Interim Head Accountant
Devon 5262501
Basic DBS disclosure required for this role
Hybrid working – 2-3 days in the office and would prefer flexibility
Please state expected hourly rate on your CV
Key Requirements:
1. Qualified Accountant, e.g. CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA or other equivalent qualifications/experience.
2. Operational leadership experience to provide clear direction to assist development of effective working relationships and performance of the organisation.
3. Experience in managing change, exploiting new opportunities and developing a positive performance management and improvement culture.
4. Good management skills including direct line appraisal meetings and managing a team through change.
5. Knowledge of the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting, Service Reporting Code of Practice and International Financial Reporting Standards (IGAAP).
The purpose of the role is to provide strategic advice and to ensure the provision of comprehensive financial services across a wide range of disparate services. This will include the analysis of complex financial information; financial monitoring, planning and budgeting; financial advice on operational and strategic plans and their impact; closure of the financial accounts; and the implementation, review and improvement of financial processes. The post holder will manage the detailed work of the annual budget preparation process, budget monitoring and year end closing down processes. The post holder will have responsibility for a service area within the Council.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Provide financial services to specific business areas, applying judgment and professional knowledge to resolve conflicting issues and budget demands.
2. Manage and direct staff, ensuring proper training and competence to meet financial standards.
3. Oversee cultural change to support transformation agenda and improve financial expertise within the team.
4. Ensure accurate and consistent financial information, accounts, and budgets, complying with financial legislation and standards.
5. Develop and expand financial services for existing and new customers, while maintaining service quality and driving the change agenda.
6. Offer financial advice, direction, and management support to officers and Members within the service area.
7. Responsible for accounting processes including budget preparation, medium-term financial strategy, budget monitoring, and year-end closing.
8. Ensure budgets align with targets set by Cabinet and communicated through Corporate Finance to Chief Officers and Heads of Service.
9. Represent Finance in Scrutiny and other committee meetings.
10. Improve efficiency in automated budget preparation, monitoring, and accounts close-down procedures.
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