Lead Financial Planning Accountant

As part of the deeper devolution deal, single settlement gives us greater powers to focus and prioritise investment to the region, meaning financial planning has never been more important. We’re on the lookout for a Lead Financial Planning Accountant to join us on a 12 month fixed-term-contract to:

• Support the Financial Planning & Co-ordination Manager in developing the strategy and action plan for constructing the annual medium-term financial plan.
• Lead the creation, communication and approval of all WMCA capital and revenue medium term financial plans.
• Manage the process allowing for sufficient challenge and review to ensure that financial plans are accurate and robust
• Manage proper identification and appraisal of potential options as plans mature.
• Support and promote best practice through the team to ensure processes and procedures are efficient, effective and best serve the business need.
• Lead the centralised function which allows WMCA to assemble information on progress against financial plans for reporting internally and externally.

What else will you be doing?

• Develop a comprehensive week-by-week plan detailing all planning activities and approval gateways leading up to and including presentation to the WMCA Board.
• Produce draft and final WMCA budget reports, ensuring internal endorsement
• Assist the Financial Planning and Coordination Manager in executing a rigorous capital and revenue budgeting process, demonstrating affordability and value for money.
• Create financial monitoring processes and reports to ensure stakeholders understand the organisation’s financial position.
• Identify and communicate financial risks associated with capital and revenue programs to the Senior Finance Team.
• Manage a process for rigorous challenge, scenario planning, and option appraisal to ensure the accuracy of financial plans and facilitate effective decision-making.
• Provide input for monitoring and reporting on organizational efficiencies as required.
• Foster strong relationships with the Finance Business Partner network to ensure emerging financial plans and monitoring reports reflect all risks, issues, and opportunities.
• Oversee the implementation of effective processes supporting month-end monitoring and budgeting cycles.
• Analyse past experiences and external practices to identify opportunities for enhancing WMCA's financial planning and monitoring processes.

About you. 

• CCAB or CIMA qualified.
• Well versed in budget and forecasting processes and financial modelling.
• Good working knowledge of policy frameworks, management structures and reporting procedures. 
• Excellent time management skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Proven working knowledge of using spreadsheets and experience of using and maintaining computerised financial systems.

How to apply. 

On clicking ‘apply for this job’, you will first be prompted to create an account. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV, which will be used to auto-populate your profile. Please note, we do not see your CV once you have applied. Our shortlisting decisions are based on what you tell us in your profile - and so it is important to format your profile so that it really stands out. Make sure to include your employment history and include any essential education and qualifications. You will be asked to provide a supporting statement. If you already have one that you have prepared earlier, you can simply copy and paste this into the application form. 

Applicants will need to evidence that they have the legal right to work in the UK.  If we make an offer of employment, we will need to check that you are eligible to work in the UK before you start work. 

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes a Local Government Pension Scheme, 28 days of paid annual leave, Cycle to Work Scheme, and discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers. For more details, please visit the benefits page on our careers site.

Location and working pattern – what you can expect. 

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane. It is expected that you can split your time between the office and working remotely, with at least 1 day a week spent in the office. 

Creating an inclusive workplace.

West Midlands Combined Authority is dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying. If your values align with ours and you are dedicated to working towards a future we can all be proud of, we would love to hear from you.

About us.

Our vision is to create a better connected, more prosperous, fairer, greener, and healthier region. We aim to achieve this vision by living our values, which include being a partnership organisation, valuing and respecting our people, fostering a can-do attitude, and encouraging innovation. WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as "Leaders in Diversity," and has been recognized as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We are also a Disability Confident Employer, committed to interviewing all applicants with disabilities who meet the essential role criteria. WMCA believes that building a team with varied backgrounds and experiences will benefit us as an employer and enhance our work.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility requirement, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk). We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Thank you for considering joining our team at WMCA. We look forward to receiving your application and the opportunity to work together towards our shared goals.