APPENDIX A

JOB DESCRIPTION & PERSON PROFILE

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND RESOURCES

1. Job Purpose

Responsible for the effective management of the Finance and Resources Directorate, to lead and shape the delivery of services to reflect the overall strategy of the Directorate in accordance with relevant legislation, policies and the political direction of the Council.

Be the Council’s designated officer under Section 151 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1972 and section 114 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988.

Support the Chief Executive Officer and other Chief Officers in achieving the Council objectives and contribute to the effectiveness of the Corporate Management Team.

Develop and maintain partnership working with other agencies and voluntary organisations, including close liaison with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Government office of the South West, Regional Assembly, etc. Act the first point of contact with the external auditors.

2. DIMENSIONS

Responsible for the development of the Council’s overall Finance and Resources Strategy and the management of the overall finances of the Council. This includes a statutory responsibility for the Council’s budgets, which include a gross revenue expenditure of approx £300 million.

Control and manage the Directorate revenue budget of £50 million and ensure that all functions under the postholder’s control are co-ordinated to achieve the maximum effect for the Council.

Responsible for Directorate staffing of approximately 150

3. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

i. Lead and shape the overall financial strategy of the Council in conjunction with the political direction and the Corporate Plan.

ii. Participate fully in the corporate management of the authority and provide the professional Finance and Resources input into the corporate planning and decision making process including ICT, financial services, revenues and benefits and property matters.

iii. Ensure that the financial implications of actions, plans and initiatives across the authority are identified and reported, ensuring the maintenance and delivery of high quality and cost effective services which reflect the needs of the authority, working in partnership with other Directorates to maintain and improve the overall effectiveness of the organisation.

iv. Lead and direct the work of the Directorate in accordance with the Corporate Plan and the Directorate Business Plan, ensuring that appropriate professional standards are maintained, that innovative and new ways of working are encouraged and services are delivered within agreed budgets.

v. Lead and be the champion for transforming the access our customers have to Council and other public services, including constructive challenge and transformation of business processes.

vi. Ensure that the services delivered by the Directorate are effective and efficient and meet current legislation and the Council’s policy requirements

vii. Lead on the Council’s framework and practical approach to improving efficiency in line with Corporate Plan targets.

viii. Make recommendations on the means of achieving the policies of the Council and advise Members, other Directors and Directorates on matters connected with Finance and Resources Services and policies.

ix. Ensure that appropriate monitoring systems and performance targets and indicators are in place in order to ensure effective performance and delivery of services within the Finance & Resources Directorate.

x. Seek out and establish effective partnerships and other business relationships with statutory agencies and voluntary organisations

xi. Motivate, lead and develop a strong team culture committed to achieving the objectives of the organisation.

xii. Promote awareness and commitment to the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policies ensuring at all times that the duties of the post are carried out in a manner that actively supports the Council’s policies and best practice.

xiii. Ensure compliance with all Health and Safety legislation and associated codes of practice and with Council policies.

4. Supervision and Work Planning

Responsible for the delivery of the strategic direction, business strategy and corporate priorities of the Finance and Resources Directorate.

Overall supervision and work planning responsibility for the Directorate.

5. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Educated to degree (or equivalent) level and must be a qualified member of a recognised accountancy body e.g. CIPFA, CACA, ICAEW, CIMA.

A Proven successful track record of managing achievement at a senior level in a multi disciplinary organisation.

At least five years experience of managing large and complex budgets and at least five years senior management experience.

Ability to present in a confident and assertive manner.

The postholder will be also able to demonstrate the following:

Corporate Leadership	Political awareness	A keen awareness and understanding of how political interests, positions and policies impact on service delivery.
	Corporate responsibility	Commitment to the organisation and corporate culture. Setting an example and acting in a manner consistent with the organisations vision, policies and procedures.
	Strategy and Planning	Ability to approach corporate issues with a broad view. Can translate and develop the vision, mission and values into deliverable plans.
	Thinking creatively	Actively seeks out ways of doing things differently and innovatively by looking across and outside the organisation. Fosters a climate of creativity to promote innovative solutions to problems and challenges.
	Facilitating change	Ability to help others approach changes at work in a positive and constructive manner.
	Business Planning	Ability to translate strategies into achievable programmes of action.
	Cross service/ team working	Encourages and models integrated ways of working to learn and achieve business aims and objectives.
People Management	Leadership and Motivation	Able to set an example, motivate and influence people in a way that seeks to ensure their commitment and enthusiasm to achieving personal and Council objectives.
	Managing development	Creates a climate/culture of development and continuous improvement; acts as a role model by continually developing self and others.
	Team Building	Ability to develop individuals as team members, with a shared vision and purpose.
	Influencing and negotiation	Ability to impact on others, to influence or persuade them to take forward objectives using a variety of techniques.
	Communications	Ability to receive, understand and convey information and ideas effectively, using skills in oral and written communication and presentation.
Self Management	Managing personal learning	Takes responsibility for meeting own learning and development needs
	Personal organisation	Achieves personal objectives through the effective planning and organisation of work.
	Presentation skills	Ability to present information and ideas effectively and with impact using a range of skills.
Customer Focus	Delivering corporate standards	Manages staff effectively and helps them provide the best standard of customer care.
	Customer awareness	Effectively communicating with customers to involve and engage them with the aim of improving service performance and delivery.

Managing for results	Managing resources	Achieves objectives through the effective planning and allocation of financial resources.
	Managing projects	Ability to practice sound project management and to work with the project team.
	Managing information	Able to develop and implement effective information management, communication and technology strategies to ensure that Council services are delivered in the most cost effective way.
	Managing performance	Actively looks for continuous improvement in service provision; challenging service, source delivery, processes and performance, and developing appropriate service standards and performance measures.
	Networking and Building effective partnerships	Able to develops relationships with the wider community and a shared understanding of key issues affecting North Somerset and working collaborately to make lasting improvements.
Integrating Equalities	Valuing diversity	Understands peoples commonalities and differences and helps create a healthy, inclusive environment where all people, feel welcomed, included, and respected so they can contribute their best work .
	Championing equality issues	Opposes discrimination in all its forms, setting and monitoring targets for improvement within their service area as part of the business planning process.

6. JOB CONTEXT

The postholder holds a key strategic position within the senior management structure of the Council.

The postholder will be the Council’s designated officer under Section 151 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1972 and section 114 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988.

7. SCOPE FOR IMPACT

The postholder will be required to lead, advise and support complex and politically sensitive issues affecting the Council.

8. CONTACTS

· Leader, Executive Members and other Members of North Somerset Council

· Chief Executive Officer and Directors

· Government Ministers, Government Departments and Agencies, GOSW, RDA, RA etc

· External Organisations, business contacts and other appropriate professional bodies

· Community representatives and groups

· Contractors

· Parish Councils and General Public

· The Media