Welcome from the Head of Finance and Property Principal Accountant In and Around Burnley Applicant Information Our Vision and Values 1 Our Strategic Objectives Strategic Plan Partnership Working Management Structure Council Structure Job Description Person Specification Appointments Procedure

burnley.co.uk Welcome Asad Mushtaq, Head of Finance & Property

Thank you for your interest in these posts. Burnley Council is recognised for strong political and managerial leadership, for its committed, loyal and proud employees, for growing the economy, and for finances that are well managed.

Burnley has seen significant economic and We are looking for ambitious individuals who in Welcome from the housing growth and is in the top 10 in the UK for turn will support the Council’s ambitious agenda Head of Finance and Property private sector jobs growth, second in the UK for and will work alongside senior colleagues, council In and Around Burnley digital jobs growth and was recently recognised as members and management team as part of a ‘property hotspot’. We are keen to build on this providing finance support and advice as well as Our Vision and Values momentum and accelerate the delivery of further being a key driver of the council’s commercial Our Strategic Objectives inclusive growth that benefits all of our citizens agenda. 2 Strategic Plan We are meeting our financial challenges head-on If either of these posts interest you and you feel Partnership Working through strong and effective management and that you have the qualities we are looking for I have a track record of seeking to work through would like to encourage you to join our team. If Management Structure collaborative public and private partnerships so we you have any questions about the role and would can continue to drive economic growth and deliver like an informal discussion then please contact me Council Structure top-class services to our citizens. on 01282 477173. Job Description

Our organisation is committed to maximising its Good luck with your application. Person Specification resources and is firmly dedicated to coaching and Appointments Procedure developing our employees. We are proud of our Investors in People Gold status and our Health and Wellbeing Good Practice Award. Our employees Asad Mushtaq are highly motivated and are committed to corporate working. We also have excellent Member/Officer relationships. In and around Burnley Burnley the place Connectivity The borough of Burnley is situated on the Burnley’s primary connectivity is through road and western edge of the Pennines, 21 miles north of rail links, within an approximate one hour travel Manchester. Along with Blackburn, Blackpool and time to three major airports. Businesses are in easy Preston, Burnley is a key business, service and retail reach of suppliers and customers both regionally centre in Lancashire. and nationally. Situated around junction 10 of the M65, Burnley has connections south to the M66 Burnley is a compact urban area, stretching along and then on to the M62, Manchester, Leeds and Welcome from the the two river valleys of the Brun and Calder, Liverpool. Along the M65 to the west are Blackburn, Head of Finance and Property covering 43 square miles (11,072 hectares). It is the M6 and Preston, Blackpool, the Lake District In and Around Burnley surrounded by the moorland countryside of the and beyond. South Pennines to the east, and the Forest of Our Vision and Values Bowland and the gritstone outcrop of Pendle Hill to Manchester Road railway station has recently been Our Strategic Objectives the north. redeveloped and a new direct link to Manchester 3 was launched in 2015, with a reduction in journey Strategic Plan Much of Burnley’s character and distinctiveness time to Manchester Victoria to just 52 minutes. Partnership Working today derives from its attractive Pennine setting Burnley also has direct train services to Preston, and from its development during the Industrial Blackburn, Bradford and Leeds and national Management Structure Revolution. This gave the inner parts of the urban connections beyond. Burnley is a net exporter of Council Structure area distinctive sandstone terraces in grid-iron labour with a daily outflow of commuters of 15,272 street patterns, mills and extensive parks. and an inflow of 14,608 people commuting into Job Description the borough for work (Source: Census 2011). Person Specification The mid-year population in 2015 was 87,400. Between 2014 and 2015, the population grew by Appointments Procedure approximately 100 people (0.1%) and has seen an increase in four out of the last five years.

