Financial Analyst x2

Chief Finance Officer’s Directorate supports the Mayor’s Office and wider GLA on a variety of different aspects: from managing daily financial decisions to setting long-term objectives; budget setting; and observing and recognising projects and opportunities in the market that may be worthy of development or investment.

About the team

The Group Finance team within the CFO’s directorate manages the preparation and consolidation of the Mayor of London’s £21 billion annual revenue budget and capital spending plan for the entire GLA group including Transport for London, the London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police. We also lead on accounting and monitoring of the £6 billion+ of revenues the Mayor receives annually in council tax, business rates and the dedicated taxes funding the Elizabeth line (the Crossrail business rate supplement and Mayoral Community Infrastructure levy). The team also provides oversight to the GLA’s various Mayoral Development Corporations including those covering Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Old Oak Common and Oxford Street and supports various new key transport projects including the DLR extension to Thamesmead and planned West London Orbital rail scheme.

About the role

The Greater London Authority (GLA) is looking to recruit two highly motivated individuals to join its Group Finance team as a Financial Analyst. Reporting to the Senior Finance Managers, the post holders will play a key role in the consolidation of the Mayor of London’s annual £21 billion revenue budget and capital spending plan across the GLA Group’s functional bodies including Transport for London, the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (which oversees the Metropolitan Police), the London Fire Brigade and the three Mayoral Development Corporations covering Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Old Oak Common and Oxford Street as well as the GLA itself and the London Assembly.

The team also leads on local government funding matters for the GLA including accounting for its annual £6 billion+ income from council tax and retained business rates as well as the Mayor’s business rate supplement and community infrastructure levy used to finance the Elizabeth line. The scope of this area of work is expected to expand as a result of the government’s proposed fiscal devolution agenda for Mayoral Strategic Authorities including the Mayor of London.

The postholders will also co-ordinate the preparation of GLA Group statistical revenue and capital returns for Government, as well as supporting the GLA’s financing and funding of key projects – in addition to the Elizabeth Line – such as the Northern Line extension to Battersea Power Station, the proposed DLR extension to Thamesmead and the West London Orbital rail link as well as major regeneration programmes such as the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone. This work will involve working closely with colleagues in the GLA’s functional bodies, London Councils, the 32 London boroughs, the City of London Corporation as well as central government.

These roles would suit individuals with an interest in local authority strategic and corporate finance issues, who enjoy researching and keeping up to date with developments in local government finance, local taxation and funding and are capable of assessing the implications for both the GLA Group and London Government more generally.

What your day will look like

• Supporting the development of the Mayor of London’s annual £21 billion revenue budget, capital spending plan and capital strategy providing advice as appropriate to senior managers and finance colleagues within the GLA and its functional bodies.
• Negotiating and liaising with colleagues within the GLA and its functional bodies as appropriate to ensure the Mayor’s budget is developed in line with his/her budget guidance and timetable and is accurate, consistent and integrated across the GLA group.
• Supporting the Senior Finance Manager in the ongoing management, monitoring, forecasting and year end accounting of the GLA’s c£6 billion of revenues annually via the Mayor’s council tax precept, the Business Rates Retention System and the Elizabeth line Business Rate Supplement and Community Infrastructure levy liaising closely with the GLA’s Treasury function.
• Engaging with the GLA’s fiscal devolution work including on business rates retention zones (including those the Northern Line extension to Battersea Power Station and the Royal Docks).
• Supporting the Senior Finance Managers in the forecasting and accounting of council tax and business rates revenues across the 32 London boroughs and the City of London including funding projects which maximise these.
• Supporting the Senior Finance Managers on other related group and public finance issues including the financial impact of Government Budget and Spending Review announcements, the local government finance and police funding settlements, new and existing business rates retention zones (also known as designated areas) within the London area and existing and potential future Mayoral Development Corporations, infrastructure and transport projects, working with key stakeholders as applicable.

To assist as directed by the Senior Finance Managers in analysing GLA group efficiency savings and to lead on the preparation and submission of the GLA Group’s capital and revenue financial statistical returns to Central Government and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy ensuring they are presented on a consistent basis and allow for any inter group financial transactions.

