Role profile

Finance director

Responsible to: Chief Executive

Responsible for: Finance functions including, Audit & Risk and Business Planning

Job Summary

To take lead responsibility for all financial matters and risk management within Swan Housing Association and the wider Group.

Main activities

General

To support the development of the corporate strategy, and associated documents, in respect of all financial issues and conduct an annual review each year

Work with the Board, Chief Executive and other Directors to develop and implement strategies, manage performance of the organisation, develop new initiatives, embed culture and lead all staff

To be the lead advisor on Risk Management and ensure our risk framework is embedded at all levels of the organisation. Responsible for the identification and management of risks across Swan

To undertake financial analysis of new business proposals ensuring that such proposals are in the best interests of the Association.

Advise generally on cost-effective business and organisational systems and achievement of best possible 'value for money' in all business and organisational activities.

Financial Management

To provide an effective financial planning/modelling service to support the achievement of corporate objectives and satisfy the demanding requirements of key stakeholders.

Ensure that all day to day financial services including budget reviews, management accounts, financial and cash flow statements are managed effectively.

To provide a management accounting service for the Group and Association complying with best practice and prevailing legislation and guidance

Accountable for the delivery of budgets across the whole of Swan.

Ensure that all statutory and regulatory financial documents are filed on time.

To co-ordinate an annual forecast and budget process

To produce regular Group management accounts including variance analysis to Budget

To provide a financial accounting service for the Group and Association.

To produce annual consolidated Group accounts in accordance with the relevant accounting standards and statement of recommended practice.

To work with the ED Treasury to monitor the overall funding requirements of the Group and Association and ensure that sufficient facilities are in place to meet the working capital and capital expenditure requirements of the Group and Association.

Audit & Risk

To act as the Group’s primary contact with its internal and external auditors.

Establish in consultation with the Executive Team a system of internal audit to provide an annual opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Group’s governance, risk management and internal controls

Report to the Board on a range of relevant issues, and provide the Board and wider organisation with in-depth professional expertise and experience

Liaison

Maintain a high level of external focus; being aware of innovation and opportunities that can support, and risks that can challenge, the delivery of our strategic objectives.

Take the lead on ensuring the organisation is compliant with regulatory requirements e.g. developing and embedding the organisations approach to Value for Money, supporting compliance with regulatory standards and liaison with the RSH.

Develop and sustain excellent relationships with key external stakeholders.

Represent Swan and build relationships with external stakeholders, to increase Swan’s profile

Ensure that all policies and procedures contained in the Association’s Financial Regulations, Standing Orders and Equal Opportunities Policy are complied with and reflect best practice.

Leadership

Work closely with the Board, and Executive colleagues to provide vision, leadership and strategic direction.

Actively contribute to, and take collective responsibility for, all Executive Team decisions; providing effective levels of support and challenge to colleagues.

Provide strong leadership of the organisation, empowering heads of service and their teams to achieve agreed standards of performance, compliance, efficiency and service.

Ensure all of Swan’s assets and resources are used efficiently and effectively, providing accountability and leadership for value for money in Swan’s activities.

As part of the Executive Team provide overall leadership and oversight to Swan’s annual budgets and forecasting process, including the delivery of any agreed cost savings.

As part of the Executive Team provide overall leadership and oversight to Swan’s annual budgets and forecasting process, including the delivery of any agreed cost savings.

Attendance at and presentation of financial information to board and committees

Encourage and promote cross functional working between teams and directorates across Swan.

Other

Ensure all work is aligned to the vision, mission and values of Swan.

Be accountable for performance within the finance directorate.

Carry out all other duties as may be reasonably assigned from time to time, with the level of this job description.

Ensure that Swan operates within all regulatory guidance, statutory and legislative requirements.

Practical understanding of equal opportunities issues and commitment to valuing diversity