Capital Accounting Deputy in Ballymena

Job Reference: 26007726)Primary Location : Antrim-Ballymena-Ballymena OfficeOther Locations :Antrim-Belfast-Belfast Office, Down-Dundonald-Dundonald Office, Armagh-Armagh-Armagh Office, Tyrone-Omagh-Omagh OfficeContract Type : PermanentDuration of Contract/Contract End Date : N/AStatus : Full-TimeHours per Week : 36 hours per weekWorking Pattern : Monday - FridayGrade/Scale : Assistant Principal Officer | NJC pts 37 - 40 | £48,226 - £51,356 per annumAdditional Allowance(s) : Not ApplicableAnticipated Interview Date(s) : TBCAdditional Information: The base location is to be agreed on appointment with the Functional Lead. Note, as the role carries regional responsibility travel across Education Authority sites will be required in order to attend meetings, participate in projects and fulfil full range of duties and responsibility.JOB DESCRIPTIONService area Finance Directorate – Accounting and Financial Services – Corporate and Capital Accounting ServiceResponsible to: Capital AccountantResponsible for: The Capital Accounting Deputy will support the Capital Accountant in developing and moving forward a range of key initiatives and assignments within the Corporate and Capital Accounting Service. They will be responsible for EA capital accounting processes, including management and maintenance of the EA Fixed Asset Register, whilst ensuring compliance with the Government Financial Reporting Manual (FreM), Managing Public Money NI (MPMNI) and other relevant guidance. They will contribute to the improvement of business processes, financial control, and financial planning activities across directorate services. The Capital Accounting Deputy will build and maintain clear lines of communication within and across the Directorate and establish effective working partnerships with relevant stakeholders and service user groups. The post holder will also be expected to have knowledge across all sections within the Capital Reporting and Accounting function to allow them to provide support and/or cover any vacant posts which may be required at this grade. The post holder will be expected to manage staff within their team across all EA offices as appropriate.Job Purpose:The overall purpose of the role is to support the Capital Accountant to develop and lead on all aspects of the Capital Accounting function. The overall purpose of the role is to assist the Functional Lead and Capital Accountant in leading, managing and developing the portfolio of services for the relevant Directorate. As a key member of this team, the post holder is accountable for ensuring that service delivery is focused on fostering and driving continuous improvement. The Post Holder will be expected to provide strong leadership and direction to ensure the significant ongoing change and harmonisation process to create and implement a fit for purpose Capital Accounting function.The post holder will work with relevant Directorate EA colleagues and internal/external stakeholders to ensure continuous service improvement and delivery on key performance priorities to ensure that current and emerging priorities are embedded in the programme of work. The post-holder will advise and support the Functional Lead and the Capital Accountant in the development of the strategic direction for this service to ensure that function priorities are clearly identified and communicated in line with overall service requirements.In acting as an integral member of the Capital Reporting and Accounting Team, the post-holder is required to fully contribute to all Capital Reporting and Accounting function issues related to the corporate plan, operational business plan, service development proposals, savings proposals and risk register to ensure that the Directorate operational plans support the overall strategic direction of the Authority and the achievement of its objectives in line with its vision, mission and values.The post-holder will contribute to the achievement of the EA’s overall corporate objectives. The post-holder will be responsible for providing advice, support, information and guidance to the Functional Lead and Capital Accountant, Senior Finance Service staff and relevant EA Directorate colleagues.Service-Specific ResponsibilitiesThe Capital Accounting Deputy will be responsible for assisting with the development and advancement of a range of key initiatives and assignments within the Capital Reporting and Accounting function, such as:· To provide clear, strategic leadership to staff to ensure the function has a highly skilled, flexible, and motivated workforce.· Oversee reconciliation between capital budget expenditure and fixed asset additions monthly and engage with Capital Finance Business Partners on assets in the course of construction which are complete and require transfer to the asset register.· Oversee the monthly mass allocation exercise and engagement with the general ledger team as required.· Assisting with the oversight and coordination of EA capital accounting processes, engaging with key stakeholders as appropriate to ensure all statutory and regulatory reporting obligations are met;· Maintaining the EA Fixed Asset Register through the use of asset verification exercises, accurate and timely recording of disposals, acquisitions and valuations, asset splits, revaluation exercises, etc., to ensure the integrity of EA asset information for reporting purposes and accurate reconciliation to the finance system.· Assisting in the management of the LPS revaluation engagement and leading on day to day LPS engagement.· Investigate and resolve discrepancies in the EA Fixed Asset Register through cross directorate engagement.· Assist the Capital Accountant in the development and maintenance of a Capital Accounting Manual to include capital accounting policies for EA, engaging across directorates to ensure it is fit for purpose within EA and compliance with financial reporting standards.· Responding to queries and providing assistance and advice within the team and to other internal/external stakeholders on capital accounting issues.