Systems & Reporting Accountant

Job title: Systems & Reporting Accountant
Grade: PO 2
Role code: EBC0501
Status: Police Staff
Home Office code: Organisational Support

Main purpose of the role:

Develop and maintain the Forces financial planning, budgeting and reporting tool(s) and statutory accounting systems (referred to as Financial Systems) providing excellent management and statutory financial information in a cost effective and efficient manner. Initiate and drive continuous improvement in existing systems and or implement new financial reporting solutions and resolve financial system issues affecting productivity of both accounting and financial reporting. Design, write and deliver financial training to Budget Holders (Senior Leaders across the force) enabling Essex Police SLT members to make more effective and informed financial decisions.

Main responsibilities:

• Lead, develop and maintain the Forces corporate financial systems in accordance with professional financial standards and best practice guidelines ensuring that the Force is compliant with the relevant Financial Regulations, accounting procedures and standards in order to promote and support the continued development of financial management and control across the Force.
• Ensure the integrity of the Forces general ledger and interfaces with the financial systems, working closely with the IT systems team providing assurances the figures are accurate and achieving unqualified audit opinion on Essex Police statement of accounts. This will also enable accurate external reporting and accurate information being provided to budget holders enabling effective budgetary management.
• Develop and maintain the Forces financial planning and budgeting solution to enable effective automated medium term financial forecasting and annual budget setting to support Essex Police and the PFCC effective management of resources within set budgets.
• Implement and maintain a system / process for the monthly financial management reporting to all budget holders (either through report distribution or self- service) ensuring that all budgets have an allocated budget holder;
• Design, write and deliver financial training to Budget Holders (Senior Leaders) and support finance team members in the use of financial systems and procedures;
• Provide expert financial advice through being the Forces main expert in report writing for the systems maintained.
• Support projects relating to financial systems as and when required alongside working with the IT Systems Team, to test and implement any new developments to the finance systems.
• Prepare, design and produce management information for the department and wider Force as required presenting findings in a format appropriate for the audience in order to support effective financial management.

Created June 2021.

Vetting level:

Management Vetting (MV).

Necessary experience:

Fully Qualified member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (or Part-Qualified CCAB Accountant) with the ability to demonstrate continuing professional development.

The post holder must have at least two years experience as an MAAT working in either a statutory financial reporting and/or management accounting environment preferably gained from police or a local authority although other candidates from large scale organisations would be considered.

In-depth experience of using IT based financial management systems and the use and development of integrated spreadsheets to produce financial and management information. Management Report writing, presentation and proficient communication skills; both verbal and written are essential for this role. This will be combined with a practical approach to problem solving.

Attention to detail, accuracy and the ability to prioritise and work to deadlines is essential as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Good communication skills, both verbal and written are essential along with the ability to build effective working relationships internally and with external stakeholders.

The post holder must have practical experience and knowledge of financial accounting systems and have the ability to exploit the financial information available from the system and provide appropriate support to system users.

In addition to being able to demonstrate project management skills the post holder must be fully conversant with a range of Microsoft products, specifically having Advanced Excel and Word skills, and have the ability to become rapidly familiar with internal computer databases and systems.

Behaviours:

Analyse Critically (Level 2)

I ensure that the best available evidence from a wide range of sources is taken into account when making decisions. I think about different perspectives and motivations when reviewing information and how this may influence key points. I ask incisive questions to test out facts and assumptions, questioning and challenging the information provided when necessary. I understand when to balance decisive action with due consideration. I recognise patterns, themes and connections between several and diverse sources of information and the best available evidence. I identify when I need to take action on the basis of limited information and think about how to mitigate the risks in doing so. I challenge others to ensure that decisions are made in alignment with our mission, values and the Code of Ethics.

Collaborative (Level 2)

I manage relationships and partnerships for the long term, sharing information and building trust to find the best solutions. I help create joined-up solutions across organisational and geographical boundaries, partner organisations and those the police serve. I understand the local partnership context, helping me to use a range of tailored steps to build support. I work with our partners to decide who is best placed to take the lead on initiatives. I try to anticipate our partners' needs and take action to address these. I do not make assumptions. I check that our partners are getting what they need from the police service. I build commitment from others (including the public) to work together to deliver agreed outcomes.

Deliver, Support and Inspire (Level 2)

I give clear direction and expectations, helping others to understand how their work operates in the wider context. I identify barriers that inhibit performance in my teams and take steps to resolve these, enabling others to perform. I lead the public and / or colleagues, where appropriate, during incidents or through the provision of advice and support. I ensure the efficient use of resources to create the most value and the right impact within my areas. I keep track of changes in the external environment, anticipating both the short and long term potential implications for the Police Service. I motivate and inspire others to achieve their best.

