Accounts Officer

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent, Job Share

Job Function: Finance

Location: Fire Service Headquarters, Birkenshaw, BD11 2DY / working remotely

Closing Date: 22nd September 2024

Salary: £30,296 – £31,364 (Pay award pending)

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join one of the country’s leading Fire and Rescue Services, to become part of a team where everyone plays their part in making West Yorkshire Safer. 

Joining a first-rate organisation, you will have the job satisfaction of knowing each day that you are contributing to the success of one of just five metropolitan fire and rescue services in the UK, supporting circa. 900 firefighters who work round the clock to help people and save lives. 

We are changing the way our Finance Department works so that we can achieve the very best for our colleagues, customers and communities and we are looking for an Accounts Officer to help us achieve our ambitions. You will join a supportive team that has a collaborative ethos and clear direction.

Your role

You will be working in a busy Finance department, assisting the Finance Manager to lead and manage the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions. You will provide excellent customer service and be a key point of reference for information and procedural advice and queries for both internal and external stakeholders. You will also be working on transformational change initiatives for the finance team to create more efficient and productive ways of working.

What you will need 

To be successful in the role you will need

·         Good communication skills including a polite and confident telephone manner.

·         Good numeracy and computer skills, familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel).

·         Staff management experience.

·         The ability to plan and organise daily work activities.

What we offer

We offer an excellent package, including Local Government Pension Scheme, free parking, 37 hour flexible working week, an employee assistance programme, training and development, sports and social clubs with free use of gym. 

Our flexible working arrangements include hybrid working. Whilst you will be required to work from our offices during your initial training, after this you’ll work both in the office and from home as part of our ‘hybrid’ working model. Therefore, applicants must have a reliable home internet connection.  

We are a caring organisation, promote an environment of inclusivity and learning and welcome people from all walks of life – just as long as you can show commitment to our values such as integrity and teamwork. 

If you can meet this challenge, we want to hear from you!

For further details of this and all our vacancies and to apply online please visit www.wyfs.co.uk/careers

Closing date for all applications is Sunday 22nd September 2024.

We are an equal opportunities employer; we value and celebrate equality, diversity & neurodiversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome candidates from communities that are currently under-represented at WYFRS, including women, racially & ethnically diverse applicants and applicants with disabilities. We can offer support and adjustments for candidates and staff who experience barriers to work that result from health conditions or Specific Learning Differences, such as dyslexia.

WYFRS is a ‘Real Living Wage’ employer and have been rated ‘good’ by HMICFRS in all areas of our service.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer

Remuneration: £149,130.00 salary with a provided car or taxable car allowance up to the value of £7,350.00.

Relocation support is available to a maximum of £17,374.00 (depending on personal circumstances), of which the first £8,000.00 is exempt from Tax and NI contributions.

Based at our Service Headquarters near Exeter.

Are you an ambitious and forward-thinking strategic leader Would you like to live and work in one of the most stunning places in the UK?

We are seeking an innovative and influential leader who shares our values and ethics, to lead our organisation forward as our new Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO).

This is an exciting time to join Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, as our Deputy Chief Fire Officer. We are in the process of delivering a change programme, transforming the Service to ensure future sustainability as well as providing resilient services for the future challenges.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is the largest non-metropolitan fire and rescue service in England. We have a proud history of keeping people safe and providing prevention, protection, and response services across the local government areas of Devon County, Plymouth City, Somerset and Torbay Councils. We have 83 fire stations and over 1,900 highly skilled and motivated staff who work tirelessly to protect the 1.8 million people who live in our two counties, plus the 1.1 million people who come to Devon and Somerset on holiday each year.

Find out more:
Our Deputy Chief Fire Officer will report to, and support the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) in leading the Service. As part of the Executive Board, you will assist the CFO in creating a vision, direction and culture of the Service which builds public trust and confidence through the delivery of effective services.

As the DCFO you will be directly responsible for day-to-day management of the Service, ensuring that agreed policies are implemented effectively and performance managed. The DCFO will have responsibility for the Service directorate encompassing Response and Resilience and People.

You will be used to acting with authority under pressure to carry out operational command duties in the event of a major incident.

You will demonstrate a strong track record of innovation, transformation, and modernisation in a large organisation.

More information on the role, full job description / person specification, and benefits package can be found in the attached Application pack.

