Principal Finance Officer

Principal Finance Officer - Headquarters Salary: Starting salary *GBP*45,091 per annumBasis: Full timePackage: 37 Hours Per Week, Hybrid Working, Flexitime Scheme, Local Government Pension Scheme, Holiday allowance of 25 days (plus public holidays) on joining.Contractual Hours: 37Region: CentralJob Category: Finance Job Description: INTERNAL ONLY This is an exciting opportunity for a highly experienced finance professional to provide high quality financial management, budgeting control, and support to Service Managers, ensuring that financial processes comply with legislation, professional standards, and the Authority’s policies. You will also provide professional support to the Finance Manager and deputise for them on finance matters during periods of absence. Key responsibilities include: Supporting Budget Managers in the budget setting and forecasting/monitoring of revenue (emphasis on salaries) and capital expenditure and supporting budget managers in matters of financial management Supporting the preparation of the Annual Statement of Accounts, including reconciliations and preparation of working papers Assisting in liaising and responding to internal and external Auditors’ requests and queries Responsible for the production of a number of Government returns and VAT return. Review and approval of monthly reports and reconciliations Preparation and processing of the BACS and cheque run for payments. Lead and mentor the Finance Assistants. Follow and ensure compliance with financial regulations and standards and provide relevant training to personnel throughout the service About you You will have: Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (MAAT) or equivalent. Maths and English (GCSE Grade 4 or above or equivalent). Significant experience of working within a similar financial environment and use of financial systems, with some post qualification. Significant experience in supporting managers with the budget setting, monitoring and forecasting across multiple service areas. In-depth experience of liaising with internal and external stakeholders including Auditors, Suppliers and HMRC on financial matters including VAT, statutory returns and closure of the accounts. Strong organisational skills with the ability to work effectively to deadlines, manage multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritise workloads in a logical manner. Ability to work as part of a team and collaborate effectively across the organisation as well as with external partners. Ability to effectively communicate financial information to both financial and non-financial audiences, providing advice, guidance, training and constructive assertive challenge, to support sound financial decision making Ability to analyse financial data and provide insightful guidance on areas such as budgeting, reporting reconciliations. For full details on job description and essential criteria required for the role, please see the attached job description and person specification. Why work with us We recognise that you are looking for more than just a career. To promote a positive work/life balance, we provide the following benefits: Flexi-time scheme including flexible start and finish times, variable lunch breaks, and flexi-leave days Local Government Pension Scheme Holiday allowance of 25 days* (plus public holidays) on joining; increasing to 30 days* after 5 years' service and 32 days after 10 years' service (*pro rata if part-time or irregular working pattern) Paid training and development opportunities Free access to onsite gym facilities Free onsite parking Instant access to the ‘Lifestyle Savings’ platform, which includes a range of discount cards from well-known and independent retailers Eligible to sign up for the ‘Blue Light Card’ with access to thousands of amazing discounts online and on the high street. How to apply If this role is of interest, please include your full career history and reference your skills and experience in line with the job description and person specification within your application and supporting statement. For full details, please log in to ESS and follow the internal vacancies link. This post will be exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2023. Therefore, applicants are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are ‘spent’ under the provision of the Act. The appointment will be made subject to satisfactory pre-employment clearances, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance at the level required for the role. Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safer recruitment, and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People and all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is an equal opportunities employer that welcomes applications from all sections of the community. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. As part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, we encourage applications from those who have served, are serving, or are part of a military family. Your skills and experience are valued here.