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- Tasks: Provide comprehensive financial services and support to the Housing finance team.
- Company: Join a dynamic council committed to equality and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a solid pension plan.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local government finance while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Finance qualification or local government experience preferred.
- Other info: Ongoing training and a supportive environment for continuous learning.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Finance Officer to join our Housing finance team in the Resident Services department. As the Principal Finance Officer, you will be responsible for providing a comprehensive financial service to the department, ensuring that financial activities relating to all areas of Housing are conducted in a timely, accurate and compliant manner.
In this role, you will provide a comprehensive financial service to the department, including providing advice to, and work jointly with, managers throughout the department covering all aspects of financial management, grants and funding co-ordination, financial policy and procedures and audit administration. You'll be actively involved in the preparation of detailed management reports and offering crucial advice and support to departmental staff. Ensuring strict compliance with all relevant financial regulations and procedures is paramount, as is working closely with other departments to guarantee seamless financial coordination. Your role also involves contributing significantly to the continuous improvement of financial systems and processes.
The Departmental Housing Finance Support team plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth financial operations of the Resident Services department. Our team is composed of highly skilled and experienced officers who possess an intimate understanding of the department's intricate financial processes. We are adept at handling a wide range of financial tasks, demonstrating exceptional versatility and expertise in all areas of the department's financial management. Our collaborative and supportive work environment promotes continuous learning, allowing us to provide unparalleled service to the department. Our exceptional communication skills enable us to effectively interact with officers at all levels, fostering strong partnerships and contributing significantly to the overall success of the department.
Key duties include:
- Monitoring of departmental Housing budgets and expenditure both general fund and HRA.
- Maintaining a high level of technical knowledge of the Housing Management system (NEC) and uses said knowledge to interrogate Repair and Maintenance trends.
- Compiles monthly findings for monthly board forecast review.
- Preparation of monthly forecast reports working with the relevant service heads to analysis and integrate detail.
- Providing general financial advice and support to Housing departmental staff.
- Ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations and procedures.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
The successful candidate will have an appropriate finance qualification or proven local government experience and knowledge of financing local government and preferably previous experience of Housing Revenue Accounts. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are able to demonstrate a high level of transferrable skills and knowledge. Ongoing training will be provided to the successful candidate in keeping with the council’s commitment to staff development. You will need to have a practical approach to problem solving and be comfortable with cyclical tasks. You will have an analytical mind and be a well-developed communicator both orally and written, familiar with Microsoft software suite, self-motivated and be committed to providing good customer care. You will have the ability to work independently without direct supervision yet still be an active member of the team.
Indicative Recruitment Timeline
Closing Date: Sunday th January
Shortlisting Date: W/C th January
Interview Date: W/C nd February
We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Useful Information
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any assistance throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Principal Finance Officer employer: Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
Contact Detail:
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Finance Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the finance sector, especially those who have worked in local government. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your financial regulations knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past roles. We want to see that you can handle the nitty-gritty of financial management with ease!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills during interviews. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute to continuous improvement in financial systems.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the success of the Resident Services department.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Finance Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the Principal Finance Officer role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Financial Expertise: Since this role is all about finance, don’t hold back on showcasing your qualifications and experience in financial management. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or improved financial processes in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role, and make sure your passion for the position shines through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Finance Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets or financial reports in the past. This will show that you understand the intricacies of financial management.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Housing Finance
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Housing Revenue Accounts and local government financing. Research recent changes in regulations or policies that could impact the role. This knowledge will help you stand out as someone who is proactive and well-informed.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific financial challenges or compliance issues. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully navigated similar situations. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves advising and collaborating with various departments, practice articulating complex financial concepts in simple terms. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated with non-financial colleagues in the past, as this will highlight your ability to foster strong partnerships.