Benefits:

Here are the benefits you can expect:

Leading the largest fire service outside of London
Relocation package (see page 13 of the application pack)
Service provided vehicle or allowance.
Competitive holiday entitlement
Pension scheme
Employee assistance programme provided in-house (wellbeing, counselling and physiotherapy provision)
Comprehensive rewards and benefits programme.
Lifestyle benefits – a vast range of national and local discounts and offers from retailers, as well as savings on travel, leisure and entertainment.
Three yearly medical
Various salary sacrifice schemes

How to apply:
You will be required to complete an application form via the apply link below, which will include the requirement for you to provide a Personal Impact Statement. Please use the ‘DCFO Personal Impact Statement and Essential Criteria’ template attached below and upload this when requested in the application form.

The personal impact statement relates to each of the four quadrants of the NFCC Leadership Framework as well as professional expertise. Your impact statement should focus on demonstrating your impact at ‘Leading the Service’ level.

The ‘DCFO Personal Impact Statement and Essential Criteria’ template attached also has a section for you to detail how you meet the following essential criteria from the Job Description and Person Specification.

Strategic thinking and analysis, including formulating and implementing strategic issues across a large organisation.

A performance focus with the drive to deliver agreed outcomes and raise standards of performance.

Significant experience as a substantive Area / Brigade Manager leading significant change within a fire and rescue service with a track record in improving organisational effectiveness.

A comprehensive knowledge of the financial and budgetary context in which a modern fire and rescue service operates.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 29 September at 23:59.

Shortlisting will take place from 30 September and the selection and interview process will take place during the weeks starting 21 October and 4 November 2024.

If having read the application pack you would like additional information, or an informal discussion, please contact Dave Etheridge OBE, FIFireE, Director of Fire Knowledge by emailing Dave.Etheridge@fireknowledge.co.uk or calling 07775 827265.

Please note that the appointment is subject to successful Baseline Personnel Security Standard check (BPSS), Medical Screening, National Security Vetting to Developed Vetting (DV) and an Enhanced DBS Check.

Our values
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment and adhere to the Services Safeguarding Policy.

Fire and Rescue Authority roles are listed in Schedule 1 of the Rehabilitation of Offenders act 1974 (Exceptions) Order and as such it is our policy to require all applicants to disclose any criminal convictions (both spent and unspent) including driving offences, cautions and/or reprimands.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority are committed to the rehabilitation of offenders, as such any positive disclosures will incorporate a reasonable and proportionate response.

As a Service and as individuals:

We are proud to help
We are honest
We are respectful
We are working together
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service recognise and celebrate the vast diversity of the local communities we serve and aspire for this to be reflected in our workforce, We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, experience and beliefs, who share our values to join our team.

Senior Finance Manager

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent, Job Share

Job Function: Finance

Location: Fire Service Headquarters, Birkenshaw, BD11 2DY / working remotely

Closing Date: 22nd September 2024

Salary: Career grade progressing from £42,403 to £51,515 per annum (pay award pending), dependent on qualifications and experience.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join one of the country’s leading Fire and Rescue Services, to become part of a team where everyone plays their part in making West Yorkshire Safer. 

Joining a first-rate organisation, you will have the job satisfaction of knowing each day that you are contributing to the success of one of just five metropolitan fire and rescue services in the UK, supporting circa. 900 firefighters who work round the clock to help people and save lives. 

Your role

The Senior Finance Manager will be responsible for the management of the Fire Authority’s borrowing, investments and banking arrangements and will oversee the provision of budgetary management information and assist with the production of the Authority’s Statement of Accounts.

What you will need 

As a career grade role we are looking for those that need support with a career in accountancy as well as those who are already qualified and experienced. This is a post you can apply for if you have a background in public sector management accounting, practical experience in budget preparation and monitoring, the ability to adhere to strict deadlines and are looking for a new career opportunity. We are looking to appoint people at different points on the career grade structure according to qualifications and experience.

Entry level requirements:

As a fully qualified Accounting Technician, part-qualified Accountant or equivalent with extensive experience of managing staff, you will be given the opportunity to study for your CIPFA professional accountancy qualification and progress through the salary bandings until such time as you are fully qualified and have acquired the experience necessary to carry out the full duties of the role.

Substantive post holder requirements:

You will be a fully qualified accountant with knowledge of public sector funding streams and financial statements. You will also have a knowledge of the Treasury Management Code and Prudential Code alongside a wider appreciation of accounting policies and procedures incorporated within the CIPFA Code of practice in order to deliver a compliant set of financial statements. 

