At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial management and provide guidance to enhance budget processes.
- Company: Join the second largest fire service in England, dedicated to community safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration within a supportive team.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that impacts over 2.9 million people in the West Midlands.
- Qualifications: Experience in local authority finance and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902 km square and a population of more than 2.9 million people. ‘Our Strategy’ drives the people, professionalism and pride with which we serve our communities, making them safer, stronger and healthier. We have an exciting opportunity for two Finance Liaison Officers to join us, within our finance team, reporting to the Principal Management Accountant. We are looking for enthusiastic finance professionals. The role would suit those with a fire sector or local government background, a can-do attitude, analytical skills and the ability to appropriately articulate financial information to a range of stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Assist the Treasurer (S151 Officer), Head of Finance and Principal Accountant in providing a full and quality financial management service for WMFS.
- Prepare robust monthly financial forecasting, working alongside relevant budget holders.
- Provide financial management advice and guidance on an ad-hoc basis and during meetings.
- Provide financial support to the relevant Senior Leadership Team member/s.
- Support the Head of Finance and wider team in the annual budget setting process.
- Provide support, training and guidance to the organisation, including budget holders, on financial management and effective business partnering.
Experience and Skills
- Detailed knowledge of local authority finance, budgeting and accounting.
- Use of relevant software and online accounting systems.
- Accuracy and attention to detail in all work areas.
- Ability to analyse, interpret, assimilate and translate complex financial information and to prepare reasoned reports from this information.
- Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with members of the finance team and budget managers.
- Ability to communicate financial issues (both in writing and verbally) to others in an easy-to-understand format.
- Ability to listen, interpret, negotiate, influence, challenge and inspire.
- Ability to understand the impact of financial reporting on performance and see the value of financial information provided to budget managers, to support them in their roles.
- Ability to make decisions, manage workloads and achieve deadlines.
- Ability to use complex Excel spreadsheets.
- Awareness of/familiarity with Oracle (Fusion).
- Ability to write/maintain Oracle Transactional Business Intelligence (OTBI) reports.
Finance Liaison Officer – West Midlands Fire Service employer: National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
West Midlands Fire Service is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and community service. As part of a vital public service, Finance Liaison Officers will benefit from comprehensive training opportunities, a collaborative environment, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the safety and well-being of over 2.9 million residents in the West Midlands.
Contact Details:
National Fire Chiefs Council Limited. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Liaison Officer – West Midlands Fire Service
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with local government or fire services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and understanding of local authority finance. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to financial management to show off your analytical skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Finance Liaison Officer role. We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Liaison Officer – West Midlands Fire Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Liaison Officer role. Highlight your experience in local authority finance and any relevant software skills, like Oracle or Excel. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with WMFS and how your analytical skills can contribute to our mission. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since the role involves articulating financial information to various stakeholders, make sure to demonstrate your communication skills in your application. Use clear and concise language, and don’t shy away from showing how you can simplify complex financial concepts.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of local authority finance, budgeting, and accounting. Be prepared to discuss specific financial concepts and how they apply to the role. This will show that you understand the financial landscape WMFS operates in.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves articulating financial information to various stakeholders, practice explaining complex financial data in simple terms. You might even want to prepare a few examples of how you've successfully communicated financial issues in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've used analytical skills in previous roles. Think of specific instances where you interpreted financial data or created reports that influenced decision-making. This will highlight your ability to provide valuable insights.
✨Build Rapport with the Interviewers
Remember, this role is about collaboration. Show your ability to build strong working relationships by being personable and engaging during the interview. Ask questions about their team dynamics and express your enthusiasm for working together to achieve financial goals.