The borough’s population is diverse with 12.6% black or minority ethnic residents, increasing from 8.2% in 2001. Our Vision

‘The council aspires to make the borough a place of choice. It will be a place where businesses invest, because of its skilled workforce and its competitive, modern economy. It will be a place where people live because of its clean and safe neighbourhoods, its reputation as a centre of educational excellence, and its quality green space’ Our Values Our core values, developed with our employees, reflect both our current state and our ambition and Welcome from the are also reflected in our behaviour framework. Head of Finance and Property In and Around Burnley Our Vision and Values

4 Our Strategic Objectives Strategic Plan Partnership Working Management Structure Council Structure TOGETHER ENTERPRISING Job Description Person Specification Appointments Procedure

TEAM AMBITIOUS MEETING CUSTOMER NEEDS Welcome from the Head of Finance and Property In and Around Burnley Our Vision and Values

5 Our Strategic Objectives Strategic Plan Partnership Working Management Structure Council Structure Our strategic objectives Job Description Person Specification PLACES: making the borough cleaner, greener and safer Appointments Procedure PEOPLE: creating opportunities, sustaining ambition

PROSPERITY: promoting the borough, supporting local firms, investing in the future PERFORMANCE: improving services, delivering value for money Strategic Plan The Strategic Plan describes how the council will make the vision for the borough, which is described in the Community Strategy, a reality. It unifies the council’s service units, and is used to articulate common purpose. Strategic analysis helps anticipate and prepare for change.

The strategic planning process enables the council to audit internal capacity, informing decisions about resource allocation (staff, budgets, technology, equipment, and premises). The Strategic Plan also encourages dialogue amongst different service units in the council which in turn facilitates joined up working as council officers identify points of connection at the level of outcome, output, process or input. Welcome from the The four strands of our strategic objectives in summary are: Head of Finance and Property In and Around Burnley Places: Making the People – Creating opportunities Our Vision and Values borough a place of choice and sustaining ambition 6 Our Strategic Objectives Making the whole Borough clean, green, and safe The council is ambitious for Burnley. It will lead is a priority and a key expectation of the residents the delivery of our ambitious Community Strategy Strategic Plan of the Borough. This will help foster community alongside its partners. To ensure that Burnley Partnership Working pride, which in turn helps make investment in punches above its weight and gets a fair deal, new housing and other infrastructure projects the Council’s Executive and Management Team Management Structure sustainable over the long-term. A clean, green and will make sure that the business case for Burnley Council Structure safe Borough will also attract new private sector is heard at sub-regional, regional and national Job Description investment. decision making levels. Person Specification We are also developing opportunities and Appointments Procedure sustaining ambition of local residents, regenerating neighbourhoods, emphasising the importance of acquiring new skills, of leading a healthy lifestyle and the need to pass on a sense of social responsibility to the next generation. Ensuring services to vulnerable groups are protected wherever possible and health standards are improved. Prosperity – Promoting Performance – ensuring transformational economic continuous improvement in change for Burnley. all aspects of the council’s In the past, Burnley’s economy was too reliant on performance. mass manufacturing. The borough has therefore Improving value for money for our tax payers and suffered in the face of the changing global striving to cut unnecessary costs. Continually economy. Diversification protects against this. improving our performance through an improvement culture in which all staff feel able to Our focus is on developing a diverse business improve the quality of service the council provides base with an entrepreneurial culture, establishing and looking for new ways to improve customer Burnley as a key retail and service centre in Pennine experience. Welcome from the Lancashire and an attractive, alternative place to Head of Finance and Property live, work and play. We are working to enhance Having senior managers that buy into or lead In and Around Burnley Burnley’s reputation as a regional manufacturing on key corporate change initiatives, providing centre and improve the skills, qualifications and direct leadership where transformation in ways of Our Vision and Values employability of the borough’s workforce. working is required. 7 Our Strategic Objectives Strategic Plan Partnership Working Management Structure Council Structure Job Description Person Specification Appointments Procedure Partnership Working

The Council has established a number of strategic partnerships to deliver high quality services to residents as well as to deliver a range to housing and economic development projects. Our key strategic partnerships are as follows: • Urbaser: Street and waste cleansing contract • Burnley Leisure Trust: Leisure and cultural services • Liberata: IT, Revenues & Benefits, Contact Centre, Facilities Management and HR Admin Welcome from the Head of Finance and Property A key aim for the Council is to ensure that from a resident’s point of view the different In and Around Burnley partners provide services in a joined up ‘one Council’ approach. Our Vision and Values The Council has also recently established a housing partnership with Barnfield Homes to develop housing on Council owned sites. The Council also works closely with Calico 8 Our Strategic Objectives (who are the largest Registered Social Landlord in Burnley) in developing a range of Strategic Plan housing across the borough. Partnership Working Finance plays a key role in working collaboratively with our partners to deliver the Management Structure Council’s Strategic Objectives. Council Structure Job Description Person Specification Appointments Procedure Management Structure

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Mick Cartledge

Welcome from the CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Lukman Patel Head of Finance and Property In and Around Burnley

Green Spaces Housing & Legal & Streetscene Finance & People & Policy & Economy Our Vision and Values & Amenities Development Democratic Property Development Engagement & Growth Control Services Joanne Simon Goff Swift Asad Heather Rob Dobson Kate Ingram Catherine Our Strategic Objectives Paul Gatrell Mushtaq Brennan 9 Waudby Strategic Plan

Park Services Private Sector egal Services Engineering Accountancy Human Resources Policy Business Support Housing & & Payment Partnership Working Art Gallery Property Services Procurement Services & Health & Safety Communications Branding & Museum Contracts Audit & Graphics & Tourism Homelessness Democracy and Organisational Management Structure Bereavement Civic Services Community Safety Property & Development Community Ton Centre Services Development Facilities Engagement Management Control Environmental Health Markets Council Structure Planning Policy Job Description Person Specification

Environmental Revenues & Benefits Human Resources Information Services Appointments Procedure Health and Facilities Administration & Customer Services Council Structure

The Borough is divided into 15 wards with three The council seats are as follows: councillors representing each ward – making a • Labour = 25 total of 45 councillors. • Liberal Democrats = 5 The Labour Group are the majority party and have • Conservative = 5 formed an administration and hold all 5 seats on • Burnley & Padiham Independent Party = 4 the Executive. • Free Independent = 2 Welcome from the Head of Finance and Property • UKIP = 2 In and Around Burnley • Green Party = 1 Our Vision and Values • Independent = 1 10 Our Strategic Objectives Strategic Plan The Executive Councillor Mark Townsend Partnership Working Leader Management Structure Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Council Structure John Harbour Sue Graham Asif Raja Lian Pate Job Description Deputy Leader and Executive Member Executive Member Executive Member Person Specification Executive Member for Resources for Economy and for Community for Housing and and Performance Growth and Environmental Appointments Procedure Leisure Management Services Job Description