What we offer

We offer an excellent package, including Local Government Pension Scheme, free parking, 37 hour flexible working week, an employee assistance programme, training and development, sports and social clubs with free use of gym. 

Our flexible working arrangements include hybrid working. Whilst you will be required to work from our offices during your initial training, after this you’ll work both in the office and from home as part of our ‘hybrid’ working model. Therefore, applicants must have a reliable home internet connection.  

We are a caring organisation, promote an environment of inclusivity and learning and welcome people from all walks of life – just as long as you can show commitment to our values such as integrity and teamwork. 

If you can meet this challenge, we want to hear from you!

For further details of this and all our vacancies and to apply online please visit www.wyfs.co.uk/careers

Closing date for all applications is Sunday 22nd September 2024.

We are an equal opportunities employer; we value and celebrate equality, diversity & neurodiversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome candidates from communities that are currently under-represented at WYFRS, including women, racially & ethnically diverse applicants and applicants with disabilities. We can offer support and adjustments for candidates and staff who experience barriers to work that result from health conditions or Specific Learning Differences, such as dyslexia.

WYFRS is a ‘Real Living Wage’ employer and have been rated ‘good’ by HMICFRS in all areas of our service.

Crew Manager Fire Control

The Role of Crew Manager Control.

To undertake an appropriate level of command co-ordinating emergency and non-emergency call handling and incident management activities. Supporting and delivering information and advice to internal and external agencies to support operational response. Deliver training and assessments to improve and measure performance and organise and implement practical activities to aid learning and development. Support the Watch Commander (Control) in the management of the Watch, carry out administration tasks and lead a small team when carrying out specific tasks

The post holder will carry out this role through the performance of key tasks and responsibilities as specified in the job description.

Watch Manager Fire Control

The Role of Watch Manager Control

To undertake an appropriate level of command co-ordinating emergency and non-emergency call handling and incident management activities. Supporting and delivering information and advice to internal and external agencies to support operational response. Oversee and deliver the on watch training and assessments to improve and measure performance and organise and implement practical activities to aid learning and development supported by the Training manager.

Manage the watch and support the Station Commander (Control) in the day to day management of the control room, carry out administration tasks and lead a small team when carrying out specific tasks

The post holder will carry out this role through the performance of key tasks and responsibilities as specified in the job description.

FF Control Operator FTC 12 months (3 posts)

You answer the call –

“Help me! My house is on fire and me and my kids can’t get out. We were asleep and the fire alarm woke us up. I don’t know what to do. There’s smoke everywhere and my feet are burning, and my kids can’t stop coughing. We’re going to die. I can’t remember if I blew out the candles in the living room. It’s getting really hot, and I can’t breathe.”

If you feel you have, or could have the skills to answer this call, you could be what we’re looking for.

As a Fire Service Emergency Response Controller, you are the first point of contact when receiving 999 calls from members of the public and other agencies relating to requests for emergency and non-emergency assistance.

Your role is to gather information, to decide the best course of action, mobilise operational crews and inform other agencies of need for support services. Consider all factors which influence an efficient and effective response, provide fire safety advice to callers, including determining risks to their safety and advising on immediate action until Firefighters arrive, including ongoing support through to conclusion of the incident.

You will need to be a highly effective communicator, whilst remaining calm and focused under emotionally challenging situations. You will have the ability to make decisions based on the assessment of risk and be an effective team player in a dynamic environment.

Main duties and responsibilities

·         Incident management.

·         Maintaining information on Emergency Fire Service operational resources.

·         Maintain reliability and readiness of control operations equipment.

·         Enter and integrate data and present information using a computer system.

This role is based around a shift system which operates a rolling 8 day pattern of: day, day, night, night, 4 days off.

About you:

·         Ideally you will have experience in a similar role or be a confident and effective telephone communicator.

·         Be empathetic and have good listening skills

·         You must possess a GCSE grade C English and Maths (or equivalent level 2 numeracy and literacy qualification) or have obtained an NVQ level 3 emergency fire services control operations qualification. 

·         An aptitude and motivation to undertake an initial training course which will be Monday to Friday 0800-1700.

·         Commit to continuous professional development.

·         Undertake audio tests and a touch-typing assessment at a minimum of 30 words, per minute.

There is a medical required for this role which must be passed prior to a contract being offered.

Further information about the role and the person specification can be found in the Job Description.

Closing date for all applications is Sunday 22nd September 2024.

For further details of this and all our vacancies and to apply online please visit www.wyfs.co.uk/careers   

Purchasing Officer

Are you ready for a new challenge? Do you have great communication skills and attention to detail?

This is an amazing opportunity to work within a supportive and dynamic organisation, where you will be responsible for managing day-to-day procurement activities and tendering to achieve the best value outcomes.

We are looking for a proactive individual to ensure the successful and timely delivery of purchased supplies and services. You will also be responsible for checking contracts and framework agreements, placing orders and identifying sourcing and supply chain problems to develop solutions.

The ideal candidate will have a good working knowledge of general sourcing and buying of goods and services in a business setting, be organised and IT literate.

Joining a first-rate organisation, you will have the job satisfaction of knowing each day that you are contributing to the success of one of just six metropolitan fire and rescue services in the UK, supporting over 950 firefighters who work round the clock to help people and save lives.

We offer flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working. Whilst you will be required to work from our offices for parts of your initial training, after this you’ll work both in the office and from home as part of our ‘hybrid’ working model.

Therefore, applicants must also have a car available for work purposes with valid business insurance and a reliable home internet connection.

The post is subject to a standard Disclosure and Barring Service Check and the possession of current valid driving licence.

We offer an excellent package, including Local Government Pension Scheme, free parking, 37 hour flexible working week, hybrid working, an employee assistance programme, training and development, sports and social clubs with free use of gym.

We are a caring organisation, promote an environment of inclusivity and learning and welcome people from all walks of life – just as long as you can show commitment to our values such as integrity and teamwork.

If you have a passion for procurement and are looking for an exciting new challenge we would love to hear from you!

For further details of this and all our vacancies and to apply online please visit www.wyfs.co.uk/careers.

Closing date for all applications is Sunday 22 September 2024, midnight.     

We are an equal opportunities employer; we value and celebrate equality, diversity & neurodiversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome candidates from communities that are currently under-represented at WYFRS, including women, racially & ethnically diverse applicants and applicants with disabilities. We can offer support and adjustments for candidates and staff who experience barriers to work that result from health conditions or Specific Learning Differences, such as dyslexia.

WYFRS is a ‘Real Living Wage’ employer and have been rated ‘good’ by HMICFRS in all areas of our service.

Fire Protection Administrator

Are you an experienced Administrator and passionate about fire safety? Are you looking for an opportunity to join West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS)?

We could have the role for you!

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen to join one of the country’s leading fire and rescue services; to become part of a team where everyone plays their part in making West Yorkshire Safer.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing comprehensive administrative support for the Fire Protection team which incorporates Enforcement, Building Regulations & Engineering, Business Engagement and Petroleum & Explosives.

You will have proven administrative experience, including knowledge of financial/ administration systems and experience of data capture to produce accurate statistical information. The successful applicant must be flexible and adaptable, with an extensive knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and databases to produce reports/ interrogate information.

Joining a first-rate organisation, you will have the job satisfaction of knowing each day that you are contributing to the success of a metropolitan fire and rescue service and supporting our Fire Protection Team to help make West Yorkshire Safer.

We offer flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working. Dependant on the needs of the team you will work both in the office and from home as part of our ‘hybrid’ working model.

We offer an excellent package, including Local Government Pension Scheme, free parking, 37-hour flexible working week, an employee assistance programme, training and development, sports and social clubs with free use of gym. Job share applicants welcome.

The post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service Check.

We are a caring organisation, promote an environment of inclusivity and learning and welcome people from all walks of life. You will also share our commitment to our values such as integrity and teamwork.

If you can meet this challenge, we want to hear from you!

For further details of this and all our vacancies and to apply online please visit www.wyfs.co.uk/careers.

Closing date for all applications is 12.00 noon on Tuesday 1st October 2024. 

We are an equal opportunities employer; we value and celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome candidates from communities that are currently under-represented at WYFRS, including Women, Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic applicants and applicants with disabilities. We can offer support and adjustments for candidates and staff who experience barriers to work that result from health conditions or Specific Learning Differences, such as dyslexia.

WYFRS is a ‘Real Living Wage’ employer and have been rated ‘good’ by HMICFRS in all areas of our service.

Support and Performance Administrator

Are you an experienced Administrator and passionate about fire safety? Are you looking for an opportunity to join West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS)?

