Head Of Finance Angus Council
The Head of Finance at Angus Council is a pivotal role, responsible for overseeing the financial health and stability of the local authority. This individual acts as a strategic leader, providing expert financial advice to elected members, senior management, and various council departments. The role demands a deep understanding of local government finance, accounting principles, and legal regulations.
A core responsibility of the Head of Finance is the development and management of the council's budget. This involves meticulous planning, forecasting, and monitoring of income and expenditure. They lead the annual budget preparation process, ensuring it aligns with the council's strategic priorities and delivers value for money for Angus residents. This often requires making difficult decisions about resource allocation, balancing competing demands, and identifying potential cost savings.
Beyond budgeting, the Head of Finance is also responsible for ensuring sound financial governance and risk management. This includes establishing and maintaining robust internal controls to prevent fraud and error, and ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations and accounting standards. They oversee the council's financial reporting processes, ensuring timely and accurate information is provided to stakeholders, including the public.
The role also involves managing a team of finance professionals, providing leadership, guidance, and support to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the finance department. This requires strong leadership skills, the ability to motivate and develop staff, and the ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
In today's challenging economic environment, the Head of Finance at Angus Council faces significant pressures. Local authorities are facing increasing demands for services while simultaneously experiencing budget constraints. The Head of Finance must be innovative and proactive in finding new ways to generate income, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. This may involve exploring alternative funding models, developing partnerships with other organizations, and implementing digital technologies to streamline processes.
Furthermore, the Head of Finance plays a crucial role in supporting the council's overall strategic objectives. They provide financial advice and analysis to inform decision-making on a wide range of issues, from economic development to social care. They must be able to translate complex financial data into clear and concise information that can be easily understood by non-financial professionals. They are an integral part of the senior management team, contributing to the overall success of Angus Council and the well-being of its residents.