Full job descriptionThe Principal Finance Officer will support the delivery of financial planning, budget setting, budget monitoring, forecasting, financial reporting and the annual statement of accounts process. The post holder will apply technical accounting knowledge, financial systems expertise and an understanding of local government finance to support effective decision-making and ensure compliance with corporate policies, statutory requirements and professional standards.
The post holder will contribute to the provision of a comprehensive financial management service and be committed to a scheme of job rotation as required.


Main Responsibilities / AccountabilitiesThe jobholder will be expected to complete the responsibilities and accountabilities effectively in order to deliver the key objectives of the organisation.
*Provide high quality financial advice, guidance and support to managers and budget holders to assist effective service delivery and financial decision-making.
*Support the preparation and delivery of annual revenue and capital budgets, medium-term financial plans and financial forecasts.
*Produce and analyse financial management information, identifying trends, risks and opportunities and making appropriate recommendations.
*Support the financial accounting and reporting processes, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, CIPFA guidance and corporate financial procedures.
*Contribute to the preparation and closure of the annual accounts and supporting working papers.
*Assist in the completion of statutory returns and submissions to government departments and other external bodies.
*Promote effective financial management and budgetary control across service areas.
*Support the maintenance and development of robust financial systems, processes and internal controls.
*Assist with the implementation of improvements to financial processes, policies and procedures to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
*Build effective working relationships with stakeholders across the organisation and external partners.
*Support financial governance and risk management arrangements to ensure sound stewardship of public resources.
*Contribute to project work, service reviews and corporate initiatives as required.


Job ActivitiesUndertake the general work of a Principal Finance Officer as directed from time to time, in particular:
*Support the provision of customer-focused accountancy and financial management services in accordance with the business partnering model.
*Assist with the preparation, management and monitoring of revenue and capital budgets.
*Prepare budget monitoring reports, forecasts and other management information, ensuring accuracy, quality and timeliness.
*Investigate financial issues, variances and reconciliation matters and implement corrective action where appropriate.
*Support the annual budget-setting process and medium-term financial planning activities.
*Assist in the preparation of the statement of accounts and associated working papers.
*Complete statutory, regulatory and other financial returns in accordance with required deadlines and standards.
*Liaise with service managers, budget holders and other stakeholders to support financial planning and decision-making.
*Work collaboratively with external and internal audit and respond to audit enquiries as required.
*Maintain accurate accounting records and ensure compliance with financial regulations, accounting standards and corporate procedures.
*Support the development, testing and implementation of financial systems, controls and process improvements.
*Analyse financial and performance information and present findings in reports, presentations and briefing papers.
*Contribute to projects, reviews and transformation initiatives across the Council.
*Research and interpret developments in local government finance, accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
*Compile and report financial and performance information as required.
*Undertake such other duties and responsibilities as may be allocated from time to time, commensurate with the grade of the post.
The post holder will be required to comply with the policies and procedures.
The post holder will be expected to work within established procedures whilst exercising initiative and professional judgement in resolving day-to-day issues and delivering service objectives.
The post may occasionally require work from other locations and attendance at meetings outside normal office hours.
This Job Description covers the principal duties and responsibilities of the post and will be subject to review and amendment, in consultation with the post holder, to meet the changing needs of the organisation.
Other activities commensurate with the nature and grade of the post may from time to time be undertaken by the post holder.
Indicative Qualification:
AAT Qualified or equivalent relevant work experience and training.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
The post holder will be expected to demonstrate strong financial and technical accounting knowledge, excellent analytical and communication skills, experience of financial management within a complex organisation, effective stakeholder management and a sound understanding of local government finance and associated regulatory requirements.