We could have the role for you!

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen to join one of the country’s leading fire and rescue services; to become part of a team where everyone plays their part in making West Yorkshire Safer.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing comprehensive administrative support for the Fire Protection Training Support and Performance team.

You will have proven administrative experience, including knowledge of financial/ administration systems and experience of data capture to produce accurate statistical information. The successful applicant must be flexible and adaptable, with an extensive knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and databases to produce reports/ interrogate information.

Joining a first-rate organisation, you will have the job satisfaction of knowing each day that you are contributing to the success of a metropolitan fire and rescue service and supporting our Fire Protection Team to help make West Yorkshire Safer.

We offer flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working. Dependant on the needs of the team you will work both in the office and from home as part of our ‘hybrid’ working model.

We offer an excellent package, including Local Government Pension Scheme, free parking, 37-hour flexible working week, an employee assistance programme, training and development, sports and social clubs with free use of gym. Job share applicants welcome.

The post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service Check.

We are a caring organisation, promote an environment of inclusivity and learning and welcome people from all walks of life. You will also share our commitment to our values such as integrity and teamwork.

If you can meet this challenge, we want to hear from you!

For further details of this and all our vacancies and to apply online please visit www.wyfs.co.uk/careers.

Closing date for all applications is 12.00 noon on Tuesday 1st October 2024. 

We are an equal opportunities employer; we value and celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome candidates from communities that are currently under-represented at WYFRS, including Women, Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic applicants and applicants with disabilities. We can offer support and adjustments for candidates and staff who experience barriers to work that result from health conditions or Specific Learning Differences, such as dyslexia.

WYFRS is a ‘Real Living Wage’ employer and have been rated ‘good’ by HMICFRS in all areas of our service.

Prevention Trainer – Fixed Term Contract to cover Maternity Leave

Do you have a passion for working with other people and want to play a part in making the residents of West Yorkshire Safer?

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join one of the country’s leading fire and rescue services.

As a Fire Prevention Trainer, you will join an established team, working flexibly to develop and deliver learning and development solutions to colleagues, external partner organisations and schools.

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, have a passion for fire safety and the ability to really make a difference. You will work with subject-matter experts, internally and externally to identify relevant content to produce engaging, interactive and learner-focused resources and programmes; these will cover a range of topics including fire prevention, arson and health, wellbeing, and social issues (covered within our Safe and Well programme) which impact on fire safety.

You will have the opportunity to develop & deliver high quality blended learning and development solutions for operational and prevention staff. You will inspire and motivate people to develop and use effective and appropriate methods to ensure individual and organisational needs are met.

The role requires excellent organisational skills and you will need to be self-motivated. You will work alongside the existing Fire Prevention Trainer, and on your own, to create a wide variety of learning resources for a range of audiences.

You will also develop resources for schools, developing young people’s safety awareness from an early age.  You will be skilled and experienced in developing and delivering creative and engaging interventions for young people.

You will need to demonstrate an excellent understanding of the issues affecting the communities of West Yorkshire and be able to encourage and inspire behaviour change. You will have highly developed training skills and experience of both face-to-face and digital delivery.

Knowledge of the full training cycle and experience in training is required for this role; relevant training qualifications are essential for the post holder.

The role benefits from a flexi-time scheme, including hybrid working giving the post holder the opportunity to work flexible hours subject to business commitments.  You’ll need a reliable home internet connection.

The post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check and the possession of a full valid driving licence.

We offer an excellent package, including Local Government Pension Scheme, free parking, 37 hour flexible working week, an employee assistance programme, training and development, sports and social clubs with free use of gym. Job share applicants welcome.

We are a caring organisation, promote an environment of inclusivity and learning and welcome people from all walks of life who can show commitment to our values such as integrity and teamwork.

If you can meet this challenge, we want to hear from you!

For further details of this and all our vacancies and to apply online please visit www.wyfs.co.uk/careers

Closing date for all applications is Sunday 22 September 2024 at Midnight.           

We are an equal opportunities employer; we value and celebrate equality, diversity & neurodiversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome candidates from communities that are currently under-represented at WYFRS, including women, Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic applicants and applicants with disabilities. We can offer support and adjustments for candidates and staff who experience barriers to work that result from health conditions or Specific Learning Differences, such as dyslexia.

WYFRS is a ‘Real Living Wage’ employer and has been rated ‘good’ by HMICFRS in all areas of our service.