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Head of Strategy, Treasury and Pensions - Bexley20, Sidcup
Client:
CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD
Location:
Sidcup, United Kingdom
Job Category:
Finance
EU work permit required:
Yes
Job Reference:
5236b8a2aa9f
Job Views:
4
Posted:
16.02.2025
Expiry Date:
02.04.2025
Job Description:
Job Summary:
* The post-holder’s primary activity is to lead and manage the development of the Council’s financial strategy, capital strategy, medium term financial plan and the budget setting process (revenue and capital), lead and manage the outsourced Treasury operation, lead and manage the outsourced accounting for the Pension Fund.
* The post is focused on delivering the specialist professional business services required. It is desirable that the post holder have a body of theoretical and practical knowledge commensurate with full qualification of a professional accounting body.
* Support the council’s leadership at all levels and develop a strategic and workable response to the financial challenges the council faces. The post holder will have a body of theoretical and practical knowledge commensurate with a fully qualified accountant.
* To lead on the development of Treasury and Pension strategies.
* To manage the outsourced contract of work and the effectiveness of the pension scheme function and to review policies and service provision for the pension scheme.
* To create effective relationships with committees, actuaries, advisers and managers and to deliver the best investment options in line with risk appetites for the Council.
Key Duties/Accountabilities:
* To lead the Council’s financial planning function to deliver a comprehensive, high quality, cost effective and timely service.
* To prepare reports for officers and Members on all financial planning and budgeting issues up to and including the annual report setting the Council Tax. To ensure that all relevant issues are reflected in financial plans and budgets.
* To ensure capital and revenue planning are fully integrated.
* To be the lead interface with external bodies such as London Councils.
* To oversee the management of the pension committee and local pension board agendas to ensure committee/board members receive sufficient information on all aspects of the pension schemes activities to enable them to discharge all their responsibilities effectively.
* To oversee the delivery of the pension schemes investment strategies, funding strategies and regulatory compliance.
* To work effectively with committees, boards, advisors, actuaries, external bodies and colleagues.
* To explore opportunities to blend strategies involving treasury and pension scheme investments.
* To ensure that all pension schemes investment/financial activity is accounted/budgeted for and reported correctly/timely and that necessary policy, procedures, legislative and other requirements are adhered to.
* To report on the pension schemes performance.
* To ensure the pension scheme investments comply with the statutory requirements e.g. LGPS (Management and Investment of Funds) Regulations 2016 and subsequent updates.
* To make a major contribution to the risk management of the pension schemes.
* To oversee the management of relationships with the scheme’s investment managers and custodians.
* To lead the process for the triennial actuarial valuations and annual IAS19/FRS17 reports with the pension fund actuaries.
* To lead on the selection processes for fund managers, advisors and other externalised services.
* To liaise with treasury advisors, brokers and financial institutions to make informed cash management decisions.
* Lead on contract management with the Councils bankers, Treasury advisors and other financial institutions required to deliver the Treasury strategies.
Skills/Experience:
* Knowledge of Local Government finance framework, including S151, other statutory requirements and code of practice and the key influences on the strategic finances of the authority.
* Senior management experience.
* Knowledge of the major issues facing local government, understanding of the national policy context, requirements and future direction for local authorities.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication and presentation skills, with proven ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of audiences both horizontally and vertically, financial and non-financial, throughout the organisation.
* Evidence of successful resources management in a multi-disciplinary environment, as well as a successful track record in managing large budgets, business planning, quality and performance management including formulating budgets and financial models, resolution of conflicting priorities, applying rigorous planning challenge and appropriate control procedures.
* Sound knowledge of accounting principles and standards.
* Knowledge of Pension Fund accounting.
* Experience of managing and developing Pensions Fund strategies within a local government setting.
* Experience of borrowing and placing investments.
* Extensive functional and technical expertise in the areas of corporate finance, budget setting and financial planning in local government.
* Experience of attending Member Committees and/or other corporate/board meetings.
* Delivery of significant change programmes.
* Knowledge of financial and money markets and investment management experience in the public, private or voluntary sector.
* Experience of financial appraisals, modelling techniques, development of business cases.
* Management of projects involving innovation and the management of change.
* Proactive involvement in major transformation projects.
* Ability to analyse, interpret, understand and disseminate complex and detailed technical information in a professional and easy to understand way to members, non-financial managers, senior offices and external organisations.
* Ability to work effectively in a political environment and establish positive relationships with councillors, senior managers, staff, external partners and interest groups in a way that establishes confidence, credibility and trust.
* Managerial experience with a track record of high performing teams. Lead and effectively motivate staff by providing coaching, mentoring, training professional development opportunities and appropriate performance management.
* Strong influencing and negotiation tools and techniques to achieve positive outcomes for the Council.
* Ability to fully utilise standard Microsoft Office products.
Additional Information:
* Full member of CCAB or equivalent accountancy body.
* Post qualification experience.
* Participation in formal Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
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