Head Accountant

Head Accountant (Hybrid) needed in Exeter, £32.77ph PAYE – Reference: 5281146 Subject to Basic DBS You will ideally have Local Government and Adult Social Care experience Hybrid working with 2 – 3 days in the office and would prefer flexibility Responsibilities 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. Strategic advice will be given surrounding a gross revenue budget in excess of £65m and up to approximately £750m, depending on the directorates supported. Number of direct reports between 0 and 4. This is a full time role on a temporary contract basis If you are interested in the role please apply on our website with your CV, alternatively you can email your CV to katie@essentialemploy.co.uk quoting the reference number. Essential Employment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. Essential Employment is an Equal Opportunities Employer. All our roles may be subject to pre-employment checks including references so please be prepared. Due to high volumes of CVs received we are not able to respond to all unsuccessful applications. You will always however hear from us by phone if we are able to take your CV forward to the next stage. You can also follow us at Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn or via our website www.essentialemploy.co.uk. #J-18808-Ljbffr