· Assisting with the reporting of EA PFI/PPP schemes, Lease arrangements, ensuring compliance with relevant financial guidance (including the Financial Reporting Manual), and year end reporting requirements.· Completing yearend capital accounting procedures, including updating of the EA Fixed Asset Register, liaising across teams as required, to ensure statutory reporting requirements and timescales (such as those set out in the EA DE Accounts Directions), are met;· Assist the Capital Accountant in responding to internal and external audit queries, and the review and implementation of audit recommendations regarding policies and processes.· In conjunction with the Functional Lead and Capital Accountant, contribute to the development of new processes and procedures to improve Service delivery.· Preparation of detailed and complex reports to support analysis of the Service performance in meeting KPI, corporate targets and the Directorates long term strategic plans.· Integration of service performance data as appropriate, to develop management information on EA assets to support the Functional Lead and Capital Accountant in assessing the current position, any associated risks and actions to mitigate.· Manage the provision of capital accounting to support and monitor delivery of organisational objectives.· Provide advice and training to the capital accounting and reporting team, EA Directorate and other Service users.· Play a key role in the identification, management, and reporting of strategic risks to the Directorate.· Ensure Assembly questions and other requests for information are dealt with promptly and accurately within the timeframe.· Provide technical guidance to internal/external stakeholders for all aspects of the Capital Accounting function.· To provide accurate, timely and relevant advice and front-line support to relevant Directorate on all matters relating to the Capital Accounting function.· To promote and develop a strong and consistent service delivery culture throughout the service.· To ensure that Capital Accounting function is delivered to a high quality, provide value for money, support the delivery of Departmental policy and is consistent and integrated in approach across all areas of the EA.· To assist the Functional Lead and Capital Accountant, in the achievement of functional, Service, Directorate and Corporate objectives and to contribute where required to the development of the Finance & ICT Directorate strategies, supporting policies and the implementation of processes, procedures and new ways of working.· Support the Functional Lead and Capital Accountant and other Departmental leads to ensure a co-ordinated and integrated approach to planning that is aligned with all long-term strategic plans for the Finance Directorate.· To develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders across Directorates, and external stakeholders in the strategic planning, management, in the delivery of the EA’s corporate priorities.· To assist and support high standards of governance including contributing to the establishment and implementation of effective accountability processes and systems to monitor, measure, control and report on the work of the service, to take account of changes in the internal and external environments, which may impact on and influence priorities and needs. This will include appropriate use of benchmarks and key performance indicators (KPI) to demonstrate the achievement of value for money.· To represent the EA on internal and external working groups and committees and to represent the Functional Lead and Capital Accountant on such groups.· Develop expertise as appropriate of specific statutory, contractual, commercial requirements or other financial management guidance for the Directorate services.· To deputise and undertake additional duties for the Functional Lead and Capital Accountant as required.· Maintain awareness of financial accounting standards, FReM, and MPMNI.Other Duties and Responsibilities applicable to the role of Capital Accounting DeputyLeadership ResponsibilitiesThe post-holder will be expected to:· To work with the Functional Lead and Capital Accountant to guide and support on service delivery across the service.· To give direction, training, and development within the Capital Accounting team on specific areas to gain a high level of compliance in processes and procedures.· Assist the Functional Lead and Capital Accountant with design, implementation and periodic evaluation of structures within the Service to ensure that management structures and practices support a culture of effective team working, continuous improvement and innovation.· Apply resources effectively and proportionately across the service.· To support internal audit reviews across the Capital Accounting function.· Regularly monitor the work of the capital accounting team against agreed key performance indicators ensuring achievement and improvement where required.· Attend working groups and team meetings as required.Policy and Procedure DevelopmentThe post-holder will be expected to:· Contribute to the review, revision and development of existing and new policies and procedures as the need arises for the service.· Contribute to human resources and EA’s corporate strategy and plans on matters relating to employee relations.Other ResponsibilitiesThe post-holder will be expected to:· Ensure that the EA’s policy on Data Protection (in particular, processing sensitive personal information) is properly complied with.· Ensure that the EA’s Equal Opportunities Policy, relevant Codes of Employment and Practice and other relevant legislation are adhered to. In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.· Participate as required in the selection and appointment of staff in accordance with the policy and procedures as laid down by EA.· Provide responses to Parliamentary Questions, Assembly Questions, Minister’s cases, FOI requests and other correspondence within set deadlines.· Undertake such other relevant duties as may be reasonably expected of the post-holder.· Deal with whistleblowing complaints in accordance with the Whistleblowing procedure.· The post holder may also be required to work outside normal office hours on occasions.