Senior Accounts Officer - Fixed Term (3 Month Contract)

To be responsible for accounts assistants and the management / oversight of employees pay and conditions of service. Including issuing and development of contracts of employment and starters letters. To maintain arrangements for effective fiscal management and the preparation of accounting statements, ensuring that all the accounts conform to the requirements of the Audit and Accounts Regulations (JPAG and Audit guidance). Develop and maintain systems of internal financial control. Maintain effective procedures to record all financial transactions and maintain up to date accounting records throughout the fiscal year accurately and promptly. Retaining and filing all original documents and ensuring invoices are issued promptly as are payments to suppliers. Maintain the computerised financial records of the Council including Sage and the administration of it's finances within the approved budget. Prepare budgets of expenditure and income for consideration by the Council and it's Committees.
Apply budgetary control of all the Council's expenditure and income. Prepare payment schedules for approval by the Council and it's Committees. Deal with queries and matters arising from invoicing of users and payment of suppliers. Regular review of aged debts and action where required to deal with overdue payment and non-payment. Raise sales ledger invoices in respect of rent and other ad hoc invoices as required and to oversee the raising of invoices for room hiring and other, including car parks. Oversee the purchase ordering and purchase ledger functions. Maintain a petty cash imprest system. Ensure the proper care and security of all cash and the monies of the Council in collection and banking. Reconciliation of all cash movements on a regular basis including monthly bank reconciliations. To prepare budget reports to Council and it's Committees and, in conjunction with the Town Clerk, to prepare the annual budget estimates/forecasts and recommendation of the precept to be
reported/given to the Policy and Resources Committee and thereafter the Council, having consulted all committees and included their recommendations for approval. To prepare the year end accounts, annual report and supporting statements for audit and complete the Annual Return for the Council's External Auditor. Oversee the receiving and recording of payments made to the Council and to ensure that all income is prepared and submitted for banking on a regular basis. Manage the Council's bank accounts to meet cash flow requirements and to advise the Town Clerk in relation to the short-term investment of Council funds. Maintain statutory records for PAYE, NI and superannuation and keep personnel records of annual leave, sickness, and TOIL where appropriate liaising, as necessary, with HM Revenue and Customs and Cornwall Pension Fund. Ensure the Council's policies and procedures are conducted in relation to the financial administration of the Council. To provide some
guidance on the Annual review of Standing Orders, Financial Regulations for relevance and compliance (in particular, any updates and amendments needed to the Council's Financial Regulations required/necessitated by changes to statute and government regulations). Keep an up-to-date Risk Register for the Council. Ensure all supplier contracts comply with the Council's Standing Orders and Financial Regulations. To undertake such other duties of a reasonable nature commensurate with the post as shall be directed by the RFO or Town Clerk, including assistance at the Council's civic and community events (which may take place during evenings and weekends) from time to time.