Principal Accountant - POST NO: AS1240

RESPONSIBLE TO: Finance Manager STATUS: Middle Manager

GRADE: 13 LOCATION: Burnley Town Hall

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Assigned Finance employees Welcome from the Head of Finance and Property Purpose of the post Main Duties and Responsibilities: In and Around Burnley To deputise for the Finance Manager, when required. 1. To lead a team undertaking a full range Our Vision and Values of financial activities to service units including To lead a team maintaining financial systems and Our Strategic Objectives the preparation of annual revenue and capital 11 providing budgetary and other specialist financial budgets, the provision of financial monitoring and Strategic Plan advice to a number of service units within the accompanying specialist advice and the completion Council’s overall financial policies and procedures. Partnership Working of the annual final accounts in accordance with To be responsible for planning for the effects of new statutory and organisational deadlines. Management Structure legislation as it affects financial services and to deal 2. Provide a finance business partnering role Council Structure with the financial impact of new issues and initiatives to service units to support the Council’s financial Job Description within the Council. management and commercialisation priorities. Person Specification To provide advice to senior managers on issues 3. To plan the work of the team and allocate relating to Value Added Tax. Appointments Procedure tasks to team members whilst providing appropriate Building partnerships and maintaining strong supervision and guidance where necessary. relationships with all senior managers and their 4. To monitor the performance of the team and teams. take any corrective action required to ensure that the relevant standards are met. 5. To undertake performance appraisals 10. Prepare the Council’s Collection Fund and other staff management responsibilities in accounts, estimated year-end balance to assist with accordance with the relevant Council policies and council tax setting and act as the accounting lead in procedures. preparing NNDR returns. Maintain current working knowledge of all aspects of accounting for locally 6. Promote a culture of continuous retained business rates. improvement by proactively identifying and implementing improved ways of working, within the 11. To manage the provision of financial responsibilities of this post and across the finance information to other stakeholders as required. team, with a focus on developing the concept of 12. To ensure the effective operation of the business partnering and the challenges of faster Council’s financial management system including closedown. reviewing the performance of the system and 7. To collate financial and other supporting implementing upgrades and other system changes. Welcome from the information to be reported to Council Committees, Head of Finance and Property 13. To interpret government legislation and other Management Team or senior managers. regulatory directives relating to finance matters and In and Around Burnley 8. Provide advice and information as to the ensure that any necessary measures required to Our Vision and Values Value Added Tax position of the Council, including comply with these are implemented. Our Strategic Objectives interpretation and implementation of changes 12 14. Provide guidance and training to Directorates arising from legislation, calculation of the partial Strategic Plan and Departments as required regarding accounting exemption position, liaising with VAT inspectors as practice the proper use of financial systems. Partnership Working required, identifying opportunities for savings from VAT planning and supervising the submission of 15. Assist in the preparation of the Finance Unit Management Structure monthly returns. Service Plan. Council Structure 9. To supervise the completion and submission 16. To undertake such other duties and Job Description of a number of government grant claims and other responsibilities as are commensurate with the salary returns in accordance with the prescribed deadlines. grading of the post. Person Specification Appointments Procedure Health and Safety Managers are required to provide a working environment which is safe and without risks to the health, safety and welfare of employees, and others who may be affected, in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act, associated regulations and the Corporate Health and Safety Policy.

Politically Restricted Posts This is a Politically Restricted Post within the meaning of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Welcome from the Head of Finance and Property FOOTNOTE In and Around Burnley This Job Description summarises the major Our Vision and Values responsibilities of the post. It is not intended to exclude other activities, nor future changes from the 13 Our Strategic Objectives post holder’s responsibilities. Strategic Plan Partnership Working Management Structure Council Structure Job Description Person Specification Appointments Procedure Person Specification Principal Accountant POST: AS1240 GRADE: 13

Essential Selection Criteria Method of Assessment Desirable i QUALIFICATIONS

1. Professionally qualified accountant (CCAB or CIMA) E A/C

2. ILM3 in Supervisory Management, Coaching and Mentoring or equivalent. D A/C Welcome from the Head of Finance and Property KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE In and Around Burnley 1. Post-qualification experience in a senior finance role E A/I Our Vision and Values 2. Practical public sector finance experience E A/I Our Strategic Objectives 3. Experience in development and maintenance of computerised financial systems D A/I 14 Strategic Plan 4. Knowledge and experience of advising on commercial strategies and activities D A/I Partnership Working 5. Experience of the management and development of employees. E A/I Management Structure 6. Experience of dealing with taxation issues relating to public bodies E A/I Council Structure Job Description Person Specification Appointments Procedure Essential Selection Criteria Method of Assessment i Desirable SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

