracts towards continued service improvement, value for money and social value
• Prepare and present informative, high quality reports to members and other senior stakeholders that aid in informed service and corporate decision making
• Advise on investment and funding strategies including investment risk and performance
• Ensure members of the team, directors and budget holders receive the financial management training required to be effective in their roles, including awareness of Financial Regulations and financial approval requirements prior to taking decisions

Financial Planning and Budgeting

• Establish longer-term council-wide financial position and develop financial strategies with senior stakeholders
• Provide in-depth support for the medium term financial planning process
• Develop appropriate financial models and analytics to determine 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

If you are interested in this role please send your updated CV in the first instance.