Tower Hamlets Council’s Finance Department plays a critical role in managing the borough’s finances, ensuring effective resource allocation and sound financial governance. It is responsible for a wide range of functions, from budget setting and financial planning to accounting, audit, and procurement.
The department’s primary responsibility is the development and monitoring of the council’s annual budget. This involves working closely with all council departments to understand their financial needs and priorities, balancing these against available resources and strategic objectives. The team analyzes demographic trends, economic forecasts, and policy changes to project future spending requirements. They develop proposals for budget allocations and savings initiatives, which are then presented to elected council members for approval.
Effective financial management is crucial for the council to deliver its services to residents. The Finance Department oversees the day-to-day accounting functions, ensuring accurate and timely recording of financial transactions. This includes managing accounts payable and receivable, processing payroll, and maintaining the council’s general ledger. They are responsible for ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulations.
Internal audit is another vital function. The audit team provides independent assurance to the council that its financial controls are robust and effective. They assess the effectiveness of risk management, internal controls, and governance processes, identifying areas for improvement and making recommendations to management. This helps safeguard public funds and ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively.
The department is also involved in procurement, ensuring that the council obtains value for money when purchasing goods and services. They develop and implement procurement policies and procedures, ensuring that all procurement activities are conducted in a transparent and fair manner. They advise council departments on procurement best practices and manage tendering processes for major contracts.
Transparency and accountability are key principles for the Tower Hamlets Finance Department. They publish detailed financial information on the council’s website, including budget documents, financial statements, and procurement information. This helps residents understand how their money is being spent and ensures that the council is held accountable for its financial performance.
In recent years, the department has faced significant challenges due to austerity measures and increasing demand for council services. Despite these challenges, the team has worked hard to maintain a sound financial position, protect frontline services, and ensure that the council continues to deliver value for money to its residents. They are constantly seeking innovative ways to improve efficiency, streamline processes, and maximize the use of resources. This includes exploring opportunities for digital transformation and collaboration with other local authorities.