Financial Accountant

Job title: Financial Accountant
Grade: Grade H
Role code: SFA213
Status: Police Staff
Home Office code: Organisational Support

Main purpose of the role:

Establish and monitor the accounting standards and policies and manage the preparation of revenue and capital budgets/control processes for the Force, providing advice and guidance on VAT accounting and compliance with financial legislation, regulations and guidelines, developing financial, cash flow management and costing systems, in order to ensure the provision of timely and accurate financial information, financial probity, compliance with regulations/statutory requirements and that the Force remains in a strong financial position.

Main responsibilities:

• Set accounting policies and standards for the Force, manage a monitoring process to ensure compliance there with and provide guidance to managers on accounting matters.
• Develop and maintain the process relating to the production of the Forces final accounts to ensure they comply with recognised accounting standards, and are published in accordance with statutory regulations, including a review of previous years processes and preparation.
• Develop and maintain appropriate financial accounting and costing systems in accordance with professional financial standards and best practice guidelines for accountancy to comply with the statutory responsibilitiesof Best Value and the requirements of budget managers and Chief Officers, in order to promote and support the continued development of financial control and awareness within Kent Police.
• Oversee the cash flow and treasury functions, to include the provision of cash flow forecasting information to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and their designated Treasury team and management of the relationship with the Forces banking provider.
• Coordinate arrangements for the audit of final accounts of the Force, resolve any issues raised by the external auditors and provide the response to accounting issues raised in the external auditors management letter.
• Specify accounting requirements for financial accounting systems, to ensure that the integrity of accounting information is not compromised and that the needs of the Force for management information are satisfied.
• Interpret and provide advice on the capital finance regulations, through co-ordinating the capital budgets to ensure that the Force optimises the use of its capital resources and complies with regulations.
• Act as the force expert and principal point of contact in respect of VAT, employment tax, completing returns, dealing with internal and external auditors and implementing any arising recommendations, ensuring compliance with VAT accounting principles by developing force systems and providing guidance to Chief Officers/ Senior Managers, enabling effective management of VAT accounting with appropriate safeguards and controls.
• Provide financial advice and support in respect of budget management, including the provision of ad hoc training, finance workshops and the production of accountancy practice notes, in order to assist budget managers with the effective planning and control of financial resources in their devolved environment and to maintain a sound standard of financial practice and awareness.
• Undertake the Police Pensions Account production and forecasts in accordance with HM Treasury rules and timetables.

Vetting level:

Management Vetting (MV)

Necessary experience:

The Financial Accountant will be a highly experienced professional qualified to CCAB level or equivalent accounting body with a minimum of 3-5 years experience at senior management level.

The post holder must be able to demonstrate the ability to plan and direct projects to meet strategic business needs and corporate financial objectives.

The post holder must be able to provide sound financial advice on any business plans and advice in respect of VAT and employment tax.

The post holder must be able to demonstrate previous experience of strong technical ability at a similar level in a complex organisation. Management report writing, presentation and proficient communication skills, both verbal and written are essential for this role. The ability to effectively communicate with non-Finance colleagues is essential to ensure that key financial information is clearly understood enabling appropriate management action to be taken. This will be combined with a practical common-sense approach to problem solving, which ill require strong analytical skills.

The post holder will require a high level of professional motivation and pro-activeness and will possess proficient management experience or have experience of working and influencing at a senior level. The post holder must be able to work collaboratively with finance and non-finance staff members, manage and motivate others and possess the ability to respond to difficult and challenging situations. They will also be expected to form part of an effective team and have the ability to prioritise and manage individuals and personal workloads and have the competence to work under pressure and to deadlines.

The post holder will also be expected to maintain an awareness of legislation and developments in relation to Local Government Finance.

Advanced skills in Excel are essential as is proven leadership. Kent Police uses SAP financials so experience in this field is desirable though not essential, as is the ability to confidently and successfully present complex financial info mation to other non-financial members including at Board level.

Coaching and mentoring skills are desirable.

