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Job Purpose

We are looking for an Interim Head of Finance Operations to lead and manage finance operations across 2 councils within their Shared Finance Service (SFS). As a key member of the Finance Management Team, you will work collaboratively with senior colleagues to deliver high-quality financial services, supporting the SFS ambition to add value and inspire success. You will share responsibility for the leadership and delivery of the wider service, ensuring finance operations support the priorities of both councils. The role provides direct support to the Directors of Finance and Section 151 Officers for both councils. You may also be required to deputise for either council’s Section 151 Officer, subject to membership of a qualifying accountancy body.

Working Arrangements 2 days per week in the office split between sites but may also require in person attendance at specific meetings at sites on additional days.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide professional expertise to apply best practice to support the development and implementation of operational plans and ensure on-going professional development of self and others.
• Provide information to Elected Members to enable them to monitor and delivery of their political objectives and priorities.
• Implement policies to support the delivery of Council objectives and plans and that comply with all relevant legislation and statutory requirements.
• Manage discrete programmes and projects to ensure they deliver their outcomes within agreed standards of cost and time.
• Where relevant, develop, motivate and set performance objectives for a senior team/staff in order to support a culture of high-quality organisational performance.
• Where required, manage devolved budgets and resources in order to support the delivery of intended outcomes and demonstrate value for money.
• The remit of the role is to deliver strategic leadership and management to the Shared Finance Service and be accountable for the work of the Finance Operations teams. The post holder will be accountable for delivering best in class transactional finance services.

Strategic Leadership and Management

• Take collective responsibility as part of the Shared Finance Service Management Team for delivering activities that will realise the Shared Finance Service ambition to add value, inspire success.
• Demonstrate strong and confident leadership of the Shared Finance Service, inspiring staff to deliver excellent finance services to Kingston and Sutton Councils.
• Lead the Shared Finance Service to develop a culture that reflects the INSPIRE values and to achieve business plans and corporate objectives.
• Have a good understanding of the role and function of all finance teams to be able to contribute to the strategic management of the service as part of the Shared Finance Service Management Team.
• Provide strategic support and advice to Council committees, Councillors, Member boards and corporate governance arrangements in financial matters.
• Develop strategic partnerships and effective relationships with external partners.
• Undertake the role of Company Director for one or more Council owned companies as required.
• Support both Council’s emergency planning arrangements as required at Head of Service level.

Functional Responsibilities

• Line manage 1-5 FTEs within the Finance Operations Team and provide performance management which drives high standards of performance and achieves excellent outcomes.
• Be responsible for the provision of high-quality financial operations and transactions utilising shared resources and aligned processes in the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable teams.
• Be responsible for the timely payment and management of Council debts working collaboratively with service managers and suppliers.
• Be responsible for the effective management and collection of sundry debts owed to each Council working collaboratively with service managers and customers.
• Be responsible for commissioning and managing both Councils banking contracts and tax advisors.
• Be responsible for both Councils VAT arrangements, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and accounting requirements, and providing support and advice to other service areas as required.
• Be responsible for the administration and management of third-party bank accounts.
• Be responsible for commissioning and managing both Councils key Financial Systems and ensuring effective digital integration with other key systems or processes.
• Be responsible for the development and implementation of robust financial controls and governance to provide strong stewardship over public money and to protect the financial health of both Councils.
• Drive digital transformation and use of robotics, automation and AI to enhance financial reporting and controls, deliver useful and accessible management information and reduce transactional costs.
• Work effectively with other enabling services to deliver effective end to end processes that support internal and external stakeholders and minimise transactional or processing costs.
• Provide detailed performance information, analysis, briefings and advice & guidance to the S151 officers or Councillors as required.
• Analyse complex data and information sources to interpret legislative or policy changes that impact on the financial position of the councils.
• Lead both Councils Premier Supplier Programme initiative.
• Lead on the development of a SFS culture that supports non finance managers to manage transactional finance activity effectively, minimising losses to the Council and supporting residents and partners to manage their finances successfully.
• Empower staff to fulfil their potential and create interesting & varied career paths through effective apprenticeships and training schemes and supporting individuals to gain professional credit management or financial qualifications.

Desirable Knowledge and Experience

• Completed a relevant professional qualification that supports delivery of functional responsibilities (e.g. CIPFA, CIMA, ICM, MBA etc).
• Educated to Degree Level.
• Experience of delivering a Finance service within a shared service or to multiple organisations simultaneously.
• Experience of successfully managing financial operations in a large complex organisation.
• Experience of successfully delivering financial support to front line services.
• Experience of managing debt collection activities in a large complex organisation.
• Experience of managing effective purchase to pay processes.
• Experience of commissioning or managing key Financial Systems.
• Experience of successfully managing large teams delivering multiple services to different groups of stakeholders.
• Experience of delivering transformation, identifying and implementing digital solutions or using innovation to improve transactional services.
• Experience of supporting a wide range of organisational initiatives through the finance function, including partnership working, major contract award, local authority trading companies (LATCs), shared services and other alternative delivery models (ADMs).
• Experience of working directly in a strategic capacity with Councillors or elected officials.

Capabilities and Behaviours

• Ability to interpret complex or detailed legislation, policy or strategy documents to identify financial implications and deliver insight.
• Ability to manage conflict or competing objectives to deliver creative and innovative solutions that contribute towards achieving corporate priorities.
• Strong performance management capabilities.
• Ability to develop strong working relationships and establish personal credibility with a wide range of stakeholders both within and outside of Kingston and Sutton Councils.
• Capability to explore innovative approaches and transformation, and enthusiasm to use digital, AI and automation to improve service outcomes.
• Flexible and agile approach to work that focuses on achievement of outcomes and high-quality services that meet customer needs.
• Capability to translate strategy into realistic, achievable plans.
• Enthusiastic and empathetic approach to coaching, mentoring and inspiring colleagues using high levels of emotional intelligence to achieve high standards of personal and team performance.
• Creative approach to problem solving and improving delivery of finance services.
• Commercially astute mindset that is open to change and embraces innovation.
• Open and adaptive approach to leadership, taking personal responsibility for achieving success for the Shared Finance Service.