Policy Manager (Financial Security)

• Play a vital role in providing essential housing services.
• Opportunity to make a positive impact in your community.

About Our Client

We formed in 2001 and provide over 5,300 homes for rent and shared ownership. Our homes are based in West Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire, and range from flats and bungalows to family homes. We are in a strong, robust financial position and are committed to doing more to help people in housing need.

Job Description

Group Business Planning

• To support the Head of Finance & IT in production, update and review of the Group Business Plan and assess project and operating proposals against the business plan.
• To co-ordinate the annual budget and quarterly forecast process across the Group to ensure accurate information is included in the Company's Business Plan
• To lead on all aspects relating to potential new business combinations and how they impact on the core group. Understand the need and the implications on accounting. Work to embed and guide the way for the shared services team to integrate into business as usual.
• To support the business partners in their work with budget holders and managers throughout the year in forecasting expenditure and reconcile the total expenditure for the organisation to the business plan.
• To control and monitor development expenditure of the organisation in order to forecast cash flow, assess the impact on security and the effect on the overall business plan
• To prepare an annual development budget and ensure that the Business Plan/NROSH quarterly forecast is updated with the latest development cash flows.
• Actively support the Group's investment decisions by ensuring that the correct assumptions are included in the financial appraisals of development schemes and other projects to ensure compliance with corporate objectives.

Loans, Treasury and Security

• To monitor the Group's cash flow and support the Treasury Accountant on all aspects relating to loan portfolio, security and Treasury requirements
• To monitor security and loan covenant requirements for all lenders.
• To maintain up to date knowledge relating to capital/investment project accounting and treasury accounting, including the effects of IFRS and SORPs on the application and treatment of numbers within the statutory accounts
• To manage cashflow in line with current Treasury policy.
• To work in conjunction with the Treasury Accountant for charging properties for loan security purposes
• Ensure a close working relationship between the Finance Business Partners and the Treasury Accountant so that new developments are brought into charge in a timely manner.

Financial Analysis, Value for Money and Improvements

• Review and oversee the production of the regular management information to the Board, Executive Team and budget holders, for example performance reports for the Board, Directors and Corporate Leadership Team
• Develop value adding reporting to ensure pertinent stakeholders understand all areas of finance across the organisation.
• Manage and be responsible for production of statutory accounts, regulator returns, compliance with accounting rules and finance processes that link to the financial planning area.
• Ensure monthly management accounts, statutory accounts and end of year audit are comprehensive, accurate and timely.
• Work with the finance business partners to establish key KPIs for their departments, review progress against budgets and KPIs to support the long-term strategy of the business.
• Aim to influence decision making, assess the value delivered by the organisation and provide strategic insight based on internal reporting and external benchmarking.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external senior stakeholders to ensure results are delivered for the financial year, understanding and acting on risks and opportunities, and driving growth and efficiencies.
• Work collaboratively with CLT and all areas of the Group to ensure results are delivered, acting on risks and opportunities and driving on growth and efficiencies where possible.
• Lead preparation of regulatory reporting and completion of returns for sign-off.
• Attend committee meetings as required.
• Maintain integrity & accuracy of balance sheet. This includes fixed asset reporting and management of intercompany balances.
• Work with the wider finance team to ensure the reporting platform is robust. When a new finance system is required, assess the needs of the organisation, document the requirements and proactively work with the project team to enable a successful implementation.
• To carry out financial analysis as requested by the Director of Resources and the Head of Finance & IT.

Management

• To lead and develop an effective and motivated team ensuring that the team consistently meets the desired level of performance through effective leadership, clear guidance, high levels of challenge and support, and identification of learning and development needs.
• As it is a small team there are times when it will be required to be hands on with day to day tasks.

The Successful Applicant

• Fully-qualified in a recognised accountancy qualification, such as ICAEW, CIPFA, CIMA, or ACCA is essential, with significant experience PQE in a Senior role.
• Experience of reviewing and production off financial accounts, budgets, and management accounts
• Experience of working in a housing, development, building or construction organisation
• Experience of using computerised financial systems and Microsoft Office and an ability to learn in-house systems
• Knowledge of legislation relating to accountancy practice and knowledge of Data Protection legislation
• Ability to effectively lead a team to ensure that they are motivated and that they consistently meet the desired level of performance.
• Strong analytical skills
• Well developed written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate complex matters effectively to a broad range of people.
• Excellent presentation and influencing skills
• Ability to meet deadlines without compromising the quality of work, work flexibly and prioritise own workload
• Ability to work as part of a team
• A high level of self-motivation and the ability to maintain and keep up to date with appropriate CPD requirements
• A sound understanding of how KPIs drive measurement, together with a proven ability to drive forward a performance improvement approach delivering value for money

What's on Offer

• 25 days holiday entitlement, increasing to 28 days after 2 years' service.
• Additional 1 day's holiday gifted at Christmas
• Employee Assistance Programme with Lifeworks
• Private Medical Insurance (currently with AXA PPP)
• 3 x salary life assurance
• Occupational Health Support

Where specific UK qualifications are required we will take into account overseas equivalents. All third party applications will be forwarded to Michael Page.