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• an understanding of revenue and capital budgeting processes ideally in a local government setting
• a working knowledge of local government finance, funding and accounting including business rates retention and council tax
• the ability to research and interpret complex data and information and present the findings in a clear and understandable format
• a high level of numeracy and a detailed focus with a concern for accuracy; advanced skills in using spreadsheets and word processing packages including experience in preparing financial models

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share.

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they be prioritised for the next stage in the process. If you have a disability or long-term condition (for example dyslexia, anxiety, autism, a mobility condition or hearing loss) and need us to make any reasonable adjustments, changes or do anything differently during the recruitment process, please let us know by emailing resourcingteam@london.gov.uk (please include the role title and reference number).

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office. In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.

Additional Information

Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.

To support the preparation of the Mayor of London’s consolidated annual revenue budget, capital spending plan and capital strategy for the GLA group working closely with key functional bodies including Transport for London (TfL), the London Fire Commissioner (LFC) and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC).

To assist the Senior Financial Analyst in maintaining and developing the GLA’s medium term financial plan including forecasting, monitoring and accounting for the GLA’s income from council tax and retained business rates.

To lead as directed on the financial aspects of corporate projects and public finance issues including business rates retention, the financing of the Elizabeth line including the Crossrail business rate supplement and Mayoral Community Infrastructure Levy, the impact of Government Spending Reviews, council tax and business rates income maximisation projects delivered with London boroughs, statistical reporting of GLA group capital and revenue expenditure and budgets, the funding aspects of Enterprise Zones and designated areas in London including those for the Royal Docks and the Northern Line extension to Battersea Power Station and other regeneration and infrastructure projects.

Principal Accountabilities

• To support the development of the Mayor of London’s revenue budget, capital spending plan and capital strategy providing advice as appropriate to senior managers and finance colleagues within the GLA and its functional bodies.
• To negotiate and liaise with colleagues within the GLA and its functional bodies as appropriate to ensure the Mayor’s budget is developed in line with his/her budget guidance and timetable and is accurate, consistent and integrated across the GLA group.
• To support the Senior Finance Manager in the ongoing management, monitoring, forecasting and year end accounting of revenues via the Business Rates Retention System and the Crossrail Business Rate Supplement liaising closely with the GLA’s Treasury function and growth from business rates retention zones (including for the Northern Line extension to Battersea Power Station and the Royal Docks), TfL, the LFC, MOPAC, the 32 London boroughs, the Corporation of London and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
• To support the Senior Finance Manager in the forecasting and accounting of council tax revenues across the 33 London billing authorities. This will also include monitoring billing authority council tax support schemes and responding to any consultations they may undertake in developing their local schemes.
• As directed by the Senior Finance Manager to support the development and monitoring of business rates and council tax income maximisation projects led by the 33 London billing authorities which the GLA agrees to fund ensuring that any funding agreements are put in place and funding claims received to ensure these are delivered on a timely and efficient basis.
• To support the Senior Finance Manager in providing advice within the GLA on business rates policy issues and any lobbying work, including consultation responses undertaken relating to business rates, council tax and other local property taxation matters, working closely with colleagues in London Councils and London billing authorities.
• This may also include liaising with the GLA’s Economic and Business Policy teams as part of the GLA’s wider engagement with London’s business community.
• To lead on designated areas of finance, budget or corporate projects e.g. undertaking research on the funding and financing of the GLA and the functional bodies and preparing policy options, reports, briefings and presentations for the Mayor, Mayoral advisers, Assembly Members and senior managers of the Authority and functional bodies.
• To support the Senior Finance Manager on other related group and public finance issues including the financial impact of Government Budget and Spending Review announcements, the local government finance settlement, new and existing business rates retention zones (also known as designated areas) within the London area and existing and potential future Mayoral Development Corporations, infrastructure and transport projects, working with key stakeholders as applicable.
• To support the Senior Finance Manager in relation to GLA Group budget monitoring, shared services and corporate procurement including supporting GLA internal review groups and preparing relevant data or statistical analysis.
• To assist as directed by the Senior Finance Manager in analysing GLA group efficiency savings and to lead on the preparation and submission of the GLA Group’s capital and revenue financial statistical returns to Central Government and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy ensuring they are presented on a consistent basis and allow for any inter group financial transactions.
• To realise the benefits of London's diversity by promoting and enabling equality of opportunities and promoting the diverse needs and aspirations of London's communities.
• To realise the benefits of a flexible approach to work in undertaking the duties and responsibilities of this job and participating in multi-disciplinary cross-department and cross-organisational groups and project teams.

