Head of Finance (Financial Control)

Havering Council is going through a really exciting period of change! We have a new Vision and Corporate Plan, the Havering you want to be part of, which sets out how the Council will deliver services to residents with clear targets, and an emphasis on transformation. To help support the delivery of this we are implementing a Target Operating Model and a Workforce Strategy.

The Target Operating Model will move services into three directorates – People, Place and Resources – so that there is a clearer focus and better working between departments. The workforce strategy will support this, ensuring staff are at the centre of everything. There is a focus on being a modern, progressive and inclusive organisation which develops staff, building the capability, skills and culture needed to become a successful and high performing council.

To ensure this is successful we need an agile, innovative, creative and business efficient finance team to help us embed these changes and face the financial pressures that every public sector organisation has. We are recruiting several finance roles to support this.

The Head of Finance (Financial Control) will play a key role in the departments management team, supporting the Council’s leadership at all levels and helping develop a strategic and workable response to the financial challenges the Council faces. The role will lead the Financial Control team, driving through a focus on modernisation and automation. Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading on the annual coordinating and closure of the accounts programme for the Council and Pension Fund’s Accounts
• Maintaining positive relationships with the external auditor and all other stakeholders
• Being a technical expert, leading on interpretation of the accounting standards and incorporating professional codes of practice
• Promoting improvements to the financial systems supporting the chart of accounts
• Building appropriate financial models and analytics to determine and communicate the financial impact

To be suitable for the role you need to be a fully qualified accountant with the ability to communicate complex financial information to a range of stakeholders. Proven experience of playing a lead role in the closure of accounts in a public sector setting or managing audits of complex public sector organisations is essential.

Havering offers a hybrid working arrangement, staff only need to be in the office on an as needed basis. At this level it is likely to be 2-3 times per month but may be more during the Closing Programme.

This role would be considered on a part time basis.

For a confidential discussion please contact Will Ryan at Ivy Rock Partners willryan@ivyrockpartners.com or 07909030965. To apply please send through a CV and supporting statement. The supporting statement should be no longer than 2 pages and should say why you are interested in the role and working at Havering, alongside specific examples of your relevant experience.

The closing date is Monday 13^th February