the West Brom Job Profile
Division:
Finance
Branch / Dept:
Finance
Role Title:
Head of Finance
Reports
to(Title):
Divisional Director –
Treasury & Finance
Direct
reports
(Titles):
Financial Controller - Group &
Treasury Middle Office
Budget Holder
Y/N:
Y
Group Systems Accountant
Group Management Accountant
Group Financial Reporting
Accountant
Manager – Accounting Control
Group Regulatory and
Management Accountant
Role Purpose
To lead and manage the Finance function.
Key Accountabilities
Overall responsibility for:
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Development of the Finance function’s strategy, contributing to all key departmental decisions.
Finance staff recruitment, training, development and support.
Provision of timely and accurate internal and external financial reporting which meets legal,
accounting and stakeholder requirements; in particular:
o Statutory and interim accounts for the Society, Group and subsidiary companies.
o Monthly management accounts for the Society, Group and subsidiary companies.
o Weekly, monthly, annual and bi-annual returns to regulatory bodies.
Preparation of the financial analysis which underpins the corporate planning process
Production of financial projections and strategic planning analyses which assist in the development
of, and monitor progress against, corporate plan targets.
Establishment and maintenance of internal controls which ensure the integrity of financial data and
safeguard the Group’s assets.
Focus on business efficiency and cost control in order to achieve a cost base that effectively
supports the Group’s activities through a period of growth. Support the wider business with cost
control via the Management Accounting function
Maintenance of Treasury Middle Office processes and controls which ensure that the Society
operates within pre-determined limits at all times.
Assessment, via appropriate MI, of ILG/ILAA liquidity and ICG/ICA capital positions to feed into
strategic decision-making and the tactical management of resources.
Production of cost/benefit analysis and sensitivity calculations in relation to new products and
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initiatives.
Communication of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and changes
to the regulatory reporting environment, highlighting the implications for the Society.
Development of accounting systems and processes which enhance controls and efficiency within
Finance.
Maintenance of an effective control framework with respect to accounting, payment and
reconciliation processes
The departmental operational risk register and measurement framework.
Finance projects and contribution to Society-wide projects, as appropriate.
Documentation and implementation of policies which ensure compliance with HMRC rules for all
relevant taxes (i.e. corporation tax, income tax, PAYE/NI and VAT).
Liaison with external auditors and tax advisors.
Deputising for Divisional Director – Treasury & Finance, as and when required.
Communication
The role requires effective verbal and written communication at all levels to include:
 Executive and Non-Executive Directors, Divisional Directors, Heads of Department and Senior
Managers
 Regulators, primarily the Prudential Regulation Authority
 Internal and external auditors
 External tax consultants
The jobholder must be able to convey technical information to non-technical colleagues and influence
others to assure that Finance objectives are consistently met.
Complexity
Integral to the role is the ability to:
 Operate in an environment of change with potential restrictions on capacity/resource;
 Independently understand, analyse and interpret accounting standards, regulatory guidance and
complex datasets;
 Utilise advanced Excel/other functionality to create financial models and provide MI to various
audiences; and
 Optimise financial systems and processes using an in-depth knowledge of departmental activities,
individuals’ skill sets, technological capabilities and the interaction of these factors.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
The jobholder should possess the following:
 Accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with relevant post-qualification experience in the
Financial Services sector.
 Ability to communicate across all levels of the business; both internally (from the Board to the
detailed operational level) and externally with regulators, customers, suppliers and advisers.
 Detailed knowledge of accounting and tax systems, processes and reconciliations/controls.
 Ability to work to tight deadlines in a flexible and evolving work environment.
 Advanced IT skills: Experience of using Microsoft Office packages, especially Excel. (Experience of
SPSS, Agresso and TM1 is preferable).
 Excellent teamwork and administration skills, displayed through an ability to manage a team,
develop team members and run a significant department.
 Ability to engage and influence people at all levels.
 Experience of implementing core projects, including IT projects.
Planning and Control
In the areas of planning and control, the jobholder should:
 Contribute to setting divisional goals and lead and develop the Finance team to achieve them.
 Demonstrate the ability to manage own and team’s workload, prioritising as appropriate to ensure
deadlines and key project milestones are met.
 Consider the wider business impact and focus of all Finance activities.
 Identify and act upon opportunities to improve business efficiency and controls.
 Ensure the team delivers the requirements of the Society’s Risk Framework.
Responsibility
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Responsible for managing the Finance function and departmental budget to achieve the ‘Key
Accountabilities’ detailed above.
Core Values
Friendly and welcoming
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Be approachable
Help and support each other
Share ideas and knowledge
Build strong relationships
Keep it simple and straightforward
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Be clear and concise
Avoid jargon and check understanding
Find the most effective way
Suggest improvements
Embrace Change
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Be receptive and adaptable to change
Show willingness to try new things
Challenge the way things are done
Be a champion for change
Understand and respond to customer
needs
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Put myself in the customer’s shoes
Always do what I’ve said I’ll do
Listen to customer feedback and learn
Strive for excellence
Take individual responsibility
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Find the solutions rather than leave it to someone else
Be accountable for my actions
Take responsibility for my personal development
Ask if I’m not sure
Leadership Essentials
Think
Strategic
Insightful
Innovative
Develop
Empower
Coach
Reflect
Lead
Guide
Communicate
Influence
Deliver
Accountable
Driven
Flexible