Key Relationships

Accountable to: Senior Finance Manager

Accountable for: Resources allocated to the role.

Principal contacts: The Mayor, Mayoral advisers, senior managers of the Authority, London Assembly members, Functional Bodies of the GLA including TfL, LFC, MOPAC, the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), the Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC), London Treasury Limited, London boroughs, the Corporation of London, London Councils, Government Departments including MHCLG and other external organisations.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS/EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

A good working knowledge and understanding of local government finance, budget development and the statutory framework for local authority accounting including collection fund accounting.

A general working knowledge of the national non domestic (business) rates and council tax system.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

Stakeholder Focus … is consulting with, listening to and understanding the needs of those our work impacts and using this knowledge to shape what we do and manage others’ expectations.

Level 3 indicators of effective performance

• Understands diverse stakeholder needs and tailors team deliverables accordingly
• Is a role model to others, encouraging them to think of Londoners first
• Manages stakeholder expectations, so they are high but realistic
• Removes barriers to understanding the needs of diverse stakeholders, including hard to reach groups
• Focuses own and team’s efforts on delivering a quality and committed service.

Communicating and Influencing …is presenting information and arguments clearly and convincingly so that others see us as credible and articulate and engage with us.

Level 3 Indicators of effective performance

• Encourages and supports teams in engaging in transparent and inclusive communication
• Influences others and gains buy-in using compelling, well thought through arguments
• Negotiates effectively to deliver GLA priorities
• Synthesises the complex viewpoints of others, recognises where compromise is necessary and brokers agreement
• Advocates positively for the GLA both within and outside the organisation.

Planning and Organising … is thinking ahead, managing time, priorities and risk, and developing structured and efficient approaches to deliver work on time and to a high standard.

Level 3 indicators of effective performance

• Monitors allocation of resources, anticipating changing requirements that may impact work delivery
• Ensures evaluation processes are in place to measure project benefits
• Gains buy-in and commitment to project delivery from diverse stakeholders
• Implement quality measures to ensure directorate output is of a high standard
• Translates political vision into action plans and deliverables

Problem Solving … is analysing and interpreting situations from a variety of viewpoints and finding creative, workable and timely solutions.

Level 3 indicators of effective performance

• Clarifies ambiguous problems, questioning assumptions to reach a fuller understanding
• Actively challenges the status quo to find new ways of doing things, looking for good practice
• Seeks and incorporates diverse perspectives to help produce workable strategies to address complex issues
• Initiates consultation on opportunities to improve work processes
• Supports the organisation to implement innovative suggestions

Responsible Use of Resources … is taking personal responsibility for using and managing resources effectively, efficiently and sustainably.

Level 2 Indicators of effective performance

• Continually looks for opportunities to work more efficiently and sustainably
• Reduces team impact on the environment by implementing methods for reducing use of, reusing and recycling resources
• Improves local processes to maximise use of resources
• Thinks in terms of maximum efficiency when planning resource allocation
• Implements good practice on efficient use of resources

Organisational Awareness … is understanding and being sensitive to organisational dynamics, culture and politics across and beyond the GLA and shaping our approach accordingly.

Level 3 Indicators of effective performance

• Uses understanding of differences between the GLA and its partners to improve working relationships
• Helps others understand the GLA and the complex environment in which it operates
• Translates changing political agendas into tangible actions
• Considers the diverse needs of Londoners in formulating GLA objectives
• Helps others understand how the media and external perceptions of the GLA influence work

The GLA is proud to be a Level 2: Disability Confident employer. We are committed to becoming a more inclusive and accessible organisation, and creating a truly inclusive and accessible workplace and culture for our disabled staff. We have named Disability Equality as a key corporate priority within our EDI Strategy. We welcome and encourage applications from disabled applicants. Should you wish to opt into the scheme, please let us know during your application.