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About the Role

As Financial Controller, you will coordinate the Council's annual closedown programme, lead the production of the Statement of Accounts, manage the statutory external audit process, and ensure the integrity of the Council's financial reporting framework. You will also oversee the preparation of Group Accounts, Collection Fund accounting, and Whole of Government Accounts submissions. The role includes deputising for the Head of Finance (Financial Control), supporting committee reporting, leading improvement projects, and providing expert technical advice on complex accounting, reporting, VAT, and taxation matters.

Responsibilities

Lead the production of the Council's annual Statement of Accounts and associated financial reporting requirements.
Coordinate and manage the annual closedown programme, ensuring compliance with statutory deadlines.
Lead the preparation of Group Accounts, Collection Fund accounts and Whole of Government Accounts returns.
Act as the principal finance lead for the statutory external audit process and the management of audit queries, recommendations and objections.
Develop and maintain effective financial controls to protect the integrity of the Council's financial systems and reporting.
Ensure all key systems and feeder systems are reconciled accurately and regularly to the general ledger.
Provide expert advice on accounting standards, technical guidance, financial regulations, VAT and taxation matters.
Monitor the Council's VAT partial exemption position and provide strategic advice on the financial implications of projects and spending decisions.
Support the integration of capital and revenue accounting arrangements and closedown processes.
Provide advice and support to Members, directors and senior managers on complex financial and regulatory issues.
Lead corporate financial reporting improvements and contribute to wider finance transformation initiatives.
Develop finance colleagues through coaching, mentoring and training, while supporting finance trainees within the department.
Deputise for the Head of Finance (Financial Control) when required.

Requirements

A recognised CCAB professional accountancy qualification (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent) together with evidence of continuing professional development.
Significant experience in statutory financial reporting and the production of annual financial statements.
Proven experience operating within a strong financial control environment and maintaining robust governance arrangements.
Demonstrable experience managing interim and year-end audits and working effectively with external auditors.
Strong technical knowledge of local authority accounting requirements, the CIPFA Code of Practice, IFRS and relevant legislation.
Experience of providing complex financial and technical advice to senior stakeholders.
Excellent analytical, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to explain technical matters to non-financial audiences.
A commitment to continuous improvement and developing efficient, high-quality financial processes.
Working within a large and complex public sector organisation, particularly local government.
VAT and taxation expertise within the public sector.
Team leadership and staff development experience.

Skills

Statutory financial reporting
Production of annual financial statements
Financial control environment operation
Governance arrangements maintenance
Audit management
External auditor collaboration
Local authority accounting
CIPFA Code of Practice
IFRS
Relevant legislation knowledge
Complex financial and technical advice provision
Analytical skills
Communication skills
Influencing skills
Technical explanation to non-financial audiences
Continuous improvement
Efficient financial process development
VAT expertise
Taxation expertise
Team leadership
Staff development

Location

London Borough of Havering

Work Type

Permanent
Hybrid working arrangements

Experience Level

Significant experience in statutory financial reporting
Proven experience operating within a strong financial control environment
Demonstrable experience managing interim and year-end audits
Experience of providing complex financial and technical advice

Education Level

Recognised CCAB professional accountancy qualification (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent)

Salary/Compensations

£61,476–£66,078 per annum

Benefits

Supportive and inclusive working environment guided by ICARE values
Local Government Pension Scheme
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
Generous annual leave, with the option to purchase additional leave
Extensive learning and professional development opportunities
Comprehensive health, wellbeing and employee support programme
Opportunity to work at the heart of a high-performing finance function
Disability Confident employer status

About the Company

Working for Havering means joining an ambitious and forward-thinking Council committed to delivering excellent services for residents.
With its excellent transport links into central London, extensive town centre regeneration and the highest concentration of green space anywhere in London, Havering has a unique offer as a place to live, work and visit.
By making the most of its position and opportunities, Havering is becoming a hub for start-ups and expanding businesses, as well as construction, logistics, engineering and manufacturing industries.

Equal Opportunity

We're committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from candidates who reflect the communities we serve.
We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation.
Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees.
Havering is a Disability Confident employer – candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.