Woodley Town Council - Vacancy for a Responsible Financial Officer / Finance Manager

Main Purpose

Ensuring the effective financial control and management of the Town Council precept and budgets, in line with the Council’s Financial Regulations

Effective execution of Administration Functions

Managing all changes to financial procedures or requirements across all areas of the Councils finances, including changes in legislation and good practice.

To manage all financial aspects and requirements of the Councils income and expenditure, including the Oakwood Centre, venues and Woodford Park Leisure Centre business activities.

Human Resources and Payroll

1.  Ensure timesheets are received and correctly authorised
2. Collate timesheet information
3. Liaise with external payroll provider to ensure payroll is completed.
4. Keep records of TOIL, holidays, sick days and ensure correct authorisation for each
5. Analyse payroll across cost centres and post to Omega accounts software
6. Keep payroll records for audit purposes, with reconciliations of payments made to staff and HMRC
7. Set up monthly payments to HMRC for PAYE & NI
8. Set up monthly Pension payments
9. Annual Pension return
10. Ensure proper documentation for starters and leavers including contacts of employment issued before the start date.
11. Keep staff and Councillor mileage & expense records
12. Resolve any pay issues and queries
13. Ensure payroll documentation is prepared and provided to the Clerk/Deputy for authorisation

Governance / Risk Management

1. Ensure effective Governance and Risk Management at all times.

VAT

1. 1. Process quarterly VAT online for all areas of the organisation

Petty Cash

1. Ensure accurate Petty Cash records are maintained
2. Ensure Cash is checked and reconciled regularly
3. Ensure petty cash records are entered correctly onto Omega
4. Raise cheques to top up Petty Cash & all other floats as required

Bank Accounts

1. To ensure cash and cheques are banked weekly.
2. Ensure all bank accounts are reconciled frequently.
3. To manage cashflow between accounts.

Investments

1. Manage cash flow.
2. Ensure effective investment at all times.

Council / Committee Meetings

1. Attend Council / Committee meetings as requested by the Town Clerk
2. Provide financial information for agendas – to include Budgetary Control, Direct Debit, investments and bank account information.

Accounts Month End

1. Ensure all sales invoices are raised
2. Check Bank Reconciliation
3. Check VAT records for month
4. Check spending against budget, to ensure correct cost centres have been charged
5. Check Debtors and Creditors
6. Check Catering Commission and raise monthly invoices
7. Check all tenant invoices for rental and utilities have been raised
8. Spot check Creditor statements
9. Credit control
10. Prepare month end ensuring all accounts/sales ledger/purchase ledger are reconciled
11. Print off all cash books from the Omega system
12. Ensure reconciliation reports are signed off by the Leader of the Council in accordance with audit requirements

Accounts Year End

1. Ensure all Accruals/Prepayments are recorded
2. Check annual expenditure against budget
3. Produce spreadsheets regarding payroll, petty cash
4. Liaise with internal auditor for interim and year end audit
5. Liaise with external auditor regarding annual audit and time frames
6. Create audit file, containing information for Auditors
7. Prepare Year End accounts for presentation to Council, ensuring all data is accurate and entered onto Omega.
8. Preparation of the Annual Governance & Accountability Return AGAR for the external audit inspection
9. Prepare reports as required for submission to Council to meet specified audit deadlines.

Budgeting

1. Assist with budget setting process
2. Send Precept Request to Wokingham Borough Council once agreed

Third Parties

1. Maintain relationships with the Council’s bank, auditors and other relevant third parties

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications

Essential

Desirable

Educated to at least A level or equivalent including professional qualifications where appropriate.

Commitment to further professional development where required.

Yes

Accountancy qualifications

AAT

ACCA

Yes

Skills

Essential

Desirable

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Yes

Excellent written English.

Yes

Able to work independently and collaboratively.

Yes

Advanced IT skills.

Yes

Ability to work accurately and to deadlines.

Yes

Ability to present information verbally and in writing, in a clear & concise manner with excellent attention to detail.

Yes

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

Desirable

Experience of working in a financial environment, including production of financial reports, budget management and report writing.

Yes

Ability to interpret financial reports.

Yes

Experience of working in an administrative environment.

Yes

An ability to work under pressure with changing priorities and timescales.

Yes

Previous experience in local government.

Yes