Behaviours:

Analyse critically (level 3)

I balance risks, costs and benefits associated with decisions, thinking about the wider impact and how actions are seen in that context. I think through 'what if' scenarios. I use discretion wisely in making decisions, knowing when the 'tried and tested' is not always the most appropriate and being willing to challenge the status quo when beneficial. I seek to identify the key reasons or incidents behind issues, even in ambiguous or unclear situations. I use my knowledge of the wider external environment and long-term situations to inform effective decision making. I acknowledge that some decisions may represent a significant change. I think about the best way to introduce such decisions and win support.

Collaborative (level 3)

I am politically aware and I understand formal and informal politics at the national level and what this means for our partners. This allows me to create long-term links and work effectively within decision-making structures. I remove practical barriers to collaboration to enable others to take practical steps in building relationships outside the organisation and in other sectors (public, not for profit, and private). I take the lead in partnerships when appropriate and set the way in which partner organisations from all sectors interact with the police. This allows the police to play a major role in the delivery of services to communities. I create an environment where partnership working flourishes and creates tangible benefits for all.

Deliver, support and inspire (level 3)

I challenge myself and others to bear in mind the police service's vision to provide the best possible service in every decision made. I communicate how the overall vision links to specific plans and objectives so that people are motivated and clearly understand our goals. I ensure that everyone understands their role in helping the police service to achieve this vision. I anticipate and identify organisational barriers that stop the police service from meeting its goals, by putting in place contingencies or removing these. I monitor changes in the external environment, taking actions to influence where possible to ensure positive outcomes. I demonstrate long-term strategic thinking, going beyond personal goals and considering how the police service operates in the broader societal and economic environment. I ensure that my decisions balance the needs of my own force/unit with those of the wider police service and external partners. I motivate and inspire others to deliver challenging goals.

Emotionally aware (level 3)

I seek to understand the longer-term reasons for organisational behaviour. This enables me to adapt and change organisational cultures when appropriate. I actively ensure a supportive organisational culture that recognises and values diversity and well being and challenges intolerance. I understand internal and external politics and I am able to wield influence effectively, tailoring my actions to achieve the impact needed. I am able to see things from a variety of perspectives and I use this knowledge to challenge my own thinking, values and assumptions. I ensure that all perspectives inform decision making and communicate the reasons behind decisions in a way that is clear and compelling.

Innovative and open-minded (level 3)

I implement, test and communicate new and far-reaching ways of working that can radically change our organisational cultures, attitudes and performance. I provide space and encouragement to help others stand back from day-to-day activities, in order to review their direction, approach and how they fundamentally see their role in policing. This helps them to adopt fresh perspectives and identify improvements. I work to create an innovative learning culture, recognising and promoting innovative activities. I lead, test and implement new, complex and creative initiatives that involve multiple stakeholders, create significant impact and drive innovation outside of my immediate sphere. I carry accountability for ensuring that the police service remains up to date and at the forefront of global policing.

Take ownership (level 3)

I act as a role model, and enable the organisation to use instances when things go wrong as an opportunity to learn rather than blame. I foster a culture of personal responsibility, encouraging and supporting others to make their own decisions and take ownership of their activities. I define and enforce the standards and processes that will help this to happen. I put in place measures that will allow others to take responsibility effectively when I delegate decision making, and at the same time I help them to improve their performance. I create the circumstances (culture and process) that will enable people to undertake development opportunities and improve their performance. I take an organisation-wide view, acknowledging where improvements can be made and taking responsibility for making these happen.

Values:

Impartiality (accredited)

I take into account individual needs and requirements in all of my actions. I understand that treating everyone fairly does not mean everyone is treated the same. I always give people an equal opportunity to express their views. I communicate with everyone, making sure the most relevant message is provided to all. I value everyone's views and opinions by actively listening to understand their perspective. I make fair and objective decisions using the best available evidence. I enable everyone to have equal access to services and information, where appropriate.

Integrity (accredited)

I always act in line with the values of the police service and the Code of Ethics for the benefit of the public. I demonstrate courage in doing the right thing, even in challenging situations. I enhance the reputation of my organisation and the wider police service through my actions and behaviours. I challenge colleagues whose behaviour, attitude and language falls below the public's and the service's expectations. I am open and responsive to challenge about my actions and words. I declare any conflicts of interest at the earliest opportunity. I am respectful of the authority and influence my position gives me. I use resources effectively and efficiently and not for personal benefit.

