Job Description

The role requires an experienced and self-motivated accountant, who will work closely with the Coast to Capital Chief Executive, Board and Section 151 at Croydon Council, to shape the business and ensure best in class financial stewardship. The post holder will take overall responsibility for ensuring that all aspects of the business are accurately and efficiently carried out in accordance with recognised accounting standards, LEP requirements, and within set deadlines, in partnership with our Accountable Body and its statutory S.151 accounting officer.

This is a practical and hands-on role which requires an ability to work well at a strategic level and assert high professional standards with a wide range of partners including Board members, local authorities and financial professionals. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant and have experience of working both within the public and private sectors, with current knowledge of public accountancy and finance practice. They will be able to contributing as part of the senior leadership team and be experienced in contributing to the wider corporate management of the organisation.

Duties & responsibilities:

This post holder will be responsible for advising the Board on all aspects of financial strategy and financial management including;

• Strategic financial planning across the organisation, to include annual budget planning, investment planning and pensions scheme oversight.

• Acting on behalf of the S151 officer from our Accountable Body.

• Being able to both operate at strategic and operational level as part of a small team.

• Developing, implementing and operating financial management and control systems / processes that align with the organisation's overall vision and its current and future business objectives.

• Leading and contributing to strategic planning and tactical decision-making as part of the wider management team. Ensuring all financial risks are fully understood and actioned appropriately.

• Ensuring that accounting standards and internal control procedures are compliant for both internal and external auditor requirements

• Ensuring accurate and timely preparation and reporting of monthly management, annual statutory accounts, income and expenditure and cash forecasts, budgets and projections for the executive and the Board

• Providing strategic leadership on the cash flow management decisions and manage the organisation's cash flow on a day to day basis including operating and optimising treasury management policies.

• Review applications and claims from a range of programmes, ensuring payments are made in accordance with grant terms.

• Directly manage the external bookkeeper support.

• Be responsible for all elements of the company payroll and manage the outsourced payroll provider

• Providing necessary levels of assurance and information to the S151 officer and be able to act on their behalf.

• Providing advice to the Board and its Committees, in particular the Chairman's Committee. Also taking an active role in the Coast to capital Senior Management Team on strategic issues.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities