JOB DESCRIPTION:
Head of Finance
RESPONSIBLE TO:
Director of Finance
PURPOSE OF POST:
To manage efficiently and effectively the
Finance function to ensure that high quality
management and financial information is
provided for the Association.
To assist in managing the financial resources of
the Association in a way, which achieves the
main objectives whilst minimising the exposure
to risk and achieving value for money
DIRECT REPORTS:
Finance Manager Reporting, Senior Finance
Officer Processing
OTHER KEY RELATIONSHIPS:
Chief Executive, Directors, Heads of Service,
internal and external auditors, bankers, lenders,
Statutory and Regulatory bodies.
1
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
1.1
To contribute to the development, implementation and review of Gateway’s corporate
strategies, annual project plans, policies and procedures
1.2
To develop and maintain positive relationships with key partners, stakeholders and
Lenders
1.3
To ensure effective management of staff and resources promoting team building and
collaborative working to deliver the corporate plan
1.4
To provide clear, succinct and cogent reports to required deadlines for the Board,
Committees, the Chief Executive, Management Teams and key stakeholders as
required.
1.5
To respond appropriately to emergencies or urgent issues as they arise
2
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
2.1
To provide robust financial management of the finance budgets delegated, taking steps
to continuously improve the Association’s efficiency
2.2
To approve revenue spend within delegated limits
3.
ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING
3.1
To ensure that the financial records and accounts of the Association and its
subsidiaries are kept accurately, up to date and with sufficient detail to ensure the
smooth and efficient running of the organisation.
3.2
To ensure that adequate controls are in place for financial assurance purposes.
3.3
To manage the development of comprehensive financial procedures to ensure proper
authorisation and accounting for all transactions. To ensure that policies and
procedures comply with statutory and regulatory requirements.
3.4
To ensure that Financial Regulations and Service Level Agreement’s of the
Association are adhered to and reviewed at least annually.
3.5
To prepare the year-end statutory accounts and working papers satisfying all
legislative and administrative requirements for their audit within the agreed time
scales.
3.6
To liaise with external auditors to ensure prompt audit process and unqualified
accounts.
3.7
To ensure that all regulatory and other statutory returns are prepared and submitted
within the relevant timetables.
3.8
To manage the tax affairs of the association
3.9
To manage the service charge accounting process.
4.
BUDGETS AND BUSINESS PLANNING
4.1
To manage the preparation of the annual budget within the agreed timetable
4.2
To assist budget holders in managing their budgets and provide them with the
necessary financial services to ensure expenditure is monitored on a regular basis
throughout the year and that appropriate action is recommended on a timely basis.
4.3
To update the Associations long-term Financial Plan in accordance with changes to
the Association financial management. This will include updating as a result of
budgets/year end financial statements/development strategies.
5.
TREASURY MANAGEMENT
5.1
To manage the draw down of private finance from lenders and to provide reports to
funders as and when required.
5.2
To be responsible for the treasury administration including security management,
making loan/interest payments and loan compliance to lenders in accordance with
the agreed loan terms.
5.3
To be responsible for operating efficiently and effectively the Treasury Management
function, including liquidity, covenants compliance, debt, interest rates and
investment management, bank accounts in accordance with the approved Treasury
Policy Statement and Annual Treasury Strategy of the Association.
5.4
To ensure that accurate financial and relevant records are kept for all treasury
transactions.
5.5
To ensure effective cashflow forecasts are prepared and monitored.
6.
CAPITAL ACCOUNTING
6.1
To oversee the maintenance of the Association’s fixed asset system including
property, development and other fixed assets in line with accounting standards and
recommended practice.
6.2
To ensure that accurate monitoring and reporting of this function is done within
agreed timescales, liaising with the development team.
6.3
To advise and comment on the financial viability of all scheme appraisals.
7.
GENERAL
7.1
To carry out any other duties, as directed, commensurate with this post.
7.2
To deputise for the Finance Director as necessary.
The job description will be reviewed at regular intervals
Last reviewed October 2014
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
Education and 
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Qualifications
Experience
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Knowledge
and Skills
Head of Finance
Full membership of a CCAB body
Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
Considerable staff / team management experience including
development and training needs
Experience of target setting, monitoring performance and
benchmarking
Developing and implementing Policies and Procedures
Comprehensive knowledge of financial and management accounting
with considerable post qualification experience
Detailed knowledge of accounting practice, legislation and other
regulatory requirements
Ability to analyse and interpret financial information and anticipate
future issues
Experience within a finance department with responsibility for
statutory accounts and management information
Experience of delivering the annual budgeting process
Proven track record of working to tight deadlines and delivering
demanding targets
Experience of Treasury Management and cashflow reporting
Standard
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Ability to utilise and manage complex IT systems, including working
knowledge of accounting systems
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Develop effective partnership working within the Association and with
other stakeholders.
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Effective working within teams and individually
Management
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Excellent Communication skills, both oral and written.
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Ability to write and present reports to SMT and the Governing Body
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Good negotiating skills
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Ability to make decisions
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Effective project management skills
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Ability to explain complex financial information clearly to ‘lay’
managers and other non-financial stakeholders
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Proven track record of managing and motivating staff
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Highly proactive and motivated
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Excellent time management skills
Attributes
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Constructive member of the Management Team
A commitment to equal opportunities, cultural diversity and social
housing
Commitment to front line service delivery and responsiveness to
residents
Some evening and weekend work will be required