Job title: Head of Finance 

Salary: £68,033 - £74,631

Hours: 37

Contract: Permanent

Location: Leeds City Centre

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

As a Head of Finance you will bring to the role:

• The provision of timely and accurate financial management information and advice to the Senior Management Team and other budget holders within the Directorate and to the Council’s Section 151 Officer and in accordance with Financial Procedures Rules and other guidance laid down centrally.
• To support the role of the Council’s Section 151 Officer by ensuring at all times that the integrity of the Council’s accounts and financial systems and procedures are maintained and controlled, and to adhere to the Council’s Code of Practice for Heads of Finance.
• To both hold a relevant CCAB qualification or equivalent and have extensive experience of working at a senior level within a finance setting.
• To be professionally and managerially responsible for the professional leadership and management of a team providing the strategic Financial Management function. In this role the postholder will have prime responsibility for strategic financial planning, budgeting, and accounting, the provision of financial performance information, ensure compliance with statutory financial requirements and the provision of financial advice to elected members, senior management and partners where appropriate.
• Ability to manage competing priorities whilst delivering on a broad range of projects, adapting to changing circumstances and priorities, and being sensitive to political issues.

About the role

We currently have a vacancy at Head of Finance level and this role requires the post holder to lead on the provision of the strategic finance function to the Council. Specifically this will mean taking the lead in both the determination of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy and in the  production of the Council’s capital programme and annual revenue budget. In addition you will  also be responsible for coordinating the production of  monthly (capital and revenue) budget monitoring reports.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and innovative qualified accountant, looking for their next career move to join a dynamic and forward thinking Finance Team based in Leeds which is a vibrant, exciting  contemporary city situated in the heart of the UK.

To be suitable for the role you need to be a Qualified Accountant with a proven track record of achievement at a management level in a similarly large and complex organisation.

This role will require you to have a good knowledge of both the local government accounting framework, relevant legislation relating to this role and experience of liaising with external audit in their audit of a Council’s financial accounts.

The Head of Finance roles are key members of the Council’s senior finance management team and will  assist the Chief Officer Financial Services in discharging their Section 151 statutory responsibilities through management of the strategic budgeting and statutory accounting functions in the Corporate team. They will work collaboratively with colleagues, partners, members and stakeholders to deliver the priorities  of the Best City Ambition in order to achieve the required outcomes and ensure that fiscal responsibility and risk is managed effectively.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements

• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Please complete the online application form.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Richard Ellis, Deputy Chief Officer – Financial Services (0113 3787814) or email richard.ellis@leeds.gov.uk

Interviews for this role will take place in the week 10^th February .

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2024. We are also an age-friendly employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Job Description 

Job Purpose - Assist the Chief Officer in planning, organising, managing and developing the provision of high quality effective and consistent Financial Management Services. Provide strategic leadership and management that add value and support the delivery of the Council’s strategic objectives as set out in the Best Council Plan.  The post is responsible to the Chief Officer – Financial Services (the Council’s Section 151 Officer) whilst at the same maintaining and developing strong links with a service Directorate.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Chief Officer in planning, organising, managing and developing the provision of high quality, effective and consistent services, providing strategic leadership and management that adds value and supports the delivery of the Council’s strategic objectives.

• Deliver programmes of strategic significance to the Council to deliver services in line with Council priorities.

• Responsible for the development and delivery of the service plan and continuous improvement initiatives through leading and contributing to cross Council projects, collaborative working with partners and supporting Directorate management teams.

• Responsible and accountable for developing and implementing appropriate, proportionate and effective solutions to complex service delivery problems.

• Professional and managerially responsible for the leadership and management of a team providing a Financial Management function.

• Prime responsibility for strategic financial planning, budgeting and accounting, the provision of financial performance information, ensure compliance with statutory financial requirements and the provision of financial advice to elected members, senior management and partners where appropriate.

• Provision of timely and accurate financial management information and advice to the Senior Management and other budget holders within the Directorate and to the Council’s Section 151 Officer and in accordance with Financial Procedures Rules and other guidance laid down centrally.

• Support the role of the Council’s Section 151 Officer by ensuring at all times that the integrity of the Council’s accounts and financial systems and procedures are maintained and controlled, and to adhere to the Council’s Code of Practice for Heads of Finance.

• Support both strategic planning by linking financial resources to performance and objectives whilst leading and supporting service reviews and service prioritisation.

• Positively influence plans and strategies involving large-scale complex change programmes and support the use of commercial approaches to the development of business cases and key service investment/dis-investment decisions.

• Contribute to and influence the strategic direction of the service area working with a range of internal and external partners and stakeholders and Business plans are in place for the service, and contingencies are identified so that plan objectives can be met.
• Develop and drive a culture which puts customers first and  where everyone can realise their potential and ‘feels they count.’

• Build strong and dynamic relationships and networks and build trust with individuals and partner agencies to deliver better outcomes for Leeds City Council.

• Manage, promote and deliver positive solutions to achieving diversity and inclusion in all aspects of

service delivery, community engagement and human resource areas, focussing on equality of outcome.

• In line with the Budget Management Accountability Framework to be responsible and accountable for all financial resources within the service area ensuring value for money and working within financial regulations

• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate to the grade.

Qualifications  - Hold a relevant CCAB qualification.

Working Context - Post holders will work flexibly both at home and at various locations across the City and region. All colleagues should work in line with our hybrid working principles and spend regular time in the workplace to support service delivery, meeting the needs of the team and the requirements of their individual role.  The hours are worked mainly Monday to Friday. However, the post holder will be expected to work outside normal working hours, including attendance at evening/weekend meetings or events if required to meet the needs of the service.

Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria. Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.

• Able to manage competing priorities whilst delivering on a broad range of projects and adapting to changing circumstances and priorities and being sensitive to political issues.

• Able to develop, manage and contribute to partnerships involving various stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes. Experience of working effectively with others to deliver cross sector or cross service projects, including partnership working.

• Able to contribute, as a member of the service Leadership Team.

• Demonstrate the ability to collate and analyse complex information to inform decisions and promote best practice within a strategic framework.

• Able to demonstrate examples of managing services, implementing change and achieving quality transformational outcomes.

• Demonstrate knowledge of applicable legislation, regulations, policies, inspections and performance information and relevant strategic functions e.g. health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection.

• Detailed knowledge and understanding of economic strategy and policy, understanding of local government political systems and experience of working on politically sensitive issues.

• Understand the need to balance corporate requirements with operational responsibilities and make timely well-judged decisions in order to achieve successful outcomes across a diverse range of, related and unrelated issues using a degree of evaluative judgment in relation to risks and issues.

• Substantial senior leadership and management experience relevant to the area of service delivery

• Extensive experience of working at a senior level within a finance setting.

• Experience of working with senior management to shape and influence the delivery of the council’s strategic priorities at a City, Directorate and Service level.

• Substantial experience in building credible and effective collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders including Directors, elected members, Trade Unions, colleagues and partner organisations.

• Evidence of significant experience and commitment in relation to the engagement of relevant citizens, customers and stakeholders in decision making processes.

• Significant experience of developing productive working relationships with Council Members, trade unions and Corporate Leadership Team which commands respect trust and confidence
• Experience of managing risk in relation to an area of work

• Experience in the development, presentation and implementation of strategy and policy.

Behavioural & other Characteristics required.

• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.

• Be aware of promote and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection.

• Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the behaviours, values and standards of Leeds City Council.

• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.

• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.

• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.

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