Finance Liaison Officer in Birmingham

Overview

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902km 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, to 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.

Benefits

• Enhanced family leave benefits, including 52 weeks fully paid maternity and adoption leave.
• Friendly working environment with on-site free gym facilities, free parking and access to an in-house occupational health facility including occupational health and fitness advisors, sports therapists, physiotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners and counsellors.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• ‘Bluelight’ discounts across many retailers through partner schemes.
• Sports and Welfare scheme (for a small fee) – with access to discounted products and services.

Diversity

We welcome applications from all eligible candidates. However, as women and Black and minority ethnic employees are currently under-represented in our service, we particularly encourage applications from these groups. WMFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect the same of every staff member.

Candidate Requirements

Successful candidates will be subject to necessary pre-employment checks, including – where applicable – relevant level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, qualifications, medical clearance, identity and right to work. All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references.