Position Description

Position DescriptionPosition titleFinancial ControllerNameResponsible toResponsibility for staffDate 23 May 2011Group Manager Corporate ServicesAccountants (Strategic, Management, Assets, Systems and Financial),Financial Services Team Leader & Accounts Officers, ( Accounts Payable(2) and Accounts Receivable) and Accounts AssistantPosition contextBay of Plenty Regional Council intends to deliver the outcomes its community wants. Strongleadership qualities and balanced functional groups will ensure this occurs. Overlaying thefunctional groups will be a strong programme and project management approach and there will bea strong emphasis on ensuring that the processes and systems within the organisation support thisstructure.This position will form part of Bay of Plenty’s Regional Council’s management structure. Bay ofPlenty Regional Council managers are expected to provide a focus on the effective managementof people and teams and the delivery of results.Bay of Plenty Regional Council managers are responsible for the implementation of activities fromthe Ten Year Plan.Position purposeTo ensure the provision of sound strategic financial management advice to the Chief Executive,Executive Leadership Team and Council on optimal investment performance, revenuemanagement and compliance with legislative requirements and business continuity.To create, coordinate and evaluate appropriate resources, services and systems to ensure a highstandard of corporate budgeting, financing, accounting and reporting which enables Council to setrealistic funding for its activities.To establish and where necessary ensure the review of suitable financial and non-financialperformance indicators and monitor and report performance against objectives.The position requires high level analysis and interpretation of financial information in conjunctionwith Council strategic priorities.Oversight of treasury function and relations with key financial parties and external advisors.

Financial Controller 2To effectively lead the Finance Team.Functional relationships (relating to others)ExternalConsultants and contractorsGovernment agenciesOther local authoritiesSenior staff of other organisations/ authoritiesAuditorsRatepayers, landowners and members of thepublicProfessional groupsPort of TaurangaQuayside Holdings LtdBay of Plenty Shared Services LtdInternalGroup Manager, Corporate ServicesStaff at all levelsSection ManagersSupervisorsGroup ManagersChief ExecutiveCouncillorsKey result areasThis managerial position encompasses the following major functions or key result areas:Strategic financial managementPlanning and reportingRatingAccount processing and reportingPeople managementRelationship managementOperational managementProject managementCorporate contributionThe requirements in the above key result areas are broadly identified below:Key accountabilitiesKey accountabilities1 Strategic financial managementDevelop, implement and review a FinancialManagement Strategy directed at optimisinginvestment within agreed levels of risk.Ensure complete research and preparation iscompleted for short and long term strategicfinancial and business plans.Provide appropriate strategic financial adviceto the Executive and Council in a timelymanner.Oversee the provision of appropriate adviceto assist with the management of corporateplant and property.Development and review of Council’sTreasury and Investment Policies.Key accountability measuresAn effective strategy is developed andimplemented in a timely manner.Executive and Council are well briefed priorto and during implementation of the strategy.The strategy is reviewed annually withrelevant and timely recommendationsprovided to Executive and Council.Actions taken result in increased wealth andvalue to Bay of Plenty Regional Council.Relevant and timely advice is provided tosupport the effective use of Council plant andproperty assets.

Financial Controller 3Key accountabilities Provide appropriate financial managementsupport to Quayside Holdings Ltd and Bay ofPlenty Shared Services Ltd.2 Planning & Reporting Confirm Annual Reporting timetable withExecutive. Jointly (with Group Manager, CorporateServices) review Council’s revenue andfinancing policies to ensure that economicinstruments available to the Council arecontributing towards achieving communityoutcomes and delivery of the LTP. Collate and take responsibility for thefinancial content of Annual Report. Oversee preparation of final annual report. Provide leadership and relevant input intoplanning and reporting documentation asrequired. Provide work paper and supporting accountsand schedules for audit/review. Financial input into the LTP process. Coordinate the collation of budgetaryinformation for inclusion in the Council’sAnnual Plan. Oversee the provision of relevant, accurateand timely budget and service performancereports in line with the needs of Executiveand Council. Ensure strong internal control and accountingsystems are maintained.3 Rating Provide adequate resources and leadershipto ensure a high level of accuracy andtimeliness for the rating process. Ensure outstanding debts are efficiently andpromptly managed.4 Account Processing and ReportingProvide adequate resources and leadershipto ensure Councils accounting and reportingprocesses are undertaken in a timely andefficient manner.Oversee the provision of relevant, accurateand timely budget and service performancereports in line with the needs of Executiveand Council.Key accountability measuresEffective leadership to relevant planning andreporting programmes is provided.LTP, Annual Plan and Annual Reportfinancials are prepared accurately, by agreeddeadline.Annual Report receives and unqualified auditreport.Planning and reporting is relevant, accurateand provided in a timely manner.Financial practices of the Council meet thestandards and procedures laid down bya theNZICA, Relevant Legislation and therequirements of the Office of the AuditorGeneral and Audit New Zealand.There is a high level of customer (internaland external) satisfaction with the serviceprovided by the Finance Team.Internal control and accounting systems arewell maintained.All rates and charges are correctly levied andcollected in accordance with Council policies.No audit issues arise.Processing and reporting is relevant,accurate and provided in a timely manner.

Financial Controller 45 People managementPlan for the best use of resources to help theFinance team achieve its targets.Developing and enhancing the skills andperformance of individuals and the team.6 Relationship managementBuild relationships and maintain contact withother local government organisations,suppliers, consultants and contractors.Act as a representative for Council atappropriate local government conferencesand seminars, and other events held withinthe region.7 Operational management The overall management of the financesection. Manage, develop and implement systemsacross the various accounting functions. Prepare and present the financial componentof the Ten Year Plan, Annual Plan andAnnual Report and rating function. Prepare regular financial reports and adviceto the Executive Leadership Team, ChiefExecutive and Council. Undertake any other relevant duties asdirected by the Group Manager CorporateServices.8 Project managementAs project leader, provide leadership anddirection to the project. Ensure contributorsknow what they are required to do and bywhen.As project leader, prepare and overseerelevant project budgets.Monitor external contacts, ensuringsatisfactory performance.The Finance Team is deemed by staff andcustomers to be fully effective.The performance and wellbeing of reportingstaff is monitored regularly, with difficultiesidentified and remedial actions agreed to.Staff training and development programmesare agreed to and completed.Effective, professional relationships andpartnerships are developed and maintainedwith internal and external contacts.Professional image is conveyed in publicforums.The overall management and supervision ofthe Finance Section is conducted efficientlyand effectively.Council’s accounting services comply withinternal policy and fulfil legislativerequirements.Advice, development and implementation arebased on sound research and analysis, andare provided in a timely and professionalmanner.Project contributors understand theobjectives. The project is effectivelymanaged; work is completed on time andwithin budget.Project appropriately funded and managed.Contract outputs successfully achieved.

Financial Controller 59 Corporate contributionPromote the implementation of the CorporateCulture Statement, Leadership Model andHealth and Safety Systems.Recognise individual responsibility forWorkplace Health and Safety under theHealth and Safety in Employment Act 1992.Meet the statutory responsibilities detailed inthe Information Management Policy &Procedures standard.Meet Bay of Plenty Regional Council’sstatutory responsibilities for civil defence andemergency management.Corporate responsibilities are undertaken andcompleted accurately, meeting specifiedstandards and within agreed timeframes.Hazards are identified and all incidents andaccidents are reported.Participate in any wellness programmes,such as stress management training andhealth monitoring.Council records are created and maintainedin corporate information systems, meetingspecified information management standards.Participate in any civil defence andemergency management training initiativesand assist with any civil defenceemergencies, as part of Bay of PlentyRegional Council’s responsibilities for civildefence and emergency management.DelegationsThis position has financial delegation as outlined in the Council’s Delegation Manual.Work complexityMost challenging duties typically undertakenEnsure sound financial advice is provided and supported by correct financial information.Maintain an extensive level of accounting and financial systems knowledge to ensurecontinual development and improvement of accounting and reporting systems.Monitor performance and provide leadership and support to reporting staff.Person specificationQualifications and experienceEssentialA relevant tertiary qualification at Bachelorlevel and Chartered Accountant accreditation.Membership with the New Zealand Instituteof Chartered Accountants (NZICA).At least eight years experience (post-degree)including significant business and localgovernment experience.Experience with preparation of externallypublished audited financial reports.Well developed managerial and leadershipskills.A driver’s licence.DesirableManagement training.Significant local authority experience and anextensive understanding of financial issuesconfronting local authorities.

Financial Controller 6Key skills/attributes/position specific competenciesThe following indicates what would typically be expected for this role at a competent level:Advanced knowledgeWorking knowledgeWorking within the political environment of local government.Planning and organisational skills.People management skills.Relationship management and interpersonal skills.Persuasion and influencing skills.Extensive professional and technical knowledge of accountingpractices, processes, legislation and disciplines including financialplanning analysis, financial and treasury management, indirecttaxation, auditing and accounting information systems.Extensive knowledge of statutory requirements, taxation andfinancial reporting trends.Ability to apply knowledge to enhance current systems, quality andresults.Ability to manage large volumes of finance function work within tightdeadlines.Customer service requirements and practices.Well developed staff management ability and ability to manageresources and demands at a senior level.A project and time management approach.Highly developed negotiation skills.Financial and budget preparation methodologies and systems.Administration and clerical procedures.Safe work practices.Competent in Microsoft Office packages and financial systems.Awareness Community, cultural and political awareness.Key Skills/Personal attributesA professional and mature approach.Judgement and initiative.Ability to promote harmony in a team.Leadership capabilities.Conceptual skills.Ability to cope with change.Well developed verbal and written skills.Logical and lateral thinker.Ability to work well in a team or independently.Problem solving skills.Other requirementsOccasionally required to work outside normal hours.

Financial Controller 7Change to position descriptionFrom time to time it may be necessary to consider changes in the position description in responseto the changing nature of our work environment. Such changes, including technologicalrequirements or statutory changes, may be initiated by the manager of this position with dueconsultation and agreement between parties to the job description. This Position Description maybe reviewed as part of the preparation for performance planning for the annual performance cycle.Approved:___________________________________________Group Manager___________________________Date___________________________________________Manager/Supervisor___________________________Date___________________________________________Employee___________________________Date