Interim Project Accountant

To work closely with the newly appointed GROWTH HUB TEAM to set up the team with the appropriate reporting, controls, processes and procedures; ensuring successful delivery of the Growth Hub financial management, particularly with regard to ERDF compliance.

To work closely with all partners, including funders, to ensure that compliant, effective and efficient administration systems are in place and consistently applied both within the Hub and LEP and the wider delivery partnership.

Client Details

Newly created organisation to support local development

Description

• To work closely with the Finance and Operations team to ensure that accurate, timely and detailed financial information is available and used to inform the strategy and activity of the organisation
• To ensure compliance across all activities (finance, outputs, reporting) and across all delivery partners for funders, for example ERDF, MHCLG, BEIS
• To be responsible for all project claims, the processes which surround them and their effective implementation, particularly with reference to ERDF
• To work with (and visit if required) partners to ensure that their systems and processes match the standards expected of both the organisation and any and all other funders, and where they are not to provide what support may be necessary to achieve such standards
• To be the key point of contact for funding organisations and partners in respect of project claims, compliance and related matters
• To be responsible for audit activities relating to the Growth Hub and its projects and to record, collect and prepare whatever information or documentation may be necessary for the successful completion of any external audits
• To keep all systems and processes under periodic review and where necessary implement changes to ensure a cycle of continuous improvement and maximum administrative efficiency
• To review and report on, taking action where necessary, risk management within and across the Hub
• To ensure that any commissioning or procurement is both best practice in terms of value for money and quality but also compliant with funders', and particularly ERDF requirements
• To work with Managers and other team members to assess the risk, viability and suitability of other commercial or funded opportunities
• To attend whatever meetings (internal and external) may be necessary for the successful fulfilment of this role, including the preparation and delivery of reports, presentations and training from time to time
• To adopt a positive, flexible and "can do" approach to the challenges of compliance and project delivery

Profile

Successful candidate will have-

Significant and detailed knowledge of the public sector funding environment, particularly related to European Regional Development Funding

Experience of building a compliant and effective project administration framework, internally and with external partners and stakeholders (E)

Experience of public sector audit requirements and processes, in particular with reference to ERDF

Qualified accountant

Ability to cope with high volumes of work often to tight deadlines, including effective prioritisation

High level of interpersonal skills, both written and verbal, with ability to engage, influence and promote delivery across stakeholders

Excellent communication skills including report writing, presenting and delivering training where necessary (E)

Project accounting experience, with proven history of managing multiple funding streams (E)

Job Offer

Up to £41k plus an excellent holiday allowance, good pension