Role:Principal Financial Accountant

Department:Corporate Finance

Grade:PO7

Responsible to:Assistant Director of Finance

Responsible for:Staff within the Financial Accountancy Team

Role Purpose:To ensure the provision of comprehensive financial accounting services and specifically Treasury Management, Debtors, VAT Services and Capital Asset Accounting and the provision of information and advice on Capital Programmes. To provide comprehensive, high quality, proactive financial information and advice to the Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable, Chief Officers, managers in divisions/departments and external stakeholders. Assist in monitoring and maintaining the organisation’s Corporate Governance framework in particular the Scheme of Governance.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

  1. Ensure the development and maintenance of Capital Expenditure Plans, as part of the Medium Term Financial Plans and Annual Budgets in line with the Financial Strategy.
  1. In liaison with budget holders/ managers, ensure the effective monitoring of the implementation and management of the Capital Programme, production and presentation of performance management information and advice.
  1. Liaise with the ADoF and Principal Management Accountant’s regarding the Capital Programme.
  1. In order to facilitate the above ensure, in conjunction with relevant departmental managers, the development and ongoing maintenance of Capital Asset Registers and other future capital expenditure requirements.
  1. Undertake related option appraisals to ensure Value for Money is obtained in capital investments.
  1. Ensure the provision of comprehensive Value for Money, Banking and Treasury Management services are provided, in line with current service contracts.
  1. Oversee the periodic letting of Banking and Treasury Management contracts.
  1. Ensure the provision and maintenance of effective and efficient Debtors and Debt Recovery systems and related management information.
  1. Ensure the maintenance of effective and efficient VAT processes and returns to HMRC in line with required timescales.
  1. Ensure the continuous accuracy and integrity of financial systems, in particular ledger Control and Suspense accounts and effective monitoring of activity.
  1. Ensure the appropriate and timely preparation for and the production of the Statutory Annual Accounts and other Financial Statements including user friendly guidance to divisional/departmental staff.
  1. Keep up to date on technical guidance relating to the Annual Accounts, etc. and provide advice and guidance as appropriate.
  1. Oversee SWP’s effective participation in the National Fraud Initiative.
  1. Assist in the development and implementation of the Finance Department’s Annual Plan to ensure effective planning and control of the force’s financial resources.
  1. Monitor activities across the organisation to ensure compliance with the Corporate Governance framework, respond to possible breaches, educate staff on Governance issues.
  1. Undertake activity analysis and benchmarking to continually assess the performance of the finance function.
  1. Liaise with HMIC, external and internal audit as appropriate.
  1. In liaison with the ADoF, Principal Management Aaccountants and other senior Corporate Finance staff, ensure the implementation of audit recommendations to agreed timeframes.
  1. Assist in the review, selection and implementation of computerised systems in order to enhance service delivery and improve Value for Money.
  1. As members of the Senior Management Group of Corporate Finance, provide support/cover for the ADoF, PrincipalManagement Accountants and Head of Exchequer Services as appropriate.
  1. Represent the finance function at internal / external meetings as required. Provide financial expertise on major projects undertaken by the force.
  1. Develop, maintain and implement Personal Development Plans and training packages in order to enhance the skills and knowledge of finance and other staff.
  1. Ensure that all statutory obligations with respect to reporting and grant claims are complied with and all income due is properly claimed.
  1. Ensure that work meets quality standards in providing a service to internal and external clients of the department.
  1. Ensure procedures and practices comply with South Wales Police Equal Opportunities and Employment policies.
  1. Maintain safe working practices for self and others in accordance with South Wales Police Policy statement on Health and Safety at Work.