Lead Accountant

Location: Hybrid (once a week in office and when there are business requirements)
Duration of assignment: 6 months
Working hours: Full time 37 hours
Rate: £26.18 (PAYE) £34.03 (Umbrella)
IR35 status: Inside IR35
Ideal start date: ASAP
We are looking for Lead Accountant that will comply with and promote the Council’s Health, Wellbeing and Safety at Work policies and ensure these are implemented effectively within his/her areas of responsibility. · A priority for the Council is the protection of vulnerable people, ensuring they are able to live as independently as possible. The post-holder will promote and engage with Council’s responsibility to safeguard the welfare of children, young people and adults, and protect their right to be safe from harm. Through personal commitment and clear action, the post-holder will promote the Council’s employment policies, with particular reference to diversity, equality of access and treatment in employment, service delivery and community involvement. To support/develop a working culture within these services that reflects the corporate vision. · Ensure that the services provided aligned to the Council strategy, vision, aims, objectives, priorities and continuous improvement programme and play their part in achieving these. This includes compliance with Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Code of Conduct and the Councils Policies and Procedures. · This job description sets out a summary of the duties and accountabilities of the role. It is not intended to be exhaustive.
PURPOSE OF JOB:
1. To be responsible for delivering a first class, value for money financial service that meets the legal, financial and Council aims and objectives to meet our customer requirements in accordance with Finance and Contract Procedure Rules.
2. To deputise, in the absence of or in place of, the Deputy Head of Finance/Head of Finance or other managers where necessary
3. To provide high quality financial information to senior management up to and including Executive Directors to allow decision-making.
4. To present financial information to a range of audiences, including contentious information to Scrutiny panels and other public meetings.
5. To represent Walsall Council at regional meetings and on regional projects as appropriate
6. To effectively manage yourself and the staff for which you are responsible, including ensuring at all times the following
7. Written procedures for all team roles are prepared and monitored
8. Deadlines are effectively managed, prioritised and met
9. Adequate staff cover to ensure maintenance of an effective finance service both within the team and across the finance service where appropriate
10.Resources aims, objectives and priorities are met
11.Performance is maintained, managed and reported in line with EPA guidelines
12.Service improvement, change management and process developments are implemented, provide lead support to the Council’s Transformation programme.
13.All duties must be undertaken within the Council’s Equal Opportunities policy and with regard to the Code of Conduct
14.All duties must be undertaken within national and local Health & Safety Regulations policies on an individual and collective basis
15.To work at all times in accordance with Financial Contract Rules
16.To act at all times with respect, integrity and professionalism ensuring customer needs are met and services are delivered right, fast and simple
The manager requires candidates with
· Proof of qualification such as CIMA/ACCA etc.
· Employment references
· Experience in lead accounting within local council.
· Expertise in financial consolidation.
· Proven ability in managing staff, resources, or processes.
· Experience in management accounting and budget-setting techniques.