Finance Officer

Finance Officer

Ellesmere Port Full-Time 28800 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support financial reporting, provide advice, and prepare forecasts in a dynamic finance team.
  • Company: Join Cheshire West and Chester Council, dedicated to public service and community wellbeing.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, flexible working, and a range of wellbeing perks.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on local services while developing your finance skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Degree level education and strong analytical skills; experience in public sector finance is a plus.
  • Other info: Work from home with occasional travel; inclusive workplace culture prioritising growth and support.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Finance Officer to join our Finance team at Cheshire West and Chester. The role will provide advice, information, analysis and interpretation to budget holders to underpin effective decision making, meaningful performance management and to meet statutory requirements.

You should have a proven track record in a Finance officer or equivalent role and be able to demonstrate you have the skills to effectively supervise and motivate staff. We are looking for someone with a high degree of commitment, self-motivation and initiative who has strong analytical skills but is also able to present and communicate information to non-finance professionals in a meaningful way.

During employment with Cheshire West and Chester Council, you will have access to learning and development opportunities, discounts in shops, hotels, restaurants and more, flexitime, volunteering and family‑friendly leave, flexible working arrangements, 25 days annual leave increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service and access to the local government pension scheme.

The role is full time: 37 hours per week.

Location: Agile Worker – working from home with occasional travel to workspaces across the Borough of Cheshire West and Chester.

Interviews are likely to take place mid‑January 2026.

For further information regarding the role please contact Jennie Keeley, jennie.keeley@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

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Finance Officer employer: Cheshire West and Chester

Cheshire West and Chester Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where Finance Officers can thrive while contributing to the financial sustainability of vital public services. With a commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and generous leave entitlements, you will be part of a high-performing finance team dedicated to delivering value for the community. This role not only allows you to build expertise in public sector finance but also provides opportunities for meaningful impact within the local government.
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Contact Detail:

Cheshire West and Chester Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and practices relevant to public sector finance. Understanding the nuances of local authority finance, especially in areas like Technical Accounting and VAT, will give you a significant edge during discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals already working in public sector finance. Engaging with current Finance Officers or attending relevant workshops can provide insights into the role and help you build connections that may support your application.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your analytical skills and how you've used them in previous roles. Be ready to share examples of how you've presented financial data clearly and effectively, as this is crucial for the position.

✨Tip Number 4

Reach out to the contacts provided in the job description for an informal chat about the role. This shows initiative and gives you a chance to ask questions that can help tailor your approach when applying.

We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer

Financial Analysis
Attention to Detail
Technical Accounting
VAT Knowledge
Forecasting Skills
Financial Reporting
Statutory Returns Preparation
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Team Collaboration
Proactive Approach to Change
Line Management Experience
Public Sector Finance Knowledge
Adaptability
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Finance Officer role. Emphasise your analytical skills, attention to detail, and any experience in public sector finance or similar environments.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for public service finance. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to provide financial advice, prepare forecasts, and support financial reporting.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have a degree or are a CCAB Qualified Accountant, make this clear in your application. If you're actively completing professional studies, mention this as well, especially if you have experience in Technical Accounting & VAT or Adult Social Care.

Showcase Soft Skills: In your application, highlight your communication skills, proactive approach to change, and ability to work collaboratively. These traits are essential for building effective working relationships across finance and service teams.

How to prepare for a job interview at Cheshire West and Chester

✨Understand Public Sector Finance

Familiarise yourself with the principles of public sector finance, especially in relation to local authorities. Be prepared to discuss how your background or studies relate to financial sustainability and performance in a public service context.

✨Showcase Analytical Skills

Highlight your analytical skills by preparing examples of how you've used data to inform financial decisions. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you ensure accuracy in financial reporting.

✨Demonstrate Communication Abilities

Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully communicated complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders in the past, showcasing your ability to build relationships across teams.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would approach them, particularly in areas like VAT and technical accounting.

Finance Officer
Cheshire West and Chester
Location: Ellesmere Port
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