Address
Form of workSalary£70,888 – £74,866 per annum
Contractual hours 37
BasisFull time
Package 37 Hours Per Week, Hybrid Working, Flexitime Scheme, Local Government Pension Scheme, Holiday allowance of 25 days plus public holidays) on joining.
Job category/type: Finance
Date posted: 16/01/2024
Job reference: REQ000257
Job description
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service – an organisation with a purpose. Built on values and driven by our people.
Do you want to lead in a setting that is open to new ideas and challenges you with something new?
About the role
You will lead on the preparation of our annual budgeting process, statement of accounts and all statutory reporting, ensuring the Service is producing accurate accounts in compliance with the regulations and policies.
You will also be part of the planning and preparation of the Service’s medium term financial plans along with the annual revenue and capital budgets and provide guidance to the budget managers within our service. The post reports into the Assistant Chief Officer/Treasurer.
Key accountabilities, duties, and responsibilities
To manage the Finance Team and Procurement Manager to enable the provision of an efficient and effective financial support function to the Service and Authority, and to deputise on finance related issues for the Assistant Chief Officer/Treasurer in their absence. This post has the role of a deputy S151 officer.
To prepare reports, briefing papers and presentations as required by the Assistant Chief Officer/Treasurer including the preparation of budget monitoring reports for presentation to the Service’s Corporate Management Team (CMT) and the Fire & Rescue Authority.
To lead in the development, management and production of the Fire and Rescue Authority’s final accounts, ensuring compliance with regulations and financial policies within an agreed timescale.
To appraise and interpret current and future financial regulations to ascertain their effect on the Service, advise on the impact, initiate any required new procedures, and provide relevant, accurate and timely professional financial advice to budget managers and staff throughout the Service.
About you
You are a qualified accountant with experience in analysing and interpreting information and providing clear guidance to various stakeholders on all aspects of public sector accounts.
Membership of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) or CCAB equivalent
Significant experience of strategic financial management, including managing complex budgets in order to enhance value for money and achieve service and corporate objectives
A clear understanding of the financial and accounting principles for Local Authority Accounts
In-depth experience of closing and preparing local government accounts
In-depth experience of managing staff.
Why work with us
We recognise that you are looking for more than just a career. To promote a positive work/life balance, we provide the following benefits:
Hybrid working patterns
Flexi-time scheme including flexible start and finish times, variable lunch breaks and flexi-leave days
Local Government Pension Scheme
Holiday allowance of 25 days* (plus public holidays) on joining; increasing to 30 days* after 5 years’ service and 32 days after 10 years’ service (*pro rota if part time or irregular working pattern)
Subsidised catering facilities providing hot and cold meals
Paid training and development opportunities
Free access to onsite gym facilities
Free onsite parking
Instant access to ‘Lifestyle Savings’ platform includes a range of discount cards from well-known and independent retailers
Eligible to sign up to ‘Blue Light Card’ with access to thousands of amazing discounts online and on the high street.
* Employees joining Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service who are moving from another government body, or local authority may be entitled to retain their previous service for the purpose of continuity of some contractual entitlements including holiday allowance. For further information, please contact the recruitment team via email recruitment@bedsfire.gov.uk
Next steps
If this role is of interest, please visit our website https://www.bedsfire.gov.uk/careers/search for further information and to make a formal application. We ask that you include your full career history and reference your skills and experience in line with the job description and person specification within your application and supporting statement.
For an informal discussion please contact Gavin Chambers, Assistant Chief Officer/Treasurer via email to arrange a time gavin.chambers@bedsfire.gov.uk
The selection process will take place on Tuesday 27 February 2024
We are an equal opportunities employer that welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People and all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
