Devon Council - Head Accountant - Remedy Recruitment Group : Job Details

This 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. Budgetary restraint and government direction has increased the need for newer ways of working that optimises resources and delivers efficiencies. The role will lead on organisational change within Devon Finance Services and will play a key role in supporting other services through the change agenda. Financial constraints placed upon the authority from reduced investments and the confirmation of reduced government funding now requires substantial budgetary savings to be achieved. Demand for services continues to grow therefore the need for financial planning and acumen is great and one of the main purposes of this role is to provide financial planning and strategies that will achieve the right balance between Services, Council tax levels and reserves held. Lead in the provision of specialist professional financial advice to Heads of Service, Senior Managers, Chief Officers, elected Members and external partners in accordance with national and local policy, current legislation and best practice by regular contact with Heads of Service and Chief Officers through formal and informal meetings and information requests. At key parts of the financial year the role holder will have direct contact with Members through formal meetings. At other times of the year regular contact with members will be through informal meetings and information requests. This involves a high level of interpersonal skills on a constant, day to day basis to influence change and to ensure that the strategic aims of the Authority are implemented through annual budgets, development of Medium Term Financial Strategies and other initiatives such as savings programmes. The role will require the explanation of complex financial issues to senior non-financial managers in a clear transparent way. There is an increased emphasis on commissioning, contracting, working in partnership (including joint ventures), collaboration and acting as accountable body. The role holder will be required to manage the ongoing financial requirements of such arrangements. Together ensuring that robust financial processes are in place from the outset. Supporting the Deputy Director of Finance - Accounting Services, this role provides Heads of Service and Chief Officers with effective strategic financial support to consider the challenges of current and future service delivery models. 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. Strategic advice will be given surrounding a gross revenue budget in excess of £65m and up to approximately £750m, depending on the directorates supported. Where a post holder does not have direct line management responsibilities they will still be expected to exert influence and leadership across the finance team.The post holder does not have responsibility for budgets but will exert considerable influence upon their overall size and allocation within and across Services and also the overall achievement of the budget.Number of direct reports between 0 and 4.

The role requires 2-3 days on site.

Daily rate is negotiable.

If you are interested in this role please send your updated CV in the first instance.