OR21355 – Strategic Director of Finance in Cardiff

Special Conditions: Casual Car User. A full and valid driving licence and the use of own car would be an advantage. Occasional weekend and evening working may be required. This post is politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (as amended by the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009).

Location of Post: The office location of this post will be Sbarc; however, home local/field working will be a requirement of the role. Agile working is a key feature and expectation of this role.

PAYE: £55.00 per hour Limited/Umbrella: £72.86 per hour

Job location: Sbarc | Spark, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom

Work pattern: 2 to 3 days in the office per week

Job Purpose: To enact the statutory role of Responsible Financial Officer for CCR, making arrangements for the proper administration of financial affairs, in accordance with s151 of the Local Government Act 1972. To ensure the effective stewardship of public funds, demonstrating the capability to maximise the impact of all CCR's strategic resources, to contribute to a Medium-Term Financial Plan that puts the new entity on a fit for the future footing. To inform, challenge and support the investment fund work and commercial interests of CCR, demonstrating strong commercial awareness and acumen and building alliances and alignments across the Regional Growth and Resources business units. To demonstrate and direct a strong understanding and know-how of commercial and investment structures, to support the delivery of large-scale complex programmes and initiatives, all alongside the ability to fulfil financial and budget imperatives and requirements. To demonstrate a strong knowledge and appreciation of strategic value creation and the importance of being solutions-focused to both support responsible stewardship of public funds, alongside the requirement to deliver tangible benefits for the region. To develop and co‑ordinate frameworks that support future sustainable funding of CCR, bringing together levying, external investment, recycled funds and various fiscal levers – unlocking the value of investments and maximising the use of all available assets and resources. To provide whole‑organisation strategic leadership and a strong financial planning and deployment capability; to guide future organisational development and design; deliver on key strategic priorities and objectives; and fulfil legal and political mandates. To lead and drive effective strategic resourcing that supports delivery of the Target Operating Model and the long‑term growth and sustainability plans of CCR, in concert with s151 contemporaries from across the 11 constituent member authorities. To oversee risk, compliance and assurance functions, in order that key reporting, evaluation and validation requirements are met; good governance and decision making is supported, safeguarding the interests of CCR at all times.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities: To enact the role of Responsible Financial Officer (s151) for CCR, ensuring the effective and efficient financial leadership of all major plans, policies and programmes being delivered under the auspices of CCR. To shape, develop and lead the business unit; fulfilling requirements of the CJC Regulations; maximising financial freedoms and flexibilities and directing the implementation of the Target Operating Model. To lead development and oversee delivery of a Medium‑Term Financial Plan for the CCR; devising appropriate annual financial reporting requirements and ensuring future funding capability underpins delivery of objectives set out in the Regional Economic and Industrial Plan. To direct and oversee the CCR Assurance Framework, ensuring key principles and provisions are reflected in underpinning the Investment and Intervention Framework – discharging all requirements of the UKG Green Book and the five‑stage business case model. To be the lead officer for internal audit interaction – and along with the Strategic Directors for Policy, Performance and Partnerships, and Legal and Governance – enacting the role as lead for the development and operation of the Audit and Governance Committee. To share, direct and ensure compliance with all Financial and Contractual Policies and Procedural Rules, overseeing CCRs Procurement and Commissioning functions and requirements. To drive collaboration and work closely with the s151 Officer’s group – sharing timely information and engaging skills and expertise in informing financial strategies and plans. To oversee all commissioning and act as the intelligent client for outsourced Transactional Services – ensuring these are reviewed and subjected to value for money tests – enacting any changes in provision needed as CCR grows and matures. To provide timely and effective advice to the Chief Executive, CCR Board and other key stakeholders who form part of the CCR governance structure. To promote the principles of openness and probity at all times, working with the Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Executive to develop mechanisms to give public assurance and accountability for the CCR investment portfolio and its performance. To be responsible for wider CCR strategic assets and services in respect of ICT and the wider CCR estate, ensuring financial rigour and discipline in the procurement of services that offer best value for money and best achieve the end result. To be the lead officer for all liaison with the Auditor General for Wales, in respect of the preparation of the Annual Statement of Accounts – ensuring compliance with all aspects of the statutory year‑end process. To form connections and linkages with contemporaries across the Regional Growth landscape in the UK – ensuring CCR stays up to date with devolution deal opportunities and best practice. Provide strong senior leadership demonstrating and promoting the values and behaviours of CCR, creating a culture of openness and psychological safety.

Corporate Requirements: To participate actively in supporting the principles and practice of equality of opportunity as stated in the organisation’s Equal Opportunities Policy. To take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and other persons who may be affected by your acts or omissions and to comply with all health and safety legislation as appropriate. To, as a statutory duty, adhere to the organisation’s Corporate Safeguarding Policy or equivalent statutory and associated policies and procedures and to report concerns regarding the safety and well‑being of children or adults at risk. To support you in this, you are required to access safeguarding training at the level which is relevant to this post. As a term of your employment, you may be required to undertake such other duties and/or times of work as may reasonably be required of you, commensurate with your grade or general level of responsibility within the organisation. Although you will be provided with a base, you will be required to work from various locations in accordance with the needs of the role.

If you think this job role is for you, please send your CV to rebeccabentum@carringtonblakerecruitment.com