1. Be able to produce accurate financial information, prepare final accounts, budgets E I and Government grant claims

2. Ability to work to deadlines and plan and organise workloads, exercising E I Welcome from the judgement over priorities and reconciling conflicting demands and pressures Head of Finance and Property

3. Effective personal communication skills both verbal and written and to both E I In and Around Burnley Finance and non-finance audiences Our Vision and Values 4. High quality and effective negotiation and advocacy skills both verbal and written E I and the ability to develop effective relationships both internally and externally 15 Our Strategic Objectives 5. Effective management, motivation and leadership skills E I Strategic Plan

6. An ability to successfully work across traditional and organisational boundaries to E I Partnership Working deliver outcomes Management Structure 7. Ability to develop and maintain computerised financial systems E I Council Structure 8. To be able to work independently and apply discretion over a broad area of E I activity Job Description

9. An understanding of all major issues currently affecting Local Government finance E A/I Person Specification Appointments Procedure Appointment Procedure

1. Applications 4. Closing Date Candidates are required to complete the Council’s The closing date for receipt of applications is 12pm standard online application form which is available. Monday 12th November 2018. Additional sheets can be used with regard to details of your work experience. CVs will not be accepted. On-line applications will automatically be submitted via an application link. Word versions of the If you would like an informal discussion about the application form should be returned to: Welcome from the post, please telephone Asad Mushtaq, Head of Head of Finance and Property Finance & Property on 01282 477173. HR Administration, Number 1, Market Street, NELSON, Lancashire, BB9 7LJ or In and Around Burnley email [email protected]. 2. References Our Vision and Values Our Strategic Objectives The referees who are quoted on your application Applications should be marked Personal – Job 16 form should be able to comment from first-hand Application. Strategic Plan experience on your suitability for this position. Partnership Working References will be required for at least the last three 5. Validation of Qualifications years of your employment. Management Structure Please note that, if you are shortlisted, you will be Council Structure required to bring with you to the interview your 3. Acknowledgements original certificates or other documentary evidence Job Description All applications will be acknowledged by email on of qualifications obtained that are relevant to this Person Specification receipt. post, as stated on the person specification. We will also require a copy of each of these to be placed on Appointments Procedure file. 6. Medical 9. Selection process An appointment to this post is subject to medical Your completed application form will be considered clearance and therefore it will be necessary to by the selection panel which will consist of the Head complete a standard questionnaire and possibly of Finance & Property, Finance Manager and Internal undergo a physical examination by the Council’s Audit Manager who will prepare a short-list of medical adviser. candidates for interview. Candidates should note that this short-list will be based strictly on the criteria set out in the person specification. 7. Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Applicants will be notified by email in the week commencing 19th November 2018 whether Please note that in accordance with the provisions of they have been shortlisted. Welcome from the the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, Head of Finance and Property and before commencing employment, the successful Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete applicant will have to provide either documentary a technical assessment on the day of the interview. In and Around Burnley evidence of National Insurance Number or other Further details will be sent to shortlisted candidates. Our Vision and Values documentary evidence to show that they are entitled to work in the UK. This evidence will be retained on Interviews will take place in Burnley on the 29th and 17 Our Strategic Objectives file during employment. In your own interests please 30th November 2018. Strategic Plan make sure that you can meet this requirement. Partnership Working

Monday 12th November Management Structure 8. Interview expenses Closing date 2018 at 12pm Council Structure Expenses incurred in attending interviews should Thursday 29th or Friday 30th be claimed on the standard form, which will be Interviews Job Description forwarded to candidates as required. Travel expenses November 2018 Person Specification should be claimed on the basis of standard class rail fare. Any applicants who withdraw after being short- Appointments Procedure listed will not be entitled to any refund of expenses. People, Development and Administration Team 01282 878897 [email protected]

Welcome from the Head of Finance and Property In and Around Burnley Our Vision and Values

18 Our Strategic Objectives Strategic Plan Partnership Working Management Structure Council Structure Job Description Person Specification Appointments Procedure

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