Principle Finance Officer

JOB TITLE: Principal Finance Officer

LOCATION: Lewes, East Sussex (1 day a week in office, possibility of flexibility)

PAY RATE: £25 - £30 per hour

DURATION/HOURS: 6 months (possible extension)/ Mon-Fri 37 hours (5 days)

START DATE: ASAP

Role purpose:

To co-ordinate, support and develop the provision of high quality professional financial information, advice, accountancy and budgetary services to Council Departments and external agencies.

Key tasks:

• Prepare annual revenue and capital estimates, in partnership with departmental budget managers, in compliance with corporate procedures, timescales and financial regulations.
• As a critical friend, engage with and advise budget managers in managing, monitoring and reporting on financial performance, including financial forecasts, unit costing data and savings/efficiency analysis.
• Ensure the prompt closing of accounts, in accordance with statutory requirements, accounting standards and good practice. Prepare appropriate information to support the annual Statement of Account and audit.
• Establish, develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal and external customers, stakeholders and partners.
• Ensure the effective development and provision of high-quality financial information, advice and training to budget managers.
• Initiate and promote the effectiveness of services, systems and processes, recommending improvements to performance and best value for stakeholders and customers.
• Establish and quantify financial risks and pressures in current and future years and support the production and achievement of departmental Medium Term Financial Plans.
• Undertake financial appraisals and reviews relating to new legislative and service initiatives, provide input and challenge to business case development, using financial modelling techniques where appropriate, and assess their impact on relevant services.
• Represent Service Finance at internal and external meetings, working groups and project teams as required and brief senior staff on decisions taken or matters requiring resolution.
• Deputise for senior staff as and when required at departmental, corporate and inter-agency meetings.
• Contribute to the development of appropriate policies and procedures, ensuring that financial practice is developed and promoted in line with strategic developments, in order to maintain quality standards and best value.

Knowledge, skills & experience:

• Ability to analyse, understand, interpret and explain financial and non-financial information.
• Prepare budget monitoring, financial planning and supporting forecasting outturn.
• Business partnering skills including proven communication and relationship building skills, customer service and negotiation skills.
• Accounting Technician (level 4) or equivalent level part qualified CCAB.
• Excellent customer service: professional, credible and trusted advisor.
• Competent user of common ICT applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook or equivalents.
• Ability to analyse, understand and challenge financial and non-financial information.
• Able to identify, develop and deliver ideas for improving financial support to stakeholders.
• Sound working knowledge of computerised financial systems.
• Significant experience of working in a financial environment in a service sector, including budget monitoring, financial planning and forecasting.

Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

By applying for this role your details will be submitted to Adecco. Our Candidate Privacy Information Statement explains how we will use your information - please copy and paste the following link in to your browser https://candidate-privacy