Assistant Director of Finance

Job Title:Assistant Director of Finance

Contract Duration:3 months (initial contract with local authorities)

Location: Barnet

Pay Rate:£750 Umbrella per day

Role Overview:Support the Executive Director of Investment and Innovation in ensuring high-quality financial administration and stewardship throughout the Council. As a member of the Finance Leadership Team, collaborate with the S151 officer, wider leadership team, CMT, Members, and senior officers to develop and deliver the vision and values for the London Borough of Barnet through sound financial management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of the Councils financial strategy, ensuring sustainability over the medium term.
• Direct and manage a portfolio of services, developing strategies, policies, targets, and objectives that meet Barnets strategic, operational, and financial requirements, as well as regulatory and legislative standards.
• Continuously develop and coordinate the corporate financial framework, including the medium-term financial strategy, to prioritize and utilize financial resources effectively.
• Actively contribute to the formulation and implementation of the Councils strategies and objectives as a member of Barnets leadership team.
• Collaborate with Council Members, strategic directors, partner organizations, and stakeholders to address issues impacting Council services, residents, and service users.
• Lead the production of the statement of accounts and secure an unmodified audit opinion.
• Enhance the Councils capability to change and encourage innovation in service delivery through partnerships and other relationships.
• Provide responsive financial advice and guidance to management teams and budget managers across the Council.
• Ensure an effective Audit and Risk Management function, maintaining robust controls to protect the Councils resources.

Role Specific Responsibilities:

• Lead the Councils budget-setting process, delivering accurate and timely intelligence to Members and Chief Officers.
• Develop and coordinate the corporate financial framework, ensuring compliance with professional standards, Government regulations, and legislation.
• Deliver robust and efficient financial systems, processes, and policies, supported by effective training and guidance for budget managers and system users.
• Oversee the closure of accounts and secure an unmodified audit opinion.

Team and Budget Management:

• Manage approximately 40 staff members, including contract management of external audit, systems providers, etc.
• Direct budget responsibility: Service Budget approximately £5m
• Indirect budget responsibility: Councils gross expenditure £982m