At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage budgets and financial planning for vital housing support services.
- Company: Newport City Council, dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive employment package and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on collaboration and community welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vulnerable residents' lives while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education and accounting qualification or working towards one.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced finance professional looking to make a real difference in your community? Do you enjoy working with data, partnering with both internal and external services, and ensuring public funding is used effectively and responsibly? Newport City Council is seeking a Finance Officer (Housing Support) to play a key strategic role in the management, planning, and monitoring of the Welsh Government Housing Support Grant (HSG) as part of the Housing Support Programme – a critical fund that supports vulnerable people to live safely and independently and prevent homelessness.
About the Role
As our Finance Officer, you will be the financial lead for all matters relating to the Housing Support Grant and Housing Support Team budget. You will:
- Oversee the annual HSG budget-setting process, working closely with commissioned partners.
- Produce accurate financial information, including the annual HSG Spend Plan and grant returns to Welsh Government.
- Ensure robust financial monitoring, auditing, and compliance with Council financial regulations.
- Lead on financial elements of commissioning, decommissioning, remodelling, and procurement of Housing Support services.
- Maintain effective financial systems, pricing policies, due diligence processes, and grant monitoring arrangements.
- Provide financial advice and modelling to support strategic decision making within Housing & Communities.
- Develop and deliver finance related training for staff and partners.
- Line manage finance staff and deputise for the Housing Support Lead Officer on finance matters when required.
This is a key senior role supporting a service that makes a direct impact on people's lives across Newport.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking someone who can combine strategic thinking with excellent financial expertise. You will bring:
- A degree-level qualification
- An accounting qualification (or actively working toward one)
- Sound knowledge of regulations and Council financial policy and systems
- Strong experience in financial planning, budgeting, monitoring or business partnering
- Experience in financial modelling, risk identification and mitigation
- Staff management experience
- Excellent numeracy, communication and IT skills
- The ability to work under pressure, manage tight deadlines and think creatively
- Strong problem solving and negotiation skills
Why Join Us
Working in Housing & Communities at Newport City Council means being part of a service that puts people first. You'll have the opportunity to:
- Influence how vital support services are delivered across the city
- Be part of a supportive, collaborative management team
- Lead meaningful work that directly improves outcomes for vulnerable residents
- Benefit from the Council's competitive employment package (Some additional hours may be required at key times, such as year end.)
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We promote positive equality practices in line with the Council's Strategic Equality Plan. We welcome applications for all our jobs in either Welsh or English. An application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English. Newport City Council is committed to working towards its workforce being more representative of the population that we serve and particularly welcomes applications from people from minority ethnic communities represented (or living) in the city. Selection will be made on ability and skills to undertake the role. Newport City Council is not currently supporting applicants with sponsorship for right to work. In applying for a vacancy, applicants should already have the right to work in the UK.
Further Information
Visit: www.newport.gov.uk for more information about working for Newport City Council and to apply. You can also contact Nigel Stannard (Housing Support Team Manager) if you need any further information about this post: nigel.stannard@newport.gov.uk
Our values - Fairness for all, Making a difference, Being responsible, Working together
Finance Officer - Housing Support in Newport employer: CIH International Housing Group
Newport City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of vulnerable residents through the Housing Support Programme. With a strong focus on collaboration and support, employees benefit from a competitive employment package, professional development opportunities, and a work culture that prioritises fairness and community engagement. Join us in shaping vital support services while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
Contact Details:
CIH International Housing Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer - Housing Support in Newport
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with housing support. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Newport City Council's values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your skills align with our mission to support vulnerable residents.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial modelling and budgeting scenarios. We want to see how you think on your feet, so be ready to tackle some real-world problems during your interview!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Newport City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer - Housing Support in Newport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Finance Officer role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Financial Expertise:Don’t hold back on showcasing your financial qualifications and experience. Whether it’s budgeting, financial planning, or compliance, let us know how you've successfully managed these areas in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Keep your sentences straightforward and avoid jargon. We want to see your communication skills shine through, so make it easy for us to read.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CIH International Housing Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. Brush up on key financial concepts and be ready to discuss your experience with budgeting, financial planning, and compliance. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or improved financial processes in the past.
✨Understand the Housing Support Grant
Familiarise yourself with the Welsh Government Housing Support Grant and its impact on vulnerable communities. Be prepared to discuss how you would oversee the budget-setting process and ensure effective use of public funding. Showing that you understand the strategic importance of this role will set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
This role involves working closely with various partners and stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about times when you've had to negotiate or present financial information to non-financial colleagues, and be ready to share those experiences.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle pressure. Prepare for scenarios related to financial modelling, risk management, or compliance issues. Think through your approach to these challenges and be ready to explain your thought process during the interview.
