The Finance Team provide strategic financial and commercial services and advice across the organisation to enable the Council’s planning and operational activity to be delivered in sustainable and cost-effective ways. The team operate in accordance with statutory requirements such as the production of financial statements and agreeing annual budgets, financial closedown each year and preparing statutory accounts. The financial analyst’s role is to support senior finance staff in providing strategic financial and technical advice and support to the organisation. This may include the provision of business modelling; analysis of financial risk and financial management information in support of strong financial performance; completion of statutory accounts and budget processes; reconciliations; supporting regulatory reporting requirements; and supporting the Council’s treasury and cash management activities. The post supports the provision of insightful analysis; options appraisals; statutory accounting and corporate planning activity across the whole organisation. The role is to perform financial analysis and provide technical support and to communicate a clear position to relevant officers and Budget Holders. Key accountabilities • Providing support to the Finance Business Partnering and Corporate Planning functions across the whole of the organisation. • Building effective working relationships to ensure the Council’s financial plans are aligned across the team and best practice is shared. • Preparation of financial and performance reporting analysis to identify key insights and value chains in front line services. • Support for the planning, forecasting and sustainability of services, monitoring and incorporating changes in activity linked to demographic changes. • Supporting budget holders in closedown requirements and support the preparation of the council’s statutory accounts. • Supporting core finance functions including budget and medium-term financial planning, reconciliations, and regulatory reporting. • Performing research, benchmarking and analysis to compare performance and KPIs across the organisation, sector and wider economic environment. • Analysing risks and opportunities for the Council and provide briefings of the findings to members of the finance department and budget holders. • Monitoring the performance of budget holders in their duties through the use of analytical techniques and reasoning. • Analysing the impact of reports, policies and procedures relating to their area. • Takes personal accountability and holds others to account. • Takes responsibility for own development. • Asks for, reflects upon and acts on feedback. • Listens to and respects the opinions of others. • Works collaboratively with others to deliver the best outcomes. • Actively seeks opportunities for improvement in organisational processes and activity. • Builds understanding and commitment to transformational change. • Sets standards for customer service. For further information on this role, please contact Jo Knight, Assistant Finance Director, at Jo.Knightguildford.gov.uk About Guildford Guildford is a regional centre for leisure, business, education, shopping and culture set in beautiful countryside that includes the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Guildford is a thriving market town and is a principal shopping destination with a vibrant night time economy. The town’s geographical location provides excellent transport links in all directions, London is just 30 minutes away on the train and the town is well-served by frequent bus routes and subsidised Park and Ride facilities. All of this contributes to a quality of life that attracts many people to live, work in and visit Guildford. We are an equal opportunity and Disability Confident employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and post-holders to share this commitment. To fulfil this commitment we have robust systems in place for the safe recruitment of staff and volunteers.