Head of Financial Accounting and Tax

Prospective officers and staff must be held to a higher standard of behaviour and accountability than members of the public and that therefore their right to privacy can be fettered in certain circumstances. This is to ensure that members of the police are fully aware and accountable for the unique powers entrusted to them and the standards of professional behaviour they swear to uphold.

The main purpose of the role:

The Head of Financial Accounting & Tax will support the Assistant Director of Finance to provide; leadership; influence and advice across the force; and adding value by acting as critical adviser on key financial policy decisions.

To lead on the delivery of the statutory accounts for the force and the Office of Police & Crime Commissioner. The post holder is responsible for developing and maintaining appropriate financial accounting policies and ensuring the financial accounting arrangements and systems are fit for purpose. To oversee the delivery of the financial accounting and purchase to pay functions.

To lead the Treasury Management function and cash flow forecasting. To ensure that we are compliant with HMRC rules and regulations and our exposure to tax risks is reduced. To ensure statutory accounts/returns are compliant with accounting standards
To develop strong and professional working relationships and credibility with senior leaders and line managers across the West Midlands Police Force.

Key responsibilities:

Lead and contribute to the preparation of the statutory accounts for the force and OPCC.
Present financial reports to the senior leadership team and relevant governance boards.
To oversee the Accounts Payable; Accounts Receivable and Smart Purchasing Teams to ensure the integrity of data in the sub ledger and the interface with the General Ledger.
To ensure that we are compliant with HMRC requirements.
To review and sign off primary reconciliations and VAT returns
Develop and maintain appropriate financial accounting policies and ensure compliance.
Lead on the implementation of new accounting standards.
To lead on the introduction and roll out of new finance processes including identifying efficiencies. To consider the introduction of new tools to help manage and monitor financial processes.
Take responsibility for the integrity of financial controls and information including oversight of month end processes.
Providing advice and guidance on the effective and consistent implementation of finance systems policies processes and tools.
Lead the treasury and banking arrangements. Ensure reliable cash forecasting.
Proactive engagement with project Senior Responsible Officers and project teams to ensure that business cases adequately consider financial and tax implications.
Build and maintain effective and open relationships with Finance Business Partners and other stakeholders at all levels across the force providing professional advice and support to ensure efficient financial and tax planning and reporting that meet quality standards.
Managing 3 teams made up of circa 30 FTEs including 5 direct reports.
To own the financial risk register for the teams.
To produce the annual Treasury Management Strategy in line with CIPFA guidance.
To produce the annual Capital Strategy for approval in conjunction with the Strategic Finance Manager.
To lead the treasury management function and long-term cash flow forecasting.
To lead on the implementation of audit findings within Financial Accounting Tax and P2P.

Essential skills:

Significant post qualification experience.
CCAB qualified (full member of ICAEW/ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA)
Degree educated or equivalent
Substantial recent experience at managerial level of financial accounting roles.
Experience of leading and producing statutory financial statements
In depth knowledge of standards accounting systems.
Significant experience of advising and guiding business decisions within corporate governance frameworks in order to ensure compliance and managing risks.
Substantial evidence of effective people management skills.
Experience of making improvements to functions.
Broad experience/knowledge in all relevant statutory regulatory and
professional accounting standards and tax legislation.

Qualities and Skills:

Analytical and judgement skills - ability to assimilate and convey complex and challenging information to a variety of audiences.
Planning and organizational skills - able to produce and deliver the statutory accounts
Excellent interpersonal skills - able to explain things clearly in an appropriate style and tone.
Ability to challenge operationally and strategically with a professional approach.
Driven to deliver with enthusiasm - highly motivated and proactive approach to working including a strong desire to meet deadlines and
deliver quality work.
Ability to work collaboratively to achieve shared goals - business focused and flexible when meeting operational needs and expectations.
Strong focus on customer relationship skills.
Desirable Skills:
Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT)

Vetting: Successful applicants will be required to pass Management Vetting and Counter Terrorism Check scrutiny prior to commencing their role this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.

Medical: Appointment to this role will be dependent upon successfully medical checks which may include a drugs test and if required a fitness test.

Interviews: To take place W.C 1st September 2025

Contact: For further information contact

Benefit Statement:
By choosing to join West Midlands Police you will receive an enhanced benefits package including:

Fair remuneration with progression opportunities and access to a very competitive pension scheme.
Enhanced annual leave in addition to public holiday entitlements.
Discounts across travel parking daily costs of living and leisure activities.
A comprehensive well being package including 24/7 support free eye tests and flu jabs.

West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a Disability Confident Interview Scheme - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.

It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example: in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume seasonal and high-peak times the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled these circumstances the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job as they would do for non-disabled applicants.

Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds