Business Partner Accountant. Based in Cheltenham. 33,599 to 40,712 per annum. + 2% Shared Service Allowance. 37 hours per week Full Time

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1 GO Shared Services provides financial and HR services to a number of local authorities and partners, namely Cheltenham Borough Council, Cotswold District Council, Forest of Dean District Council, West Oxfordshire District Council, Cheltenham Borough Homes Ltd, Ubico Ltd and The Cheltenham Trust. Business Partner Accountant Based in Cheltenham 33,599 to 40,712 per annum + 2% Shared Service Allowance 37 hours per week Full Time As a Business Partner Accountant you will provide finance support to the GO Business Partnering West team, which primarily supports Cheltenham Borough Council, The Cheltenham Trust and Forest of Dean District Council. On a day-to-day basis this will involve supporting Budget Holders and Heads of Service in a Business Partnering capacity. You will be heavily involved in budget monitoring and budget preparation, and input into the preparation of Statement of Accounts for each client. Experience of the charitable sector and not-for-profit sector would be beneficial to the successful post-holder. We are looking for a proactive and confident person with experience of working with budgets and the preparation of financial statements across different sectors. You must be organised, accurate and able to take a flexible approach to your work. As GO Shared Services supports a number of clients, the post holder may be expected to work across partner clients and be able to travel to and or work at different locations on occasions. Access to a car or other means of transport is therefore required. For an informal discussion about this role, please contact: Sarah Didcote on or sarah.didcote@cheltenham.gov.uk For more information about the role and how to apply please visit our website; by clicking on vacancies to download an application form Please return completed application forms to vacancies@cotswold.gov.uk Closing date: Wednesday 6 th April, Noon 2016 Interviews will be held on: Monday 18 th April 2016

2 COTSWOLD DISTRICT COUNCIL March 2016 JOB DESCRIPTION Title: Directorate: Service: Grade: Responsible to: Responsible for: Liaison with: Business Partner Accountant GO Shared Services Finance and Procurement POB / C Business Partner Manager Finance and Procurement Team members (1 immediate report) Within the Directorate: The GO Shared Services Management Team and others within Finance, Procurement, HR and Payroll Within the GOSS clients: Service users and managers at all levels across the GOSS client group (e.g. partner councils and other client and customers such as The Cheltenham Trust Ltd) Outside the GOSS clients: External Auditors, Consultants (e.g. Treasury advisors, VAT advisors, brokers), HMRC, software suppliers, accountancy bodies, government departments, banks, insurers, PWLB., etc. Main purpose of post: Main activities: To support the Business Partner Manager in terms of service delivery and system development whilst providing an accounting service to GOSS clients. - To provide a high quality accountancy service to GOSS clients - To be proactive in the development of financial systems to support the needs of GO Shared Services client s service managers. - Assist with developments within the system so that appropriate internal controls are in place and comply with financial rules. - Assist with the production of statutory final accounts in accordance with the timetable determined by the Chief Finance Officer including supporting notes and detailed working papers in accordance with External Audit requirements. - Ensure financial statements are developed and presented in accordance with current accounting standards - Assist with planning the annual estimates process. - Assist with the delivery and development of an effective budgetary control and monitoring process.

3 - Be proactive in contributing to the development of systems within the GO Shared Services to assist GOSS clients to meet their corporate objectives. - Liaise with internal and external audit as required to ensure sound and effective systems and processes are in place. - To manage, monitor and review the performance of specific staff in your team. - Prepare and present reports and represent the GO Shared Service Head(s) of Finance at committees and working groups as directed. - To act as the finance lead from a business partnering aspect on major projects. Other activities: - To keep in touch with current practice, changes in legislation, identify future trends and recommend service direction to your line manager. - In liaison with your line manager discuss and identify your own training needs to ensure continuing professional development (CPD). - Agree training needs and develop a programme to meet the needs of staff you are supervising in the service. - Carry out any other duties that may be required commensurate with the general level of responsibility for the post. Conditions of service: - The post is subject to three month's notice on either side. - You may be required to travel for work / use a car. The Council reimburses travel expenses and pays a mileage rate for any authorised use of a private car for business purposes. - The post will be based at offices one of the GOSS partner council sites. The location will be agreed as part of the appointment process. - The post is suitable for job sharing. - The post holder will be required to comply with the Council s Health and Safety and Equal Opportunities Policies.

4 Requirements Qualifications PERSON SPECIFICATION ACCOUNTANT or Method of Assessment Degree level or equivalent (experience may be accepted as an alternative) CCAB - Preferably CIPFA (experience may be accepted as an alternative) Experience Application/certificates Application/certificates Post qualification experience Significant experience in a similar management role, including budget management, leadership and team management. Final accounts and production of Financial Statements Knowledge and understanding of local authority financial accounting Knowledge and understanding of charity financial accounting Implementing and or developing financial systems Knowledge of capital accounting. Knowledge of procurement Experience of VAT Skills High level of IT skills - MS Office Excellent written and oral communication skills Can describe and deliver the business partners service delivery model for Finance and Procurement across the GO Shared Service network, and act as role model for this Ability to lead and manage complex projects effectively and provide innovative solutions Ability to persuade and negotiate in different situations

5 Can performance manage - coach and support others to achieve their objectives, deal with under performance Other NB the CDC employee and manager competencies also apply to this role Proactive/self motivated Interview/references Ability to prioritise and meet tight deadlines Interview/references Ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with Data Protection High level of judgement, tact, discretion and initiative Ability to record and deal with data accurately and effectively Able to travel for business purposes when necessary, and attend occasional evening meetings. Interview Interview Application/interview Application/interview