Job Description - Principal Accountant
(Technical, Systems and Control)

Post Title:	Principal Accountant (Technical, Systems and Control)
Service Unit :	Accountancy
Post No:	F
Grade:	Band 14
Responsible To:	Chief Accountant
Supervising:	1.5 x Senior Accountancy Assistant
Other Allowances :	£2,550 annual contribution to lease car

Job Summary

One of three principal accountants reporting to the Chief Accountant. A high profile post providing a technical and financial systems guidance and advice service to the unit, Chief Accountant, Head of Finance and Director of Finance and Resources. Duties include capital budget preparation, monitoring and accounting; final accounts; financial systems and control, VAT; Treasury Management and Insurance and Risk Management.

Note:

This Job Description is not a definitive list of tasks - it is designed to give an overall view of the job, and not to indicate what the sole requirements are for you to do the work. It is envisaged that you will use your own initiative, and develop you own style to achieve the desired aims.

Reasonable adjustment will be made to working arrangements to accommodate a person with a disability who otherwise would be prevented from undertaking the work.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Ensure the timely interpretation and proper implementation of legislation, regulations and accounting guidance as they affect the Council's financial management, taxation and accountancy arrangements.
2. Ensure that VAT and other non-pay tax of the Council are properly accounted for and controlled, and that guidance is provided throughout the Council. Liaise on strategic issues with HM Customs and Revenue and with the Council's external advisors where necessary.
3. Undertake treasury management activities in accordance with best practice and the Council's policies and procedures.
4. Ensure the proper coordination and preparation of the Council's capital plans, ensuring proper links with relevant corporate strategies.
5. Analyse and recommend funding options and their implications for capital spending which help achieve the Council's corporate objectives.
6. Ensure proper monitoring of the Council's capital plans and strategy.
7. Ensure the financial aspects of the Council's asset register are properly managed and maintained.
8. Ensure that procedure notes and documentation for all key financial systems are in place.
9. Ensure arrangements are in place to ensure that reconciliations across all financial systems are controlled and there are operational controls in place for all key financial systems.
10. Ensure the proper management and maintenance the Council's capital recording and accounting, and general ledger systems.
11. Ensure that the Council is properly insured against risk, in accordance with best practice and that service managers are aware of and implement proper risk management.
12. Contribute to the rapid programme of change embarked upon by the Council.
13. Undertake specific project work as required.
14. Organise and undertake training for Members and finance and non-finance staff.
15. Maintain a positive relationship with external organisations including the Council's auditors.
16. Undertake other duties commensurate with the purpose and grade of the post as may be required from time to time.
17. Keep abreast of changes in local government finance, best practice and their effect on service provision; and maintain and improve professional levels of competence within the division.
18. Manage staff within the group effectively to ensure a prompt, professional and supportive financial management service to the client directorate.
19. Deputise for the Chief Accountant in the areas of the post's responsibilities.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria	How Tested?	Desirable Criteria	How Tested?
Education, Professional Qualifications and Training
CCAB qualified accountant	Application Form/Certificate	CIPFA qualified	Application Form/Certificate
Skills, Abilities and Special Knowledge
Ability to manage and develop a financial management service in a performance management framework	Application Form/Interview	Presentation Skills	Application Form/Interview
Ability to manage and motivate a team of staff, including day to day operations and issues such as recruitment, discipline etc	Interview/Test
Ability to liaise with and further develop the Council's working relationships with other organisations and partners, e.g. other local authorities, central government, audit commission, contractors	Interview/Test	Detailed knowledge of external grant regimes	Application Form/Interview
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written	Interview/Test	Experience of Agresso financial management system	Application Form/Interview
Ability to work constructively and productively in multi-disciplinary team	Interview/Test
Knowledge of local government financial systems and their management and control.	Application Form/Interview
Knowledge of Local Government Best Practice, including Local Government SORP	Application Form/Interview
Knowledge of the central government grant funding system for local government	Application Form/Interview
Relevant knowledge of local Government Finance and current issues	Application Form/Interview
Good inter-personal skills and an ability to communicate confidently and effectively with all tiers of management	Interview/Test
Calm and patient with good listening skills and ability to be tolerant of the views of others	Interview/Test
A high level of enthusiasm and commitment	Interview/Test
An ability to respond to change and to show initiative	Interview/Test
Previous Experience
Recent and extensive experience in local government financial management and accounting	Application Form/Interview	Recent involvement in significant treasury management activity	Interview
Managerial and supervisory experience	Application Form/Interview	Extensive recent involvement in capital accounting.	Interview
		Assistance with a Corporate Work Programme or a Best Value Performance Plan	Interview
		Service Planning in relation to Best Value	Interview
Personal Circumstances
Ability to attend evening meetings on occasions	Interview
Genuine Occupational Qualifications
(Applies only to specific race or gender requirements)
None	N/A

 

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