- Join Newport City Council as their next Assistant Head of Finance
- This is a fantastic career opportunity for a senior finance leader
About Our Client
Newport is a vibrant and forward thinking city which is steeped in a rich industrial and cultural heritage. The Council plays a pivotal role delivering services to residents, businesses and visitors ensuring everyone can contribute towards making Newport a safe, sustainable and resilient place to work and live.
Over the last 5 years, Newport has continued to develop into a strong and resilient city seeing significant investments in advanced manufacturing, future technologies and entrepreneurial businesses.
The restoration of historical assets like the Market arcade and Indoor Market and in other key city centre sites like the Chartist tower and IAC building are breathing new life into the city centre, alongside plans for a new leisure and well-being centre and learning campus for Coleg Gwent.We are coming to the end of our current programme of investment in our school infrastructure which has seen £100m investment. The Council has recently submitted its plans for the next 7 years or so to the Welsh Government with a further £100m investment plan to continue with school infrastructure improvements as well as expansion of schools as the city continues to grow, the fastest in Wales.
Job Description
Attention all Public Sector finance leaders!
This is an amazing opportunity for a Qualified Finance leader to join the Council and be a pivotal player in the success of the organisation and its 7 year vision.
The Assistant Head of Finance is the number 2 finance lead in the Council and is responsible for the day to day running of the Councils Finance activities as well as taking a lead on major projects that will develop and enhance the city of Newport.
This role will have exposure to the Executive leadership team including the CEO and will be wide ranging in its nature.
The key responsibilities of the role will include:
- Co-ordinate & manage the preparation and production the Council's Medium Term Financial Plan, the Councils annual revenue budget and Council Tax. This will include reporting to the Executive, Scrutiny and Cabinet.
- Co-ordinate and manage the preparation and monitoring of the Council's capital strategy, budgets, funding and medium-term programme. This will include reporting to the Executive, Scrutiny and Cabinet.
- Take a lead in the review and implementation of Council wide changes in funding and other strategic financial matters, including reports to Executive, Scrutiny, Cabinet and Senior Managers.
- Ensure financial and project management controls are in place across the whole of the Council.
- Co-ordinate & manage final accounts process, ensuring timely delivery of the Council's final accounts.
- Act as the lead officer for borrowing and investments as well as co-ordinating and managing the preparation of the Council's Treasury Strategy.
- Manage the provision of a number of central and devolved teams of finance staff across the Council in the delivery and development of financial and associated management information services and systems.
- Deputise for the Head of Finance including: Proper administration of financial affairs and monitoring compliance with internal and external financial standards.
- Ensure Executive members are advised of the financial implications of all proposals before commitments are made.
- Manage c40 staff with direct line management of 3 staff;
(i) Service Manager Business Partnering/Financial Strategy & Management,
(ii) Chief Accountant,
(iii) Systems Manager
The Successful Applicant
A successful Assistant Head of Finance & Deputy 151 Officer should have:
- Professional finance/accountancy qualification (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or ACA).
- Strong understanding of financial management and control within the public sector.
- Ideally you will have worked in a Local Authority, Local or Central Government, the NHS or currently work in an Accountancy Practice in a Senior role focusing on Local Authority Audit.
- Proven leadership and team management skills.
- Ability to influence financial policy and strategic direction.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to advise and influence at senior levels.
- *We are aware that for some candidates that there will be some gaps in skills and experience to date. The Council are happy to plug "reasonable" gaps in skills and develop candidtes into this role.
What's on Offer
- A competitive salary paying up to £65000 (pay award pending).
- 37 hour a week on a hybrid model. 2 - 3 days a week in the office
- Inclusion in the local government pension scheme.
- Generous holiday leave from 26-33 days per year depending on length of service + Bank holidays
- Opportunity to influence financial policies and procedures within the public sector.
- A supportive and inclusive work environment.
- This is a really progressive role where you will be exposed to opportunities that will propel your career forward.
- Previous job holders of this role have gone onto much larger roles within Local Authorities or Public Sector bodies 2 years after taking on this role.
Closing date for Applications is Friday 9th August 2024 at 17.00.
Where specific UK qualifications are required we will take into account overseas equivalents. All third party applications will be forwarded to Michael Page.
Ref Code: MPREJN072024-6472281Z
Closing Date: 16/08/2024