Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About you
As a Head of Finance you will bring to the role:
* The provision of timely and accurate financial management information and advice to the Senior Management Team and other budget holders within the Directorate and to the Council’s Section 151 Officer and in accordance with Financial Procedures Rules and other guidance laid down centrally.
* Support the role of the Council’s Section 151 Officer by ensuring at all times that the integrity of the Council’s accounts and financial systems and procedures are maintained and controlled, and to adhere to the Council’s Code of Practice for Heads of Finance.
* Hold a relevant CCAB qualification or equivalent and have extensive experience of working at a senior level within a finance setting.
* Be professionally and managerially responsible for the professional leadership and management of a team providing the strategic Financial Management function.
* Ability to manage competing priorities whilst delivering on a broad range of projects, adapting to changing circumstances and priorities, and being sensitive to political issues.
About the role
We currently have a vacancy at Head of Finance level and this role requires the post holder to lead on the provision of the strategic finance function to the Council. Specifically this will mean taking the lead in both the determination of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy and in the production of the Council’s capital programme and annual revenue budget. In addition, you will also be responsible for coordinating the production of monthly (capital and revenue) budget monitoring reports.
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and innovative qualified accountant, looking for their next career move to join a dynamic and forward thinking Finance Team based in Leeds.
To be suitable for the role you need to be a Qualified Accountant with a proven track record of achievement at a management level in a similarly large and complex organisation.
This role will require you to have a good knowledge of both the local government accounting framework, relevant legislation relating to this role and experience of liaising with external audit in their audit of a Council’s financial accounts.
The Head of Finance roles are key members of the Council’s senior finance management team and will assist the Chief Officer Financial Services in discharging their Section 151 statutory responsibilities through management of the strategic budgeting and statutory accounting functions in the Corporate team.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
* A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
* Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
* A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
* A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.
How to apply
Please complete the online application form. Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Richard Ellis, Deputy Chief Officer – Financial Services (0113 3787814) or email richard.ellis@leeds.gov.uk.
Interviews for this role will take place in the week of 10th February.
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2024. We are also an age-friendly employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.
All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
Job Description
Job Purpose - Assist the Chief Officer in planning, organising, managing and developing the provision of high quality effective and consistent Financial Management Services. Provide strategic leadership and management that add value and support the delivery of the Council’s strategic objectives as set out in the Best Council Plan.
Responsibilities
* Assist the Chief Officer in planning, organising, managing and developing the provision of high quality, effective and consistent services.
* Deliver programmes of strategic significance to the Council to deliver services in line with Council priorities.
* Responsible for the development and delivery of the service plan and continuous improvement initiatives.
* Responsible and accountable for developing and implementing appropriate solutions to complex service delivery problems.
* Professional and managerially responsible for the leadership and management of a team providing a Financial Management function.
* Prime responsibility for strategic financial planning, budgeting and accounting, the provision of financial performance information, ensure compliance with statutory financial requirements and the provision of financial advice to elected members and senior management.
* Provision of timely and accurate financial management information and advice to the Senior Management and other budget holders within the Directorate.
* Support both strategic planning by linking financial resources to performance and objectives.
* Positively influence plans and strategies involving large-scale complex change programmes.
* Develop and drive a culture which puts customers first and where everyone can realise their potential.
* Manage, promote and deliver positive solutions to achieving diversity and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery.
* In line with the Budget Management Accountability Framework, be responsible and accountable for all financial resources within the service area.
* The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate to the grade.
Qualifications - Hold a relevant CCAB qualification.
Working Context - Post holders will work flexibly both at home and at various locations across the City and region. All colleagues should work in line with our hybrid working principles. The hours are worked mainly Monday to Friday, with expectations of working outside normal hours when required.
Essential requirements
* Able to manage competing priorities whilst delivering on a broad range of projects.
* Able to develop, manage and contribute to partnerships involving various stakeholders.
* Able to demonstrate the ability to collate and analyse complex information.
* Able to demonstrate examples of managing services, implementing change and achieving quality transformational outcomes.
* Demonstrate knowledge of applicable legislation, regulations, and policies.
* Detailed knowledge and understanding of economic strategy and policy.
* Understand the need to balance corporate requirements with operational responsibilities.
* Substantial senior leadership and management experience relevant to the area of service delivery.
* Extensive experience of working at a senior level within a finance setting.
* Experience of working with senior management to shape and influence the delivery of the council’s strategic priorities.
* Experience of managing risk in relation to an area of work.
* Experience in the development, presentation and implementation of strategy and policy.
Behavioural & other Characteristics required.
* Committed to continuous improvement in all areas.
* Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all.
* Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, and any form of abuse.
* Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
* Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
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