Ringwood Town Council - Vacancy for a Finance Manager (Responsible Finance Officer)

Name of recruiting organisation

Ringwood Town Council

Employed role/Volunteer role

Employed

Permanent role/Fixed term role

Permanent

Location:

Office Based

Salary:

£42,708 - £45,718 (FTE)

Hours:

21 hours per week

One evening meeting per month (usually the third Wednesday)

Our council and the role:

Ringwood Town Council is a dedicated to serving the residents and businesses of Ringwood. The Council comprises 14 elected councillors supported by a team of 20 staff members, working together to manage community facilities, events, and initiatives. With a gross revenue budget nearing £1 million, the Finance Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring sound financial management, budget planning, and compliance. This position supports the Council's commitment to delivering high-quality services and enhancing the town's vitality.

Duties will include:

  • To undertake the role of Responsible Finance Officer to the Town Council appointed under the provisions of Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972 (which includes being directly accessible by and accountable to councillors as well as responsible to the Town Clerk and being required to attend all relevant committee meetings having ensured in advance that all relevant reports have been properly prepared and circulated with the meeting agendas).
  • To manage the Council’s finance team and ensure it provides a complete financial and accounting service for the Council.
  • To ensure that proper practices are applied and best professional standards are maintained at all times to the Council’s finance functions.
  • To be responsible for:-

i) the management and review of the Council’s financial management information systems;

ii) the preparation of the Council’s expenditure plans and revenue and capital budgets;

iii) the monitoring of the Council’s income and expenditure and the preparation of budgetary control reports to the Policy & Finance Committee;

iv) the preparation and production of the Council’s final accounts and statutory financial returns.

  • To be responsible for:-

i) the payment of invoices and petty cash disbursements;

ii) the raising of debtors’ accounts and follow-up action;

iii) advising on VAT issues, and preparing, reconciling, and submitting quarterly VAT returns;

iv) reconciling the Council’s bank accounts monthly;

v) managing the Council’s bank accounts to meet cash-flow requirements, and to maximise interest earnings in accordance with the Council’s treasury management policy.

  • To prepare annual accounts and governance statements in accordance with the proper practices as described in the practitioner’s guide “Governance and Accountability for Smaller Authorities in England” published by the Joint panel on Accountability and Governance
  • To manage and supervise the work of the Finance Officer.
  • To liaise with the appointed internal auditor and external auditor regarding the Council’s financial internal controls and final accounts.
  • To prepare cost statements as required.
  • To maintain the Council’s Asset Register, advise on its insurance requirements and arrange cover in accordance with members’ decisions.
  • To keep under review the Council’s Financial Regulations and those of its Standing Orders which bear on its finance functions, advise on changes and ensure compliance.
  • To carry out annual financial risk assessments.
  • To advise upon and keep under review all contracts, leases and other ongoing financial commitments or entitlements.
  • To manage payroll administration (currently outsourced to an external contractor).
  • To attend all meetings of the Council’s Policy & Finance Committee unless specifically excused attendance.

The ideal candidate will have/be:

  • Essential:
    • Accountancy qualification or FILCA.
    • Strong knowledge of accounting procedures, budget management, and financial reporting.
    • Experience in team management and working with organisational leaders.
    • Ability to manage contracts, procurement, and investment processes.
    • Highly organised, self-motivated, and proactive.

    • Preferred:
      • CIPFA qualified.
      • Experience in local government, particularly in the town/parish sector.

What we offer you in return:

  • Be part of a supportive, dynamic team serving the Ringwood community.
  • Flexible, part-time hours with generous leave entitlements.
  • Local Government Pension Scheme.
  • Opportunity to lead and innovate in a key role.

How to find out more details:

Full details can be found on our website: www.ringwood.gov.uk/organisation-and-staff/

Closing date:

8th January 2025

How to apply:

Please complete application form and equal opportunities monitoring form on our website: www.ringwood.gov.uk/organisation-and-staff/