Assistant Finance Manager - 05838

West Berkshire Council is seeking an experienced and qualified Assistant Finance Manager to join our Finance team. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated finance professional looking to take the next step in their career, supporting the delivery of high-quality financial management, strategic planning and governance across a diverse portfolio of council services. The role includes line management responsibility for accountants and provides the opportunity to work closely with senior officers, and key stakeholders across the organisation.

As Assistant Finance Manager, you will play a key role in budget planning, financial reporting, forecasting and statutory accounting, while helping drive continuous improvement and value for money. You will provide expert financial advice, support decision-making and deputise for the Finance Business Partner when required. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the delivery of vital public services while developing your leadership and professional experience within a forward-thinking local authority.

The role

• Support the delivery of financial planning, budget monitoring, forecasting and financial reporting activities.
• Lead engagement with budget managers and stakeholders, providing expert financial advice and challenge.
• Prepare and present complex financial information and reports to senior officers and elected Members.
• Oversee budget monitoring, forecasting and the identification and management of financial risks.
• Deputise for the Finance Business Partner and provide leadership and continuity when required.
• Line manage and support accountants, promoting development and continuous improvement within the team.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, accounting standards and governance requirements.

The ideal candidate would have the following qualifications, skills and attributes:

• Fully qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with a commitment to continuing professional development.
• Significant post-qualification experience in financial management, budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis.
• Experience of Education or Schools finance.
• Experience of providing high-level financial advice to senior managers and stakeholders.
• Experience of managing or supervising staff and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong technical accounting, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience of handling audit queries and working within robust governance frameworks.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Understanding of the local government financial environment and funding arrangements would be advantageous.
• A proactive approach to change, continuous improvement and collaborative working.

Our offer to you

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• We offer flexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07.00-21.00.
• We offer hybrid working wherever possible, working 40% in the office.
  Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities.
• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Family friendly policies.
• A range of local discounts.
• Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits.
• A generous annual leave entitlement starting at 29 days per annum (plus public holidays), rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years' service.

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Join us at West Berkshire Council and make a positive impact in our community while advancing your career. Explore everything that a career with West Berkshire Council has to offer here: Working with Us

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:
Mollie McQuade, Finance Business Partner, Mollie.McQuade1@westberks.gov.uk

Equal Opportunities

The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

How to apply

Please now complete a short online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV.

This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies.

This role requires a standard DBS check

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