Finance Manager

Strategic Advisory

 Inform a strategic vision for the future development of the service that enables the
council to meet its future challenges, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous
improvement.
 Contribute towards the development and implementation of the council’s financial
strategy, fundamentally ensuring sustainability both in-year and over the medium term.
 Work closely with all stakeholders to ensure best use of limited financial resources,
providing the strategic financial advice, insight, intelligence and support needed.
 Continually review, update and report on financial risks and opportunities, advising how
the risks can be mitigated and the opportunities exploited.
 Proactively identify trends and changes in the operating environment (e.g., legislation,
technology, policy, etc.) that could financially impact service delivery; provide advice and
collaborate on potential solutions.

Financial Management

 Draw on knowledge of council services and the related financial complexities, to
ensure the provision of systems and procedures that enable effective budgetary control;
ensure that variations and emerging financial pressures are drawn to the attention of
budget managers, with options and plans for their resolution.
 Advise Assistant Directors and Strategic Finance Managers on funding, financial
management and accounting requirements.
 Promote a culture which empowers budget holders and supports the delivery of value
for money services and knowledge of key cost drivers.
 Prepare and present informative, high-quality reports to senior stakeholders that aid in
informed service and corporate decision making.
 Advise on investment and funding strategies including investment risk and
performance.
 Ensure members of the team, directors and budget holders receive the financial
management training required to be effective in their roles, including awareness of
Financial Regulations and financial approval requirements prior to taking decisions.

Financial Reporting
 Prepare and present complex and diverse informative, high-quality reports to members
and other senior stakeholders that inform service and corporate consequence action
decision making.
 Ensure statutory and other returns are submitted accurately and on a timely basis. Prior
to submission ensure senior management sign-off and produce an appropriate
supporting paper setting out the approach to development of the return.
 Monitor and control the monthly financial reporting process ensuring forecasts are
accurately included on the system or promptly escalating relevant issues backed up
with appropriate analysis.

Financial Planning and Budgeting

 Support the longer-term council-wide financial position and develop financial strategies
with stakeholders.
 Provide support for the medium-term financial planning process.
 Develop appropriate financial models and analytics to determine the financial impact of
future service demands, changes in legislation and other factors affecting resource
requirements.
 Instigate, develop and support the attainment of alternative sources of funding that
contribute towards identified funding gaps.