Job description

Main Purpose of Post

• As a key member of the Finance Management Team provide clear leadership and direction on the development and implementation of all aspects of Council's finance department.
• Undertake a range of financial accountancy duties, treasury management, VAT compliance, Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) compliance and ensure good governance of Council's finances relating to these services areas.
• Support the Financial Accountant in the accounts payable function ensuring the timely processing of invoices, costing of invoices and payment of suppliers.
• Support the Financial Accountant in the accounts receivable function ensuring accurate and timely recording of all income, production of invoices to customers, recovery of debt and monthly bank reconciliations.
• Support the Financial Accountant to provide a specialist finance advisory and support service to management, staff and members within Council working collaboratively with senior managers and heads of service in order to deliver corporate priorities and service improvement.
• Create a strong sense of purpose, ambition, and a customer-orientated culture.
• To contribute to the Business Plan within Finance.
• Contribute to the strategic direction within the Finance Department supporting the development and implementation of strategies, policies, projects and initiatives that deliver the Council's key aims and objectives.
• The post holder will also deputise for the Financial Accountant during times of their absence and will assume full responsibility for all elements of the Financial Accounting Operations during such periods.
• Ensure that the department complies with all statutory and legislative requirements by adhering to these requirements and working in accordance with good governance and health and safety requirements.
• Ensure that all responsibilities are carried out in a timely and effective manner and that general confidentiality is maintained in all areas relating to the work of the Council.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To support the preparation of the annual accounts in accordance with relevant Codes of Practice and professional and technical guidelines.
• To review and reconcile the monthly financial accounts, associated variances, consulting and liaising with Directors and/or Heads of Service. Producing financial projections as and when required.
• To produce the annual budgeted cash flow and monthly monitoring of cash flows, to ensure adequate funding is in place to meet anticipated liabilities.
• To liaise with the Local Government Auditor on matters pertaining the Year End Accounts and prepare and co-ordinate the necessary information as required. Follow up and ensure LGA recommendations are implemented.
• To prepare and complete National Fraud Initiative including data cleansing, gathering and analysing information and uploading information in the required format, investigating matches, following up matches, liaising with NFI team.
• To support the Financial Accountant prepare and complete Whole of Government Accounts (WGA) workbook, submit and liaise with DOE, complete and submit other WGA returns throughout the year regarding transaction and balance confirmations.
• To assist with the preparation of annual Capital and Revenue Estimates, and the Fixed Asset Register.
• Advise and assist in the implementation of Economic Appraisals in accordance with advice from the Local Government Auditor as required.
• To undertake Value for Money exercises and specialist projects with a financial context and to prepare and present reports to senior management and Council as required.
• To monitor and review capital accounting ensuring necessary funding is in place and report on Capital Expenditure on a monthly basis, including variance analysis and projections.
• To contribute to the overall business plan of the finance department and participate in the on-going development of finance, including the formulation and review of methodologies, the development of policies and practices and quality control procedures.
• To keep under review existing financial policies and procedures and develop new policies and procedures as required.
• To develop effective working relationships with senior and operational managers at all levels throughout the Council and to provide assistance on ad-hoc issues.
• To examine systems of internal financial control throughout the Council and making recommendations for improving effectiveness.
• To liaise with internal audit ensuring agreement and implementation of any recommendations.
• To carry out investigations, as directed, into potential fraud or other financial mis-management cases in liaison with the Financial Accountant.
• To liaise with external bodies and central government as required on all finance related matters concerning service level agreements with these agencies.
• To represent the Finance Department as and when required, within the post holder's sphere of responsibility.
• To assist with Risk Management/Register and Risk Assessment in accordance with good corporate governance and internal control.
• To participate on recruitment and selection panels including shortlisting and interviewing as and when required.
• To participate in tender assessment panels as and when required.
• The post holder will be responsible to the Financial Accountant for all records held, created or used as part of their business, including corporate and administrative records whether paper-based or electronic and also including emails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Information Regulations 2004 and the Data Protection Act 1998.
• To respond to additional requests such as Minister's Questions, Treasury returns and DOE pro-forma as and when required.
• Manage, set and monitor performance targets and standards as required.
• Support the Council and elected Members to fulfill their democratic role and support democratic procedures supporting strong and transparent governance.
• Lead on effective internal communications within the finance function and across other service areas.
• Develop strong working relationships with external stakeholders, including government and other agencies, to ensure that the Council understands other parties' perspectives and priorities.

Essential Criteria

• Have a degree in Business and Finance, Accountancy or equivalent qualification
• Be a current fully qualified member of one of the CCAB bodies or the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland
• Have 3 years' experience in the following areas:-

• Management and Delivery of a finance service in a multi-departmental organisation
• Management and motivation of staff ensuring they are adequately trained and that they work is timely and accurate (i.e. direct reports)
• Reporting directly to senior management on financial matters including providing advice and guidance and preparing management information
• Preparation and monitoring of budgets
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft office, especially excel.

MNASL

Interested in this role please forward your cv to siobhan.holmes@staffline.co.uk or call 028 25642699 for more information.