Role Purpose You will provide professional accountancy support for Homes in Somerset’s capital investment, development and regeneration programmes, ensuring that financial resources are effectively planned, controlled, accounted for and reported. Working primarily with budget holders in the Asset Management, Safety & Development Directorate, you will provide financial advice, constructive challenge and timely management information across investment in existing homes, development, regeneration, decarbonisation and other capital investment programmes. You will support the preparation and monitoring of annual, medium-term and 30-year capital programmes, ensuring that investment plans are informed by reliable financial and asset data and aligned with the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan. You will ensure that capital expenditure, funding, grants and associated balance-sheet transactions are correctly accounted for. You will also provide technical support, supervision and line management to designated finance colleagues, with precise arrangements determined through the development of the Finance service structure. You will: • Lead the annual production and implementation of the Council’s Capital Strategy. • Lead capital programme budget setting and coordinate the financial appraisal of capital bids and business cases. • Provide expert technical, financial and commercial advice to Finance Business Partners, budget managers, project teams and senior decision-makers. • Coordinate quarterly capital budget monitoring and lead monitoring for major schemes, reporting to senior leadership, scrutiny and executive forums. • Coordinate capital programme financing and advise the Section 151 Officer on funding options. • Coordinate the Commercial Investment Strategy and monitor in-year and medium-term performance. • Complete capital financial returns to government and coordinate timely responses to internal and external audit requests. • Build effective relationships across the Council and with external partners, government departments, suppliers and contractors. • Recruit, manage, support and develop team members, promoting high performance and continuous improvement. What you will bring: • Strong leadership and sound judgement, with the ability to prioritise complex programmes and deliver high-quality outcomes. • Highly developed analytical skills and the ability to interpret, model and explain complex financial issues clearly. • A collaborative approach and the ability to influence senior stakeholders, elected Members, partners and project teams. • A commitment to strong governance, customer responsiveness, equality and diversity, employee wellbeing and continuous improvement. • The ability to manage change, resolve complex issues and use resources effectively to deliver services on time, within budget and to the required standard. Knowledge, Skills and Experience Essential • Fully qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent), with experience of working in a complex organisation. • Evidence of work-related continuing professional development. • Knowledge of the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting, particularly capital and capital-financing regulations. • Knowledge of the Prudential Code for Capital Finance and the ability to interpret and apply it. • A proven track record of analysing local-government finance and policy issues, including legislative change and horizon scanning. • Substantial senior-level managerial experience and experience of partnership working, influencing stakeholders and leading multi-agency projects. • Experience of deploying, developing and supervising professional staff and managing performance and quality assurance. • Change-management experience and very strong analytical skills. Desirable • Experience of using information and communication systems to support operational decision-making and service improvement. • Experience of working with elected Councillors or within a political environment. • Experience of engaging communities and using customer feedback to shape service improvement.
Capital Accountant in Somerset employer: Homes in Somerset
Homes in Somerset is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and collaboration within a supportive work culture. As a Quantity & Contract Management Surveyor, you will benefit from a dynamic environment where your expertise in quantity surveying and contract management directly contributes to enhancing our property portfolio, all while enjoying a strong commitment to health and safety and compliance. With opportunities for professional development and a focus on delivering high-quality projects, you'll find meaningful and rewarding employment here.
