The Head of Financial Reporting and Accounting is a key member of HSE’s Finance team. You will report to the Assistant Director of Finance, leading a small Finance team to strengthen delivery of core financial controls, providing technical accounting advice and producing the statutory financial accounts.
You will work closely with the Head of Financial Management & Control to agree the priorities and deployment of the central finance team, including trainees. You will also have an important role in advising Finance Business Partners on the application of accounting policies.
You will provide leadership, advice and direction to the team to support the continuous improvement of the finance function in HSE as well as the learning and development of individuals.
Key Responsibilities:
You will be responsible for:
1. Leading a team which manages finance operations including accounts preparation, balance sheet reconciliations and asset management, providing review to assure the quality of the numbers.
2. Contributing to our ongoing initiative to improve financial controls, ensuring that processes are well designed and implemented and comply with recommended practices in Managing Public Money. This will involve working with the central finance team as well as Finance Business Partners.
3. Leading and overseeing production of the annual financial statements for inclusion within the Annual Report and Accounts.
4. Overseeing all stages of the external audit and leading on liaison with National Audit Office, including preparedness for each of the audits.
5. Maintaining HSE’s Accounting Policies, reviewing and implementing new accounting standards. This includes liaison with colleagues across the organisation both within and beyond Finance as well as colleagues in the Technical Accounting Centre of Excellence.
6. Reviewing, maintaining and refreshing accounting and related guidance.
7. Advising on HSE’s policy for the development of trainee accountants, acting as mentor and guiding our team in their learning and development requirements.
8. HSE VAT Liaison Officer with HMRC which includes management of VAT position, collaboration with Tax CoE and providing advice and guidance to colleagues.
9. Your time in the office will involve training, coaching and working closely with Central Finance colleagues during key points of the financial calendar. Therefore, there is the expectation that you will spend 40% of the week in our Bootle office.
Part time working hours are available for this role. We can accept part time applicants who can commit to working a minimum of 28 hours per week.
Person Specification
Essential Skills and Criteria:
1. Financial reporting experience in a fast-paced finance environment.
2. Excellent communication skills, with experience of getting messages about complex accounting treatments across to diverse audiences.
3. Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards and practical experience of their application, including experience in the implementation of new accounting standards to an organisation; and knowledge of the Government Financial Reporting Manual (FReM).
4. Demonstrable experience of managing and motivating a team to deliver their objectives and to continuously seek to improve processes, procedures and efficiency.
5. Highly competent use of IT packages, in particular advanced Excel skills.
Qualifications
You must hold a full chartered level professional qualification awarded by a UK-recognised accountancy body: CIMA, ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA, ICAS and Chartered Accountants Ireland.
Memberships
Membership of one of the following institutions: CIMA, ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA, ICAS and Chartered Accountants Ireland. Your membership must be up to date and active. Please note that membership of AAT or other technician level qualifications does not satisfy the qualification criteria.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
1. Leadership
2. Delivering at Pace
3. Working Together
4. Changing and Improving
Technical Skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
Proficiency in using Excel (or other financial reporting products) to analyse and model financial information quickly to present to colleagues.
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