Job description - Group Finance Director (Chief Finance S151 Officer)

Role information

Job Title: Group Finance Director (Chief Finance S151 Officer)
Position Type: Permanent
Hours: 37
Grade and Salary: Service Director 1 - £117,000 (pro rata for part time)
Location: Hybrid - Oxford Town Hall and Work from home
Service Area: Financial Services / Corporate Services
Responsible to: Chief Executive
Responsible for: Headcount of circa 120 employees
Assets: Significant financial data
Budget: Circa £61m – subject to variation
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974: Not Exempt
Candidate Screening: Not required
Driving Licence: Not required
Political Restriction: This post is politically sensitive

Role purpose

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team to share collective responsibility for corporate leadership, working collaboratively with Members, services across the council, partners and stakeholders to deliver the councils objectives and priorities.

To be the Council's Statutory Chief Officer under Section 2 of the Local Government & Housing Act 1989 and the Responsible Financial Officer for the purposes of Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972 and sections 26 and 114 of the Local Government Act.

Provide strategic financial advice and guidance to the Council, its Members and senior officers to support the development and implementation of strategies and policies to deliver the Council's Vision and objectives and ensure that the resources of the Council are managed efficiently and effectively.

Have overall responsibility for the Council’s Group financial reporting, financial planning, budgeting and the associated financial control environment, working with the Council’s wholly owned companies and other entities. Be lead advisor to the shareholder in respect of such entities in all matters of a financial nature.

Be accountable for and lead, develop and implement the council’s work to drive high performance of council services and functions relating to Financial Services, Revenues and Benefits, Investigation Services and Procurement, Risk, Strategic Commissioning and Clienting, Corporate PMO.

To provide financial management and accounting services to the Council underpinned by effective financial controls and systems and a robust financial control framework, which reflects best practice.

Role responsibilities and main duties

To be a member of the Senior Leadership Team, working with elected Members to provide a clear Council vision, develop and deliver the council’s MTFP and Corporate Strategy and align strategies, resources and services to achieve these
To be accountable for the performance of Council services within the Finance Directorate to deliver agreed priorities and outcomes within budget by working across the council, partners and community
To be the Council’s strategic advisor on Financial Services, to advise and work with Members to develop and implement strategies and policies for the Directorate which contribute to and deliver the Corporate Strategy
To provide direction, guidance, coaching and support to Business Leads and operational managers in your service areas
To develop and implement ways of operating which deliver high performing, value for money, sustainable and cost effective services
To be accountable for effective service planning, programme, project, risk and budget management in your area of responsibility to ensure agreed outcomes and targets are achieved
To be accountable for those budgets related to the Service, ensuring compliance with the Council’s Constitution and Standing Orders and that the Council receives value for money from its expenditure
To contribute to corporate programme boards which develop strategy and policy, implement programmes and projects and monitor performance
To develop a collaborative organisational culture to develop high performing teams who are empowered to take ownership, learn, influence and deliver corporate objectives and exploit opportunities for joined up working
Ensure that citizen focus is embedded in service delivery across the Council, making use of customer insight data and a customer experience approach
To be a champion for equalities and diversity principles, ensuring that they are integrated into all aspects of service delivery so that the needs of the whole community are met
To be an ambassador for the city council with an outward focus to represent the council, make connections and champion effective partnership working to achieve the council’s objectives and improve service delivery
To be accountable for ensuring that the council’s policy and practice of services in your area complies with all statutory and legislative obligations, and good practice across the sector
To share collective responsibility for a sustainable and deliverable financial strategy across the organisation, ensuring strategic and integrated financial business and resource planning to support delivery of high quality services and priority projects
Support effective commissioning and clienting of services provided by the council’s wholly- owned companies
To contribute to managing and planning for emergencies ensuring that services have a sound approach to business continuity

Specific responsibilities

The areas of responsibility and line management responsibility may change over time but at the commencement will include:

Financial services
Revenues and Benefits
Investigation Services and Procurement
Corporate Risk Management and Business Continuity Planning
Corporate Performance
Strategic Commissioning and Clienting Framework
Corporate PMO
To develop and monitor the Council’s Mid term Financial Plan and Group Financial strategy
To establish and recommend the Councils Annual Internal Plan to Audit and Governance Committee and monitor and report on progress to Committee throughout the year
Adhere to responsibilities assigned to the Chief Financial Officer in the Council’s constitution
Client liaison for ODS: Fleet

Who we are looking for

Candidates will be shortlisted on the basis of demonstrating that they fulfil the following criteria that is listed to be ‘Assessed at: Application’ on their application form and should include clear examples of how they meet these criteria.

Each of the criteria below will be measured through, the application form, interview, test/exercise or documentation (eg a qualification document).

Essential Criteria

Significant recent experience of successfully leading and managing Finance functions within the public sector
Experience of developing a robust financial control framework which supports corporate priorities
CCAB accountancy qualification and evidence of continuing professional development
Expert knowledge of Local Authority financial processes, rules, regulations and legislative framework and a clear understanding of the role and responsibilities of the S151 Officer
Understanding of the importance of performance management processes in achieving corporate objectives
Understanding of external policy drivers and implications for financial strategy
Ability to prepare and present complex financial Issues in both verbal and written format coherently and comprehensibly to non-experts
Experience of successfully leading diverse and multi-functional teams in a complex and agile organisation, translating policy direction and strategic objectives into practical local plans and action
A track record of developing and implementing effective strategies and best practice in service delivery in the key areas of responsibility within the Financial Services directorate and in taking on new areas of responsibility
Track record in developing and leading effective management of multi-functional teams, inspiring and sustaining high performing teams to deliver successful outcomes against targets
Experience of implementing programmes and projects, resources, budgets and stakeholders to drive efficiency, value for money, a focus on citizens and improve service outcomes
Political acumen – track record of working within a political environment, considering political interests and governance requirements and ability to liaise, advise, gain buy-in and support elected members
Experience of developing strategies and policies that drive improvement in service outcomes
Experience of leading and delivering significant change and business development initiatives, including people, workforce planning and cultural change
Demonstrable critical thinking, analytical and decision making skills
Demonstrable communication and negotiation skills. Able to represent the organisation at high level and on external boards
Significant experience of working collaboratively internally and externally to leverage maximum value from resources and opportunities and deliver impact
Understanding of the importance of and ability to operate within a robust governance structure, meeting specific budget, professional and legal standards, operating with integrity and upholding council, professional and statutory responsibilities
An understanding of relevant legislation, regulations and standards in your areas of responsibility and experience of ensuring these are met across services
An appreciation of innovation in technology and service delivery and how it can improve outcomes, efficiency and promote inclusion
Highly developed programme management skills, including ability to lead the preparation of robust and clear business cases, reports and project briefs
Proven financial planning, budget and risk management skills - track record of delivering cost reductions/income generation targets whilst assessing risks and delivering value for money services
Evidence of commitment to continuing professional development
Evidence of commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and their application in practice

Desirable Criteria Assessment stage

Qualified Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountant (Assessment stage: Application; document)
Management Qualification (Assessment stage: Application; document)
Prince II (or equivalent) (Assessment stage: Application; document)
Programme Management Qualification (Assessment stage: Application; document)

Notes to candidates

In addition to the above criteria, Oxford City Council has developed and embedded a suite of values and behaviours. Full details of these can be found on the Our values and behaviours page. Please familiarise yourself with these values and behaviours. If you are invited for interview you will be asked questions based on them