Financial Planning and Treasury Accountant

Sandwell Council’s Finance Division is seeking a detailed and experienced Financial Planning and Treasury Accountant to join its Financial Planning and Treasury team on a full-time, permanent basis, based at its Oldbury office. The organisation currently operates a hybrid working model.

The Financial Planning Accountant will work alongside the Strategic Financial Planning and Treasury Accountant to ensure the effective financial management of the functions under the remit of the post and provide financial advice and challenge to support delivery of services and achievement of Corporate Plan objectives. The role will be responsible under the guidance of the Strategic Financial Planning and Treasury Accountant for the technical financial aspects of the area it supports which will include production of the medium-term financial plan (general fund and HRA), balance sheet review, collection fund accounting and forecasting, treasury management activities and input to the Treasury Management Strategy.

The postholder will play a key role in supporting the Council’s change and transformation activities by providing strategic financial advice and guidance and offering innovative and creative solutions.

In this role you will:

• Lead on year-end processes (revenue and/or capital) for the corporate closure of accounts and production of the Statutory Statement of Accounts including core financial statements and associated notes in line with CIPFA requirements.
• Adopt a collaborative, supportive, and challenging approach, in providing advice, support and guidance on both established internal policy and external regulations or legislation to colleagues across the Council and to partner organisations.
• Lead on the detailed production of the Medium-Term Financial Plan.
• Lead on the annual review and analysis of the Council’s fees and charges working with services and finance business partners.
• Lead on the review, monitoring and forecasting of the council’s balance sheet.
• Lead on the financial analysis and financial benchmarking for the Council, including financial research to support services where appropriate.
• Liaise with the Council’s pension fund administrator on a regular basis regarding future contributions to the pension fund.
• Lead on treasury management activities and cashflow forecasting, including year-end accounting and contribute towards the corporate closure of accounts and production of the Statement of Accounts.
• Regularly calculate and review the Council’s short- and long-term borrowing requirements, including the liaison with capital accountancy colleagues to produce the capital financing requirement and minimum revenue provision.
• Be the lead officer liaising with the Council’s external treasury advisors on investment and borrowing requirements/opportunities.
• Provide strategic technical financial advice to colleagues across the council to influence decision making and support service delivery and improvements.
• Ensure that appropriate financial procedures are in place and that the Council’s Financial Regulations and Budgetary Framework operate effectively in respect of Treasury Management in particular, and work with service areas to address any areas of weakness.
• Highlight to the Strategic Financial Planning and Treasury Accountant where this is not the case.
• Have a detailed understanding of relevant legislation and underlying concepts and principles of Local Government Finance, and to maintain and develop professional knowledge, skills and experience.
• Carry out such other duties as may be appropriate to achieve the objectives of the post to assist the Service Area in the fulfilment of its objectives commensurate with the post holder's salary grade, abilities and aptitudes.

Attributes that you would bring to the role:

• A fully qualified member of the UK's recognised chartered accountancy body (i.e. CCAB, ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS, CIMA, or CIPFA).
• Proven relevant experience in a finance role with preferably some in a Local Government setting.
• Direct experience of managing teams.
• Experience of managing tasks involving others.
• Experience of supporting managing budgets.
• Experience of effective financial management and planning including delivering financial advice at a strategic level across services.
• Experience of Treasury Management.
• Experience of managing and developing individuals and teams.
• Experience of building effective partnerships, negotiating and consulting with internal and external stakeholders.

At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values‑led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.

We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. At Sandwell, we recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities. This diversity makes us a stronger and more effective council. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive.

Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that everyone has the support they need to perform at their best and succeed in their role.