Finance Director

MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE WITHIN ESTATE MANAGEMENT Our client is a leading provider of leasehold housing and property management services throughout the South of England. They provide services to over 2500 customers on retirement and non-retirement developments. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an inspirational, knowledgeable, resilient and effective professional to join their team as Financial Director. DESCRIPTION OF THE JOB: The role of the Finance Director is to advise the Board and the CEO on all matters relating to financial strategy and financial governance, while leading an efficient and effective financial service to the organisations customers and staff. Responsible for the day to day running of the operational finance team you will be central in maintaining efficient finance operations. You will work co-operatively and positively with all departments, providing excellent service and support and advice where applicable. OBJECTIVES OF THE POST: Proactively contributing to the leadership team and Board efforts¬ to develop and implement strategy, and resource and deliver strategic objectives. Particular emphasis on growth and profitability, by: - Contributing to effective corporate management, including strategy implementation, integrated business and resource planning. - Financial appraisal of new development opportunities. - Leading development of a medium term financial strategy, treasury management and the annual budgeting process to ensure financial balance with an effective monitoring process to ensure its delivery. - Developing and implementing procedures to ensure that responsibilities for budget management and control are unambiguously allocated, that commitments are properly authorised, and that budgets are related to clear objectives and outputs. - Providing clear, authoritative and impartial professional advice and objective financial analysis and interpretation of complex situations. Specific duties include but are not limited to the following: (1) Specific duties will include the following: (1) Accounting and internal controls Ensure the accurate and timely preparation of the accounts, financial records and internal controls of the Group, including: - Preparation of statutory accounts on all estates managed - Review and completion of monthly management accounts and management information for all entities, Head Office, Ltd Company and Managed Estates. - Maximisation of the cash flow position by efficient management of income and expenditure. - Ensuring that all payroll is correctly and efficiently administered, including pension contributions and expenses. - Ensuring and reviewing all balance sheet reconciliations are conducted in accordance with company policy - Maintaining and implementing all internal financial controls in accordance with agreed policy. (2) Budgeting - Preparing budgets and business plans for the Group and its customers (when required). - Supporting estate management staff with the preparation of annual Estate budgets, if needed. - Monitoring outturn monthly performance against approved Group budget. (3) Management Information - Ensure the accurate preparation and review of monthly financial information as required for all entities including Estates and Ltd Company, including management accounts and cash flow forecasts. - Submission of financial returns as required by the regulator and other statutory bodies, including PAYE and VAT returns (4) Treasury Management - Maximising the return on the reserves of organisation, GSH and leaseholders’ funds, within approved investment guidelines. - Ensure that all Estate funds are managed and accurately recorded to ensure that no fund is overdrawn or may become overdrawn due to payments required - Liaison with the Association’s bankers, as required. (6) Insurances - Ensuring that the Group and its estates maintain proper insurance cover at all times as required by leases, legislation and good practice. - Liaising with Group’s insurance brokers to ensure that the Association obtains the best value from all its insurances. - Ensuring the Association has proper procedures in place for submitting and monitoring the progress of all insurance claims. (7) External contacts - Day to day contact with banks as necessary, including preparing financial reports as required. - Regular contact with the Association’s auditors. - Attendance at Board meetings for as required. - Visits to Group estates from time to time. - Act as Company Secretary for some developments (as required). - Networking with professionals in other management companies and the wider financial professional community. Key Performance Standards The Finance Director’s performance will be assessed primarily according to the extent to which the following key objectives are achieved: - The Group develops and maintains a comprehensive financial strategy to safeguard the Association’s future and to support its development goals. - Effective financial controls are maintained, to meet the requirements of Board, auditors and external regulators. - To ensure the Association's finances remain strong over both short and long term through the effective management of the Association's financial affairs within policies and budgets. - Required financial reports and accounts are produced accurately and on time. - Finance staff work effectively and efficiently, and are line managed in accordance with the Group’s HR policies and procedures. - The post holder promotes and supports high standards of behaviour, probity, integrity and honesty. Person Specification A qualified Accountant (ACCA/ACA/CIMA) A minimum of 2 years Lead Finance experience Ideally member of IRPM / ARHM / ARMA or CIH with industry experience. Proven ability to train and mentor with previous proven line management Great Attention to detail Understanding and acceptance of a control environment and the ability to influence and implement controls Adaptable Flexible to change Ability to work in a team and on their own