Emotionally Aware (Level 2)

I consider the perspectives of people from a wide range of backgrounds before taking action. I adapt my style and approach according to the needs of the people I am working with, using my own behaviour to achieve the best outcome. I promote a culture that values diversity and encourages challenge. I encourage reflective practice among others and take the time to support others to understand reactions and behaviours. I take responsibility for helping to ensuring the emotional well being of those in my teams. I take the responsibility to deal with any inappropriate behaviours.

Innovative and Open-minded (Level 2)

I explore a number of different sources of information and use a variety of tools when faced with a problem and look for good practice that is not always from policing. I am able to spot opportunities or threats which may influence how I go about my job in the future by using knowledge of trends, new thinking about policing and changing demographics in the population. I am flexible in my approach, changing my plans to make sure that I have the best impact. I encourage others to be creative and take appropriate risks. I share my explorations and understanding of the wider internal and external environment.

Take Ownership (Level 2)

I proactively create a culture of ownership within my areas of work and support others to display personal responsibility. I take responsibility for making improvements to policies, processes and procedures, actively encouraging others to contribute their ideas. I am accountable for the decisions my team make and the activities within our teams. I take personal responsibility for seeing events through to a satisfactory conclusion and for correcting any problems both promptly and openly. I actively encourage and support learning within my teams and colleagues.

Values:

Impartiality (Accredited)

I take into account individual needs and requirements in all of my actions. I understand that treating everyone fairly does not mean everyone is treated the same. I always give people an equal opportunity to express their views. I communicate with everyone, making sure the most relevant message is provided to all. I value everyone's views and opinions by actively listening to understand their perspective. I make fair and objective decisions using the best available evidence. I enable everyone to have equal access to services and information, where appropriate.

Integrity (Accredited)

I always act in line with the values of the police service and the Code of Ethics for the benefit of the public. I demonstrate courage in doing the right thing, even in challenging situations. I enhance the reputation of my organisation and the wider police service through my actions and behaviours. I challenge colleagues whose behaviour, attitude and language falls below the public's and the service's expectations. I am open and responsive to challenge about my actions and words. I declare any conflicts of interest at the earliest opportunity. I am respectful of the authority and influence my position gives me. I use resources effectively and efficiently and not for personal benefit.

Public Service (Accredited)

I act in the interest of the public, first and foremost. I am motivated by serving the public, ensuring that I provide the best service possible at all times. I seek to understand the needs of others to act in their best interests. I adapt to address the needs and concerns of different communities. I tailor my communication to be appropriate and respectful to my audience. I take into consideration how others want to be treated when interacting with them. I treat people respectfully regardless of the circumstances. I share credit with everyone involved in delivering services.

Transparency (Accredited)

I ensure that my decision-making rationale is clear and considered so that it is easily understood by others. I am clear and comprehensive when communicating with others. I am open and honest about my areas for development and I strive to improve. I give an accurate representation of my actions and records. I recognise the value of feedback and act on it. I give constructive and accurate feedback. I represent the opinions of others accurately and consistently. I am consistent and truthful in my communications. I maintain confidentiality appropriately.

Technical skills:

Finance - Budget Preparation (Level 4)

Possesses a detailed knowledge of financial legislation, working practices and procedures. Able to provide general advice and guidance to budget managers both on current budgetary matters and for future budgets. Analyses current financial position for Managers, reviewing and predicting budget usage. Able to discuss, set and agree budgets with Managers. Equipped to quality assure journal transfers and virement. Able to complete out-turns of expenditure, and predictions of expenditure for the end of each financial year.

Finance - Final Account Production (Level 4)

Able to assist with the production of final accounts and capital accounting processes. Capable of undertaking the legislatively required enforcement role for the Force, showing costs of assets within revenue.

Finance - Management Costing (Level 4)

Produces detailed and comprehensive costing information for Areas/ Departments, according to pre-determined project parameters. Produces self generated costing information in order to assist with best value initiatives. Capable of researching and collating information, producing findings, recommendations and options for consideration. Produces high quality information and documentation.

Health and Safety (Level 3)

Has a basic understanding of Health and Safety issues affecting the current role and working environment. Takes responsibility for personal safety and the safety of others. Aware of hazards and reports problems identified to line manager. Understands and minimises the physical risk of injury through the use of proper manual handling procedures.

Information Management and Technology (Level 5)

Can retrieve information from computer searches across data source boundaries e.g. across a number of data sources, across county. Can analyse and compare data from such searches. Understands significance of findings and can provide guidance on the reliability of forecasts resulting from data analysis. Can monitor data quality in the work of others, and may manage the impact of data quality issues.

Training (Level 4)

Understands the various principles and methods of training and utilises them effectively. Creates, structures and delivers training from a basic outline or a previously identified skills gap. Able to tailor the training to address the needs of the group to be trained. Able to deliver a range of training courses/ packages on related subjects. Identifies and utilises available internal/external trainers, training resources and packages, as appropriate.