Public service (accredited)

I act in the interest of the public, first and foremost. I am motivated by serving the public, ensuring that I provide the best service possible at all times. I seek to understand the needs of others to act in their best interests. I adapt to address the needs and concerns of different communities. I tailor my communication to be appropriate and respectful to my audience. I take into consideration how others want to be treated when interacting with them. I treat people respectfully regardless of the circumstances. I share credit with everyone involved in delivering services.

Transparency (accredited)

I ensure that my decision-making rationale is clear and considered so that it is easily understood by others. I am clear and comprehensive when communicating with others. I am open and honest about my areas for development and I strive to improve. I give an accurate representation of my actions and records. I recognise the value of feedback and act on it. I give constructive and accurate feedback. I represent the opinions of others accurately and consistently. I am consistent and truthful in my communications. I maintain confidentiality appropriately.

Technical skills:

Customer services (level 6)

Develops and implements plans to meet customer requirements. Agrees requirements with customers, plans appropriate work activities and allocates tasks. Monitors the quality of products and services to ensure that they meet quality requirements.

Finance - budget preparation (level 6)

Able to effectively co-ordinate the overall Force budget. Possesses a detailed knowledge of and overview of Force financial planning, including balancing incoming and outgoing monies to the agreed funding level. Able to effectively report to the Kent Police Authority on projected and final out-turn. Able to effectively present future budget proposals for final Kent Police Authority approval.

Finance - final account production (level 6)

Possesses a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of revenue and capital statutory requirements for the final accounts. Able to give high quality and expert presentations of financial information to the Police & Crime Commissioner, , including the presentation of agreed final accounts to Police & Crime Commissioner by 30 September each year.

Finance - management costing (level 6)

Maintains an overview of the provision of financial management costing information throughout the Force. Produces comprehensive proposals for planning committee approval, in respect of the financial implications of proposed policy changes.

Health and safety (level 5)

Has received training which enables the effective completion of risk assessments and Health and Safety inspections of premises. Identifies defects or hazards and takes action to resolve any apparent health and safety issues within an area or department. Fully accepts responsibility for the safety of members of staff, as well as visitors and contractors. Monitors the application of health and safety related procedures for the area or department. Possession of a certificate level qualification in Health and Safety is desirable.

Interviewing - general (level 4)

Has received some training in reliable interviewing techniques and is able to apply these techniques fairly, consistently and to good effect. Identifies the key issues for examination and tests these using open and probing questions. Identifies weaknesses and inconsistencies in the account and seeks clarification. Keeps good written records of the interview for future

Knowledge of police environment and policy (level 5)

Has a thorough understanding of the police service, nationally and locally, and is proactive in developing proposals which affect the way Kent Police and/or Essex Police operates. Possesses a detailed understanding of the inter-relationships between activities, roles, functions, and how organisation structures and police systems work. Understands and impacts on working procedures, practices and policies within areas of responsibility and ensures that these are followed at all times. Contributes to Force goals and is laccountable for delivering local business plan objectives.

Managment of police information (MOPI) (level 4)

Full compliance with Level 3. Has successfully completed all standard relevant Information Management and Security training package(s). Accurate use of Government Security Classification (GSC). Ensures physical and digital records are stored with appropriate security relevant to the sensitivity of the documents and has working understanding of appropriate National Retention Schedules. Is able to quality assure own records management processes as well as those of any staff for whom they have supervisory responsibility. Is aware of where to seek further support in relation to Records management within force when necessary. If nominated as an Information Asset Assistant is familiar with the NPCC Information Asset Owners Handbook.

Office technology (level 6)

Not Applicable - level 5 is the highest level for this skill.

Risk management (level 5)

Able to anticipate, accurately define and establish the relative level of risk likely to affect their specialist function, in terms of likelihood and impact, together with how the challenges facing the wider organisation might affect their role within the force. Assesses the risks of national initiatives providing feedback at the relevant level. Has an understanding of pathways to alert all appropriate senior managers to flawed or ineffective control strategies and provide continuity/recovery options. Has an appreciation that seizing opportunities also generates risks.

National Occupational Standards:

AA1 (Level Accredited)

Promote equality and value diversity.

AA2 (Level Accredited)

Develop a culture and systems that promote equality and value diversity.