Head of Finance & IT

To provide strategic and operational leadership to the Finance and IT Teams and effectively manage the provision of a high quality, high performing and responsive service. To develop the finance function’s capability to support Maryhill Housing’s growth, value for money culture and strategic objectives. To be the Association’s key strategic advisor on the use of information and smart technologies and to lead the development and drive forward the delivery of the Association’s Digital and IT strategy, and to oversee the delivery of IT support services to the Association’s staff.

To be an effective member of the Senior Management Team, working collaboratively with the Chief Executive, Board and other senior management colleagues and contributing to the Association’s corporate strategy.

The following list is typical of the level of duties which the post holder is expected to perform or be responsible for. It is not necessarily exhaustive and other duties of a similar type and level may be expected from time to time.

• Maintain an up to date working knowledge and awareness of technical, statutory and regulatory requirements and best practice in relation to financial strategy, financial planning and control and reporting.
• Lead on the preparation of the annual budget and cashflow forecasts in an efficient and consultative manner.
• Assist with the production of 5 and 30 year financial projections and business planning process.
• Lead the preparation of the statutory financial statements and high quality working papers, liaising with auditors as required.
• Lead the procurement, management and regular review of the Association’s insurance arrangements including benchmarking across the sector.
• Understand contracts within the finance and IT functions and effectively procure and manage these to ensure the Association has full control of cost and quality.
• Maintain and develop the component accounting system, ensuring accurate data and records are maintained.
• Oversee quarterly VAT returns.
• Oversee the payroll function.
• Lead on liaison with the Scottish Housing Network or other benchmarking agencies and use benchmarking data to suggest and explore value for money opportunities.
• Support the implementation of the Association’s Treasury Management policy, monitor investments and loans and make recommendations on maximising income.
• Lead, develop, implement and regularly review the Association’s Digital and IT Strategy.
• Provide excellent project and programme management of key IT projects.
• Facilitate and drive the change management process through developing and maintaining effective working with managers and teams across the Association to ensure new processes, systems and ways of working are owned by and embedded in how operational teams work.
• Oversee the delivery of an outstanding responsive IT support service including management and delivery of an IT helpdesk and asset replacement programme.
• Work with the Communications Officer to develop the website, social media, intranet and other communication channels.
• Be a key member of the Association’s Business Continuity team and ensure the IT elements of the Association’s Business Continuity Plan (including IT Disaster Recovery) are maintained and tested and ensuring corrective action is taken.
• Liaise with our managed service provider to ensure network security.

• Ensure implementation of the Association’s Equality and Diversity Strategy.
• Be outward looking and apply new ideas and best practice from inside and outside of the sector to Maryhill.
• Build excellent rapport and effective partnerships with customers, stakeholders and contractors.
• Actively break down organisational barriers to solve problems and deliver the best possible service for customers.
• Identify potential cost saving opportunities and deliver value for money efficiencies for the Association.
• Ensure risks around the finance and IT functions are effectively identified and reported and actions are taken to mitigate the risks.

• Ensure that processes and guidelines are regularly developed, reviewed and implemented ensuring that they are as automated as possible, comply with legislation, regulatory standards and relevant good practice.
• Regularly review and update operational processes to reflect regulatory changes, industry standards, and organisational goals.
• Lead and develop the implementation of policies procedures, and best practices for service delivery.
• Drive digital transformation projects that improve operational efficiency and customer accessibility.
• Be outward looking, building links with new organisations to promote the work of the Association and to pursue opportunities to collaborate and share services.
• Identify funding, partnership and new service opportunities to enhance service delivery.

• Lead the Finance and IT teams effectively.
• Build knowledge, skills and confidence in operational managers to monitor and supervise work allocations.
• You will undertake resource planning and establish and monitor performance targets.
• Motivate staff to achieve the best possible results and deliver excellent service to both internal and external customers.
• Ensure staff are supported and developed in line with the Achieving Excellence policy through effective induction of new staff, regular 1-1 meetings, coaching, mentoring and training.
• Produce accurate and timely performance information, data and reports as required for senior staff or Board, including information required for regulatory and statutory returns and agreeing and implementing actions arising from internal and external audits.
• Be outward looking and ensure that the Association’s Finance and IT teams seek continuous improvement and learn from best practice from within and outside the sector.
• Produce clear and concise reports for the Senior Management Team and Board to facilitate appropriate strategic decisions.
• Investigate and respond to stage 2 complaints in line with the Associations policies and procedures and current guidance of the SPSO, ensuring learning is captured and implemented into processes and procedures going forward.

• Be a member of the Association’s Senior Management Team, acting as a role model for the Finance and IT teams, living our values on a day to day basis.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, statutory and legal requirements and other directives.
• Comply with Maryhill Housing’s policies including our code of conduct, health and safety, anti-fraud and bribery, and equalities, diversity and inclusion policies.
• Ensure effective communication in plain language, both internally and externally; to ensure people are informed, engaged and find it easy to access our services and contact us and understand our information and the decisions we make.
• Maximise the use of IT to improve efficiency, increase productivity and develop new and existing services and actively promote the interests and activities of the Association through digital and social media.
• Support the Senior Management Team in the development and review of our Corporate and Annual Delivery Plans and Financial Business Plan and ensure risks are identified, managed and mitigated effectively.
• Develop and maintain strong stakeholder relationships with auditors and consultants, the Scottish Housing Regulator, OSCR, FCA, HMRC and other relevant agencies.