Interim Property Finance Manager - local authority

Interim Property Finance Manager - London Borough Council

Circa £500 inside IR35

Department - Property Services / Finance Reports To - Director of Property

The Property Estate at the council is constantly changing, having been in S114, property has been working solely from a reactive stance with no investments into the buildings. This has resulted in increasing revenue costs that are hard to forecast.

Stock Condition surveys are now taking place across the whole estate. This will lead to better knowledge and data, along with Capital Investment into the buildings.

As a result, a property finance manager is required to tackle:

• Re-aligning Revenue and Capital budgets,
• Forecasting MTFS, taking into account disposals and loss of income,
• Challenging spend and help identify savings opportunities.

Job Purpose

To provide strategic financial management and business partnering support for the Property Services function. The role is responsible for overseeing property revenue and capital budgets, monitoring financial performance, developing robust forecasts, and ensuring that property-related financial decisions support the Council's corporate objectives and deliver value for money.

Key Responsibilities

• Review current budget and challenge spend areas, feed into the monthly reporting and highlight areas of concern or overspend
• Lead the preparation, development and monitoring of annual revenue and capital budgets for Property Services.
• Challenge budget assumptions and support budget holders in achieving financial targets.
• Develop and maintain accurate monthly and quarterly financial forecasts.
• Analyse expenditure, income, savings programmes and capital project performance to identify emerging financial pressures and opportunities.
• Provide forward-looking financial analysis to support medium-term financial planning.
• Produce accurate and timely management information reports for senior managers, directors and elected members.
• Act as the lead finance contact for Property Services and associated stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with local government financial regulations, accounting standards and Council policies.

Person Specification

• Qualified accountant (CCAB, CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Significant experience in financial management, budgeting and forecasting.
• Experience within local government, public sector finance or property-related financial management.
• Strong financial analysis and business partnering skills.
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills.

Key Performance Indicators

• Accuracy of monthly and year-end financial forecasts.
• Delivery of budget targets and savings programmes.
• Timeliness and quality of financial reporting.
• Effective management of property income and expenditure.
• Positive audit outcomes and compliance with financial regulations.