Chief Finance Officer

Job purpose

The fulfilment of all statutory obligations of the Chief Finance Officer in the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner as set out in paragraph 6 of Schedule 1 to the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 and Sections 113 and 114 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988, and as prescribed by the Home Office Financial Management Code of Practice and other relevant legislative provisions.

Main responsibilities

• Act as the professional lead officer to the Commissioner on all financial matters; financial propriety; and the financial aspects of corporate governance. Ensure the financial affairs of the Commissioner are properly administered and that financial regulations are observed and updated.
• Ensure regularity, propriety and value for money (VFM) in the use of public funds and in particular advise the Commissioner of the application of VFM principles by the Constabulary to support them in holding the Chief Constable to account.
• Advise the Commissioner in developing an ambitious strategic financial strategy and ensure that the requisite funding is available from the Government, precept, other contributions and recharges, to discharge the Chief Finance Officer’s statutory responsibility for the police fund.
• Act as the Commissioner’s professional lead officer on budgetary matters, including the robustness of the budget and adequacy of financial reserves.
• Arrange for the determination, issue and transfer of the precept.
• Ensure that accurate, complete and timely financial management information is provided to the Commissioner.
• Advise on the safeguarding of assets, including risk management and insurance.
• Ensure the production of the statement of accounts of the Commissioner, ensure receipt and scrutiny of the statement of accounts of the Chief Constable and ensure production of the group accounts.
• Report to the Commissioner, the Police and Crime Panel and the external auditor (as appropriate) any unlawful or potentially unlawful expenditure by the Commissioner or his officers or when expenditure is likely to exceed resources.
• Ensure the provision of efficient and effective audit services and liaise with both internal and external auditors in reporting to the Audit Committee.
• Secure effective treasury management, including loans and investments and report annual policy and performance to the Commissioner.
• Ensure the finance function is fit for purpose.
• Promote, develop and sustain effective working relationships at a local, regional and national level, particularly the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, Chief Executive, the Chief Constable and senior officers of the Constabulary, Her Majesty’s Treasury, the Home Office, HMIC and the National Audit Office.
• Work with the Commissioner and where applicable other forces, to help the Commissioner deliver their manifesto and develop new strategies to address the funding gap.
• Represent the Commissioner’s financial interests on all relevant projects and groups.
• Work with the Chief Constable’s Chief Finance Officer in a mutually supportive way to facilitate the execution of their duties.