Associate Director - Finance

Overview

Job title:

Associate Director - Financial Management, Revenues, Benefits & Debt Management

Reports to:

Director - Resources/s151

Post Number: CE465

Statutory responsibilities:
Deputy Section 151 Officer (the Local Government Act 1972)

Role

Purpose:

Responsible for statutory functions within remit. Part of the Council's Top Leaders Group, support organisational transformation, maximise use of technology/automation and cultivate a high-performance culture focused on continuous improvement, efficiency, and improved customer experience and choice. Support the delivery of the Council Improvement Programme, implementation of the new operating model, and ensure all transformation work streams have clear deliverables to modernise service delivery.

Ensure evidence-based decision-making, robust financial management, and model effective leadership behaviours and accountabilities underpinned by adherence to the Nolan Principles, while articulating a compelling vision for change. Lead the financial management, Revenues, Benefits & Debt management teams and their associated resources.

• Supporting the Director in the management of the relevant subset functions within the service area, providing tactical and operational guidance and expertise to meet objectives.
• Contribute to delivery of the council's delivery plans through establishing relevant functional strategies and budgets and translating corporate objectives into effective operational plans.
• Take collective responsibility for the development and delivery of transformation through the Council's new operating model and of the workforce to embrace new ways of working.
• Provide visible leadership and management fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture to achieve efficient, effective and coordinated operational delivery ensuring functions are responsive, customer focused, inclusive and equitable, embedding the Council's values and behaviours.
• Accountability and management of:
  Leadership and operational oversight of Revenues, Benefits, and Debt Management services, ensuring efficiency, accessibility, and regulatory compliance.
• Effective income collection across the General Fund, maximising revenue, improving collection rates, and reducing bad debt.
• Delivery of financial management services that support the Council in achieving sustainable budgets and financial resilience.
• High-quality operational financial advice to service managers across the organisation to support effective budget management and informed decision-making.
• Budgetary control, financial planning, and performance optimisation, ensuring transparency of costs and alignment with corporate objectives.
• Proper management, reporting, and stewardship of the Council's financial affairs, maintaining accountability and public trust.
• Design and implementation of a new financial operating model in line with the Council's corporate transformation programme and maximising the use of technology, innovation and fully embedding the principles of business partnering across all areas.
• Championing a culture of value for money, efficiency, and transparency across all financial and income-related functions.
• Work in close collaboration with the Corporate Procurement, Commissioning, and Contract Management teams to ensure effective outcomes across all purchasing, procurement, commissioning and contract management activities, aligning provision with needs, robust specifications, achieving best value, and demonstrating measurable impact.
• Contribute to the Council's corporate transformation programme, aligning with the organisation's new operating model and long-term objectives.
• Fulfil the statutory role of the deputy Section 151 Officer, ensuring proper administration of the council's financial affairs in compliance with legal and professional standards.
• Support the Group Directors and Directors to craft and deliver creative and innovative solutions to improve long term performance, effectiveness and efficiency, ensuring all Council functions are supported to meet the highest standards of governance and delivery.
• Develop and nurture strategic partnerships and relationships with private sector organisations, regional bodies, public & voluntary sector, government and other stakeholders.
• Provide advice and insight to senior leaders and Members and other key decision makers as required, providing tactical guidance to meet Council objectives.
• Support transformation through increased use of technology and innovation, focusing on integration, business process redesign, self-service, and modernisation to reduce costs and enhance customer experiences. Implement and continuously improve the new operating model to deliver high-quality, efficient services with effective governance and team collaboration.
• Manage designated budgets, ensuring performance management systems are in place to optimise resources and income.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards and promote transparency and ethical standards.
• Participate in corporate…