Deputy Chief Finance Officer - ABC11490

Job Purpose:

Before applying for this job, it is important that you read the Applicant Guidance by clicking on this link and the Job Profile attached. These explain the job role and the type of person we're looking for.

Location: Marischal College, Broad Street, Aberdeen

Duration: Permanent, Full Time

Aberdeen City Council is currently in discussions with Trade Unions regarding a proposal to move from a standard 37-hour full-time working week to a standard 35-hour full-time working week.   

Please note:  A decision has been reached, in consultation with our Trade Unions, that all new vacancies will be advertised on a maximum of 35 hours per week, and accordingly, new appointments made on a contract of 35 hours per week.

We are looking for an experienced Accountant with the excellent leadership skills, and who can add value as Deputy CFO for Aberdeen City Council, during this exciting time of ongoing transformation. This is an opportunity to really have a positive impact and we are seeking exceptional candidates who have drive and ambition with an entrepreneurial mindset who will be excited about the potential to be part of this award winning local authority in Scotland. You will be an influential leader who will inspire your team to deliver best value and continuous improvement.

Working at a strategic level, and having a track record of delivering results we are seeking a committed individual that can make a difference for Aberdeen and the people we serve.

The successful candidate will play a major part along with senior colleagues and Elected Members in taking forward the priorities set out in our Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP), whilst supporting the Section 95 Officer.

We truly value our team and understand the importance of flexibility as part of a high-performance work culture, so we are flexible around core working hours and offer the opportunity of working from home and the office on a hybrid basis.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Financial Systems, Controls, Reporting (including Arms Length External Organisations (ALEO) and Joint Ventures)
• Financial Planning, Budgets, Forecasting
• Strategic Initiatives
• Performance and Process Improvements
• Maintaining a High Performing and Engaged Team Culture

If you feel you have the leadership skills, and qualities and experience to take on the challenges of this exciting new role, we would welcome your application.

For informal enquiries please contact Jonathan Belford on jbelford@aberdeencity.gov.uk

The post holder needs to hold as a minimum:

CCAB Qualified Accountant and current membership of a recognised chartered professional body

Relevant degree or professional qualification and/or Member of Professional Institution/Association

The postholder is able to demonstrate:

Skills & Experience in:

Sound commercial and business acumen with strong knowledge of business drivers and the external environment

Sound understanding of organisational change management philosophies, tools and techniques 

An ability to assess business needs from multiple sources, producing high level summaries and recommending appropriate interventions

Proven extensive experience in:
o Strategic policy development and implementation 
o Managing strategic partnerships 
o Service improvements 
o Successful budgetary management and control 
o Developing integrated services 
o One or more of the service areas within the scope of the directorate
o Working with Elected Members, Board members and other similar stakeholder groups

Leadership & Managerial Skills 

Workforce and resource planning 

Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to tailor communications depending on the audience 

Relationship, influencing and networking skills 

Negotiation and contracting skills

Team working and team building skills 

Strong customer focus skills and the proven ability to continually anticipate and exceed customer expectations

Understanding of:

Ideally an understanding of the role of Elected Members and the decision making 
structures within the Council

Technical financial expertise related to accounting and options appraisal

Excellent record of achievement at management level in a complex, multi-functional 
organisation

Managing consultation forums and working with trade unions, within the context of 
partnership

Managing a demanding client base and effective strategies for business partnering, 
stakeholder management and customer service

Risk analysis and management

Proven track record of understanding key drivers in finance and working in partnership with key stakeholders to measurably improve service delivery

Practical understanding and application of engagement philosophies

Commitment to:

The principles and aims of Aberdeen City Council

The Aberdeen City Council Target Operating Model

The Local Outcome Improvement Plan

CPD as relevant to the post

About Us

Please see the Job Profile for further details.

Aberdeen City Council is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. For further information, please see our Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Recruitment pack.

Flexible Working

We are happy to talk flexible working and offer flexible working for most roles in the organisation meaning that many of our employees enjoy the freedom of choosing a working pattern that suits them as much as it suits the organisation.

Disability Confident

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you consider yourself to have a disability and think you may require a reasonable adjustment to be made for this part of the selection process, or would like further information in relation to reasonable adjustments, please contact AskHR@aberdeencity.gov.uk.

Armed Forces

We are a forces-friendly employer, have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a silver award recipient in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We have a specific email address for those in the forces, those who have left the forces, as well as their partners / spouses / families: armedforces@aberdeencity.gov.uk. We are able to answer questions about jobs and our application / selection process, as well as about our employee support provisions.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

We have a number of guaranteed interview schemes available to applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for who:

• have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 (all jobs)
• looked after young people, those that are in continuing care or are a care leaver up to the age of 29 (all jobs)
• are aged 16-24 and live in Aberdeen City or have been to an Aberdeen City Council school and are applying for a Modern Apprenticeship (except Trades apprenticeships)
• have done a Foundation Apprenticeship with Aberdeen City Council and are applying for any apprenticeships relevant to the area in which they did their Foundation Apprenticeship
• are New Scots* aged 16-24 and are applying for any apprenticeships

*"New Scots" are defined as refugees and asylum seekers who are in Scottish communities and include those who have been granted refugee status or another form of humanitarian protection, people seeking asylum, those who have been refused asylum, and those whose application has been refused but who remain in Scotland.

Further information can be found at https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/jobs