Finance Liaison Officer – West Midlands Fire Service

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902km square and a population of more than 2.9 million people. ‘Our Strategy’ drives the people, professionalism and pride with which we serve our communities, making them safer, stronger and healthier.

We have an exciting opportunity for two Finance Liaison Officers to join us, within our finance team, reporting to the Principal Management Accountant. We are looking for enthusiastic finance professionals. The role would suit those with a fire sector or local government background, a can-do attitude, analytical skills and the ability to appropriately articulate financial information to a range of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

assist the Treasurer (S151 Officer), Head of Finance and Principal Accountant in providing a full and quality financial management service for WMFS

prepare robust monthly financial forecasting, working alongside relevant budget holders

provide financial management advice and guidance on an ad hoc basis and during meetings

provide financial support to the relevant Senior Leadership Team member/s

support the Head of Finance and wider team in the annual budget setting process

provide support, training and guidance to the organisation, including budget holders, on financial management and effective business partnering.

Experience and skills

Essential

detailed knowledge of local authority finance, budgeting and accounting

use of relevant software and on-line accounting systems

accuracy and attention to detail in all work areas

ability to analyse, interpret, assimilate and translate complex financial information and to prepare reasoned reports from this information

ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with members of the finance team and budget managers

ability to communicate financial issues (both in writing and verbally) to others in an easy-to-understand format

ability to listen, interpret, negotiate, influence, challenge and inspire

ability to understand the impact of financial reporting on performance and see the value of financial information provided to budget managers, to support them in their roles

ability to make decisions, to manage workloads and achieve deadlines.

Desirable

ability to use complex Excel spreadsheets

awareness of/familiarity with Oracle (Fusion)

ability to write/maintain Oracle Transactional Business Intelligence (OTBI) reports.