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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and service delivery for West Berkshire Council.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking local authority making a positive community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible and hybrid working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in financial management and team leadership required.
- Other info: Applications are encouraged early due to potential early closure of the vacancy.
The predicted salary is between 61200 - 67980 £ per year.
Are you an experienced and dynamic leader in financial management and service delivery, looking for an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact within a forward-thinking local authority? West Berkshire Council is seeking a Service Lead for Financial Management, to join our Finance and Property Service, reporting to the Service Director Finance, Property & Procurement.
The Role
As the Service Lead for Financial Management, Revenues & Benefits, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the effective management and delivery of financial services across the Council. You will be responsible for leading a team of dedicated professionals, overseeing the financial management of key services including revenues, benefits, and payroll.
Your Key Responsibilities Will Include:
- Ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting
- Leading and motivating a team to deliver high-quality financial services
- Providing expert financial advice and guidance to service leads and senior managers
- Overseeing the operation of the revenues and benefits service, ensuring compliance with legislation and delivering excellent customer service
- Managing external relationships with HMRC and other relevant organisations
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:
- Extensive experience in financial management within a local authority or similar environment
- A proven track record of leading and managing teams to deliver high-quality services
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and advise at all levels
- In-depth knowledge of financial legislation, regulations, and best practices
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
West Berkshire Council offers excellent employment benefits such as:
- Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07.00-19.00
- 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 30 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.
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.
For more information and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button below.
Service Lead – Financial Management employer: ACCA Careers
Contact Detail:
ACCA Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Lead – Financial Management
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in financial management, especially those who have experience in local authorities. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial legislation and regulations that apply to local authorities. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Be ready to provide examples of how you've motivated your team to deliver high-quality services, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research West Berkshire Council's current financial initiatives and challenges. Being informed about their specific context will allow you to tailor your discussions during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in making a positive impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Lead – Financial Management
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in financial management, particularly within a local authority or similar environment. Use specific examples to demonstrate your leadership skills and successful team management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the impact you hope to make at West Berkshire Council. Mention your knowledge of financial legislation and your ability to provide expert advice to senior managers.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your strong stakeholder management skills and analytical abilities. Provide examples of how you've influenced decision-making at various levels in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in financial management.
How to prepare for a job interview at ACCA Careers
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Service Lead, you'll be expected to lead and motivate a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your leadership style and the outcomes achieved.
✨Demonstrate Financial Expertise
Be ready to discuss your experience with financial management, particularly within local authorities. Highlight your knowledge of financial legislation and best practices, as well as any specific achievements in budgeting and forecasting.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about how you manage relationships with various stakeholders. Think of instances where you've influenced decisions or provided expert advice to senior managers, showcasing your communication skills.
✨Understand the Council's Values and Goals
Research West Berkshire Council's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals, especially in delivering high-quality financial services.
