Director of Finance, Revenues and Benefits (DEPUTY S151 OFFICER)

Uttlesford district COUNCIL

AN EXciting PERMANENT OPPORTUNITY

up to £80,745 (pay award pendinG) PLUS BENEFITS

At Uttlesford we pride ourselves on being a small rural council responsible for a large geographical area, independent run and that happens to have an international airport, the fourth largest in the country, within its boundary.  Consequently, exceptional financial leadership is critical to our success. As our Director of Finance, Revenues and Benefits and Deputy Section 151 Officer you will lead and deliver all aspects of operational and technical finance, which will include budget setting, year end and outturn work as well as managing the team. You will ensure that we provide customer focused accounting services that safeguard our resources, underpin Council decision making and enable our ongoing transformation. In addition you will be responsible for our Revenues and Benefits service.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced Deputy to develop the skills and knowledge to prepare yourself for your next career move where you will step up to a S151 Officer role. You must be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of all aspects of local authority accounting as you will be the technical and operational lead on all areas of finance. As part of this responsibility, you will have a seat at, and be a key contributor to, the Corporate Management Team.

The current S151 role sits with a Strategic Director who oversees the work of the Director but has many other roles so there is no hands on management of the services you will be responsible for.

You will be the champion for the excellent management of financial resources, providing Members and officers with high quality advice and promoting a culture which empowers budget holders and supports the delivery of value for money services.

Delivery of the annual budget (both revenue and capital), MTFS and all associated reports will be your responsibility, as will management of an effective and efficient year end accounts process, management of treasury, cash, capital and VAT.

Bringing all this together, you will provide leadership and management of the accountancy teams, developing staff to their full potential, challenging and improving performance and building a service that has both the ability to deliver today and the potential to meet the challenges of the ever changing local government landscape. We as your employer will help you develop your career and enable you to be best placed to step up to your next role as a S151 Officer. We will do that by empowering you to lead on all aspects of local authority finance and be a key member on our Corporate Management Team.

ABOUT YOU

A professionally qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA or equivalent) with a track record of leading and developing large, multi-service finance teams and with a strong understanding of financial accounting, you will be able to evidence a significant role in the preparation of the annual budget, final accounts, the delivery of corporate budget processes and in the provision of sound advice to Member/Board level.

WHAT WE WILL OFFER

Uttlesford District Council offer an excellent salary and a great working environment, be that permanently in the office or our very accommodating hybrid working option, with very flexible working options available.   A full benefits package including generous holiday and pension are also on offer.

For more information, please visit our dedicated recruitment site Welcome | Uttlesford District Council | Hays UK

Closing date: 14th July

Interviews w/c: 22nd July