· Follow robust corporate governance procedures and financial control frameworks for effective management of the budget for the service and monitor expenditure ensuring propriety, regularity and value for money within the allocated budget;· Facilitate reporting protocols that are required by EA;Building Relationships and Working with OthersThe post-holder will be expected to:Build and maintain effective, professional, and respectful stakeholder relationships.Develop and maintain clear lines of communication and effective working partnerships with relevant internal and external stakeholders.TrainingThe post-holder will be expected to:· To provide specific training and development to staff and line managers when required e.g., introduction of new processes, new regulations, or the revision of existing regulations.· Contribute to the development and delivery of capital accounting initiatives and programmes such as workshops and training and development initiatives for Senior Managers and service wide.Partnership workingThe post-holder will be expected to:· Enhance the development of the service by building on effective partnerships· Develop links across the EA’s Directorates as necessary· Ensure effective systems are in place for communication and consultation with service users, both internally and externally;· Contribute to attendance at meetings both internally and with other stakeholders, in accordance with corporate goals, service targets, multi-agency action plans and in line with the Authority’s and DE requirements. Other Duties· Comply with Education Authority policies and procedures in relation to the duties and responsibilities of the post;· Any such other duties that the Authority may from time to time require. The list of duties is not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive. The post holder may be required to undertake various other duties as deemed necessary and commensurate with the level of responsibility of the post. EA reserves the right to update the Job Description to reflect the changing needs of the Service in consultation with the post holder. This job description is intended to provide a broad outline of responsibilities and reflects an initial assessment of the needs of the Directorate. As such, it is not intended to be exhaustive, and may be subject to on-going review and refinement to ensure the Directorate’s ability to meet the evolving needs of the business. Other reasonable duties may be assigned by the Director, Assistant Director, Head of Service or Functional Lead.In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.PERSON SPECIFICATIONNOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria.Section 1 - Essential CriteriaThe following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.Factor Essential Criteria Method of AssessmentQualifications/ExperienceHold either (A), (B) or (C)(A) Be a fully qualified accountant with current membership of one of the five CCAB bodies (ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA, ICAS or Chartered Accountants Ireland) (ICAI) or CIMA or equivalent and have two years’ demonstrable within last five years relevant experience*;OR(B) Hold a Bachelor’s Degree (UK Qualification and Credit Framework Level 6) or an equivalent or higher qualification and have a minimum of four years’ within last seven years relevant experience*;OR(C) Have a minimum of seven years’ within last ten years relevant experience* *Relevant experience is defined as:Experience gained within a Finance environment of successful contribution to at least two of the areas listed below in a complex organisation:a. Finance policy, procedures and processes;b. Financial planning and strategy;c. Budget setting, monitoring and control;d. Preparation of information for annual accounts and statutory returns;e. Provision of technical advice and support to customers/stakeholders.Demonstrable experience of successfully delivering statutory and/or financial reporting requirements.Be able to demonstrate experience in managing and developing a team of staff.Demonstrable experience in the use of spreadsheet packages to analyse large amounts of dataShortlisting by Application FormKnowledge Demonstrate knowledge of integrated financial management information systems, budgeting and financial reporting.Shortlisting by Application FormSkills/Abilities Proven ability to achieve targets and objectives within a demanding and pressurised environment against challenging deadlines and through engaging team members.Shortlisting by Application FormOtherThe successful candidate will be required:to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion;ORbe able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion.Shortlisting by Application FormSection 2 - Essential CriteriaThe following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model.Factor Essential Criteria Method of AssessmentKnowledgeKnowledge of the current and anticipated challenges facing the Education Authority in relation to capital accounting requirements.Knowledge of integrated financial management information systems, budgeting and financial reporting arrangements with the Education Authority.InterviewSkills/AbilitiesIn line with EA’s Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of:Leading sound and effective business planning processes.Ability to champion EA strategic priorities, support the delivery of change and drive service improvement.An influential and persuasive communicator who recognises the value of working with stakeholders and can gain commitment across groups to achieve shared objectives.Able to establish credibility and presence in groups across a wide spectrum of people.Excellent leadership and management skills to build a high performing team.A high level of IT literacy using a range of Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, PowerPoint.Achievement against challenging targets through the engagement of teams and solving problems through informed decision making.InterviewValues OrientationEvidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values.InterviewOur ValuesThrough the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUNDThe Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice. #J-18808-Ljbffr