Finance Manager, Childrens

at  Swindon Borough Council

At Swindon Borough Council, we want our town to be the best it can be. Our ambitious vision in the new Swindon Plan is supported by realistic transformation programmes, with the people of Swindon at their heart. Because that’s who we’re doing it for – the communities and businesses that make our town great. As part of the Council, you’ll support a friendly local authority making decisions with real impact. It’s all for better public services. Better processes. And a better quality of life, for everyone. Join us, and Swindon will be better with you.
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our team as Finance Manager for Children Services. The role will cover a wide range of areas including Social Care, Education and the Dedicated Schools Grant.

As a member of the finance team you will be able to work flexibly, in accordance with Swindon’s hybrid first working approach, you will have the opportunity to work from home for a significant proportion of the week, subject to the needs of the service and training requirements.

Significant benefits of the role, in addition to flexible working arrangements, include a generous leave entitlement and access to the Local Government Pension scheme (a defined benefit scheme) which is one of the most valuable pension schemes available, including a significant employer contribution.

• As a minimum you will be required to hold a professional accountancy qualification, preferably CIPFA or other CCAB equivalent and ideally some experience of Local Government Childrens finance.
• The role will also require you to line manager a number of Senior Accounting Technicians and Finance assistants both directly and in a matrix style.
• You will have day to day responsibility for a designated service or group of services within the Children Services area, which includes Social Care, Early Intervention and Prevention, Youth Justice, Education and all areas of the Dedicated Schools Grant including Early Years and High Needs block funded services.
• You will be part of a team providing high quality, professional accounting and financial management service, bringing together finance knowledge to effectively manage resources; ensuring managers have the financial support required to deliver both General Fund and Dedicated Schools Grant services within the directorate.
• You will lead on financial accounting for the services including budget setting, monitoring and closure of the accounts.
• You will need to keep up to date with changes relating to the Dedicated Schools grant funding allocations including the various operational guidance.